Beat bootees - supporting children's well-being and learning by methods applying music and physical activity

The project is funded by European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The project is implemented by University of Eastern Finland, Jamk University of Applied Sciences (coordinator) and Jyväskylä Educational Consortium Gradia.

The Beat-bootees -project promotes children’s well-being, learning, inclusion and equality in a multidisciplinary way by developing an art-pedagogical operating culture among professionals working with children in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and pre-primary education. The project develops, pilots and tests everyday pedagogical methods and tools that combine music and physical activity, such as dance. The methods can easily be taken as part of the ECEC day without the educators’ previous background in music or physical exercise. In addition, the project develops and pilots assessment methods that can be used to identify children in need of motor support, and thereby support the development of motor skills with relevant and motivating methods.

As a result of the development work, the project will produce a package of methods and materials available to everyone, as well as familiarize educators working with children nationwide in the use of the methods and materials.

The project is carried out by experts from the JAMK University of Applied Sciences, the Jyväskylä Educational Consortium Gradia, and the University of Eastern Finland, who will carry out multidisciplinary development work from the perspectives of music, dance, music therapy, the promotion and application of children’s physical activity, and development of motor skills and need for motor skills support.

With the project, professionals working with ECEC and pre-primary education aged children and their families have better skills and opportunities to observe children’s need for motor support, and promote the inclusion, well-being and learning capabilities of all children with methods applying music and physical activity.