Arts-Based Research with Young Children Across Health and Education

Abstract

Arts-based research with young children provides new ways to understand children’s lives and perspectives. Arts-based research can be seen as a method within qualitative research study (Cole & Knowles, 2008). There is strong agreement in the literature that the use of artistic practices can uncover phenomenon not accessible through other means (Bagnoli, 2009; Ledger & Edwards, 2011; Shannon-Baker, 2015). In recent years, there has been growth in the use of arts-based research in a number of disciplines, all seeking ways for children to participate and share their understanding of their world. This chapter provide a snapshot of current arts-based research with young children (aged birth to five years) in two disciplines; health and education. From across the disciplines, it is possible to see a favouring of visual methods when working with young children, through data such as photographs and drawings. The chapter concludes with a reflection about arts-based research and an invitation to researchers to consider how they may engage with arts-based research with children from the very earliest years.