Grant: Project Grant

Moving freely in indoor and outdoor environments is optimal for all children's physical, social and psychological health and development. Furthermore, research suggests that movement enhances children's health and learning because their motor and cognitive processes are intertwined. Building on previous research, the current project proposes a radical integration of scientific and artistic practices to reconfigure traditional approaches to fostering movement in children with diverse physical abilities. Drawing on the critical insights of contemporary dance artists and educators, we aim to 1) reconfigure entrenched art/science divisions; 2) develop innovative strategies for children with dis/abilities to promote their learning-through-movement with-others in real world settings, and 3) unsteady hierarchies of knowledge underscored in contemporary medical models of health and disability. Challenging the ways 'we see and know' resists the tendency to categorize bodies in terms of their abilities and/or measure them according to normative standards. Our findings will contribute to the design and/or development of 1) children's intrinsic capacities and creative abilities; 2) novel rehabilitation strategies; 3) environments that are redolent in movement opportunities; and 4) interdisciplinary curricula that supports art/science methodologies and learning. Our objectives align with IHDCYH's commitment to fostering the health and well-being of Canadian children, youth and families. Specifically this project will contribute to world-class research that strives for the best outcomes in children's early development, promote collaboration among researchers and community partners in Canada, and elicit future research dedicated to the development of creative, innovative approaches to enhancing children's lives.