Up and down : insights from a creative approach to online interactions with very young children

Allan, Charlotte (2024) Up and down : insights from a creative approach to online interactions with very young children. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 32 (5). pp. 879-894. ISSN 1350-293X (https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2024.2317159)

[thumbnail of Allan-EECERJ-2024-Up-and-down-insights-from-a-creative-approach]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Allan-EECERJ-2024-Up-and-down-insights-from-a-creative-approach.pdf
Final Published Version
License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 logo
Download (1MB)| Preview

Abstract

This paper offers guidance for remote communication with young children based on an interpretive study of participants engaged in an online Theatre for Early Years (TEY) event, Up and Down. Drawing on practices used for in-person performance, the theatre-makers engaged interactively with children aged 1 and 2 and their accompanying adults through a conference video call. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used as an approach to generate themes from observation, and interviews with the parents. Three master themes were generated: Missing Live Performance, Unfiltered Response and Human Connection. The discussion was informed by relational pedagogies and the concept of cultural value. Those engaging with young children through video call software are encouraged to look for ways to create embodied, sensory, and ‘magical’ experiences; collaborate with the adults present; and take a strengths-based approach to the medium.

ORCID iDs

Allan, Charlotte ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7261-6917;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)