Learning through the arts has the potential to stimulate open ended activity that encourages discovery, exploration, experimentation and invention, thus contributing to children's development in all areas of learning and helping to make the curriculum meaningful to them. In this book, the author draws on her extensive experience of promoting young children's creativity and imagination to examine how visual representations, music, dance, imaginative play and drama can enable children to express their feelings, thoughts and responses. She highlights examples of good practice and provides practical guidance for those working with young children in a variety of settings, including home, school and centre-based care. Updated throughout, this second edition considers creativity and imagination in the light of contemporary initiatives such as Every Child Matters, Birth to Three Matters, Sure Start and the Foundation Stage curriculum. Following an introduction, this book is divided into three parts. Part One, What Are Creativity and Imagination and Why Are They Important?, presents the first chapters of the book: (1) The importance of creativity and imagination; (2) Defining creativity and imagination; and (3) The creative process. Part Two, How Do Creativity and Imagination Develop?, continues with chapters: (4) Child development, creativity and imagination from birth to six years; (5) Creativity across the curriculum; (6) The contribution of the arts to creativity and imagination; and (7) Development in the visual and performing arts. Finally, Part Three, Theory into Practice, concludes the book with the remaining chapters: (8) The role of the adult; (9) The organisation of space, time and social contexts; (10) Widening children's experiences; and (11) Planning, implementing, observing, recording and assessing. Also included are: Conclusion; Bibliography; and Index. [This book represents the second edition of "Supporting Creativity and Imagination in the Early Years."]