ERIC Number: EJ1118617
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1464-7893
EISSN: N/A
"Dance Makes Me Happy": Experiences of Children with Disabilities in Elementary School Dance Education
Zitomer, Michelle R.
Research in Dance Education, v17 n3 p218-234 2016
This study explored the perspectives of elementary school children with disabilities in inclusive dance education classrooms in two large school districts in Western Canada. A qualitative interpretivist approach facilitated understanding of the experiences of eight children with different disabilities between the ages 6 and 10 who participated in dance in general education classrooms. Two one-on-one semi-structured interviews, children's art work, class observations, and researcher field notes facilitated gaining access to the children's experiences. Data were interpreted through a relational ethics conceptual framework. Data analysis followed the procedures of interpretive thematic analysis. Interview and observation data revealed three themes: (a) peer acceptance, (b) bodily learning, and (c) engaged support continuum. Relationships with teachers, educational assistants, and classmates created a dance education environment that enabled these children to participate alongside their classmates, experience joy and success, and gain a sense of belonging.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Dance Education, Elementary School Students, Disabilities, General Education, Semi Structured Interviews, Childrens Art, Observation, Student Experience, Data Analysis, Data Interpretation, Peer Acceptance, Human Body, Learner Engagement, Sense of Community, Qualitative Research
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A