Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: describe the correlation between play and creativity; discuss the theories that provide an evidence base for emphasizing creative arts; identify the teacher's role in optimizing creative potential; explain how children learn through play; identify the developmental sequences for different types of play; explain the concept of 'art as a language' and describe the basic tenets of the Reggio Emilia philosophy; define visual art; explain how process art enhances social and emotional development; describe the ways in which music, movement and dance  enhance development; discuss strategies for  accommodating diverse learners; explain the theory and research of drama and describe its impact on learning and development; design strategies for teaching and assessing drama; describe theoretical perspectives on identifying talent and giftedness; explain performance assessment and describe how it can be used to facilitate creativity; describe the influence of culture and society on creativity; describe the theory of multiple intelligences and explain how it pertains to teaching creativity to the diverse learner; describe the theories and research that support a creative learning environment; plan appropriate environments for the creative development of all learners; identify age-appropriate materials and list types of materials that enhance a creative learning environment; and explain how technology and media enhance the development of play and creativity.