FEEL. MOVE. EXPRESS.
Big feelings. Endless energy. Different ways of learning and being – can feel overwhelming for children and the adults that guide them.
Children need a way to release emotions, reset, and feel understood. Creative, rhythm and movement based play and learning creates the pathway – making space for regulation, connection and focus
INCLUSIVE. ACCESSIBLE. EMPOWERING.
INCLUSIVE. ACCESSIBLE. EMPOWERING.
“Rhythm is a bridge that connects us all – beyond words, beyond difference”
— NICKI DAVIES
RHYTHM. MOVEMENT. MUSIC. DANCE. STORYTELLING. YOGA. MINDFULNESS.
DISCOVER A NEW RHYTHM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING AND LEARNING
Imagine a learning environment where every child feels seen, heard and understood. Where they can feel connected to themselves and others and participate regardless of their ability – not through words but through the universal language of rhythm.
An environment where educators feel energised, effective and equipped with tools to meet the needs of all learners, reigniting their passion for education.
OUR RHYTHM FOCUSED APPROACH IS …
An approach that ..
IS TRULY INCLUSIVE
SUPPORTS THE WELL-BEING OF EDUCATORS AND CHILDREN
ENGAGES & SUPPORTS CHILDREN WITH DIVERSE LEARNING NEEDS
IT IS ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE
IS CALMING AND ORGANISING FOR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
DEVELOPS SKIILS
BUILDS STRONGER CONNECTION, IMPROVED TRUST & COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EDUCATORS & CHILDREN
IS PREDICTABLE INSTILLING A SENSE OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
IS BASED ON UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES & HAS BEEN USED FOR CENTURIES WITHIN CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD
CREATES A HARMONIOUS & POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT with reduced disruptions & behavioural challenges
IS ADAPTABLE TO MEET YOUR TEACHING STYLE & CONTEXT
The Art of Rhythm provides educational, multi-sensory, holistic and creative programs, workshops and professional development opportunities that unite music, creative movement, dance, fitness, yoga and mindfulness. Join us today to connect the mind, body and soul.
WhY Creative Rhythm AND MOVEMENT ?
THE BENEFITS
RHYTHM IS EVERY BREATH WE TAKE
RHYTHM IS EVERY STEP WE MAKE
RHYTHM IS EVERY WORD WE SPEAK
WHOLE-BODY LEARNING
Children learn best when their bodies, senses, and emotions are fully engaged. Rhythm and movement naturally awaken this full-bodied learning.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because learning begins in the body
Because when children move, they remember
Because movement speaks when children can’t
Because joyful movement lights up the whole child – not just their mind
Because whole-body movement rewires the brain
Because when the whole body is engaged – the whole child shows up
Because when learning is felt, not just taught, it becomes lasting
Because children think with their hands, their feet, their whole body
Because not all children sit still to learn
Because movement is not a barrier to learning – it is the gateway
REGULATION
Children learn best when their emotions and energy feel steady and safe. Rhythm and movement gently guide them back to calm, balance, and readiness.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because not every child can “calm down” on command
Because movement creates space for emotions to move through
Because children need tools, not just instructions, to manage big feelings
Because regulation starts in the nervous system – not in the mind
Because rhythmic input settles the nervous system
Because children don’t need fewer feelings – they need better pathways to process and release them
Because a regulated nervous system is the foundation for attention, empathy, development, learning and joy
Because rhythm and repetition offer predictability, safety and calm
Because big feelings live in small bodies and should be processed and released in safe joyful ways
Because movement contributes to improved emotional and mental well-being
CONNECTION
Children learn best when they feel seen, valued and part of something bigger. Rhythm and movement create a connection to self, others and the world around them.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because connection isn’t taught – it’s felt
Because being connected to your body is the foundation for every other connection
Because moving together builds trust and connection – and connection changes everything
Because rhythm connects before words are spoken
Because shared rhythm creates shared experience and shared understanding
Because mirroring movement is a language of empathy
Because co-regulation leads to co-operation
Because connection deepens when we create something together
Because self-connection teaches children to trust their instincts
Because every child deserves to feel safe, seen and supported
Because connection comes first and learning follows
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Children learn best when they can share their feelings, ideas and stories without limitations. Rhythm and movement give children a way to engage, communicate and feel seen – especially when words are hard to find.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because not every child speaks with words
Because every child deserves to be seen and heard – in their own way
Because creative expression allows children to feel, explore and take risks without fear of getting it wrong
Because imagination lives in the body and senses
Because when children create they discover who they are
Because rhythm and movement invite freedom, improvisation, wonder, joy and possibility
Because creative expression makes space for difference
Because rhythm and movement invite new ideas to take shape
Because children can express what they feel long before they can explain it
Because creative play is the foundation for confidence and originality
Because each child’s creative expression is a gift – to themselves and to the world
LANGUAGE FOUNDATIONS
Children learn best when sound, pattern, repetition and play are part of their daily world. Rhythm and movement lay the foundations for listening, speaking and reading.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because language is felt before it is spoken
Because the brain learns sound before it learns letters
Because rhythm invites children to listen, repeat and respond
Because hearing and feeling rhythmic patterns in sound help patterns in words make sense
Because movement with words deepens understanding
Because playing with sounds is a foundation for future reading
Because musical call and response builds turn taking and conversation skills
Because rhythm tunes the ear to hear every syllable
Because children learn language with their whole bodies
Because playful repetition turns sound into speech
Because rhythm and movement bridge the gap between thoughts and expression
ATTENTION AND FOCUS
Children learn best when their minds and bodies are engaged in the same moment. Rhythm and movement capture attention, increase engagement and help focus grow strongly.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because still bodies don’t always mean focused minds
Because rhythm draws the wandering mind back in
Because engaging multiple senses keeps focus from fading
Because movement sharpens awareness
Because rhythmic repetition nurtures concentration
Because active bodies create alert minds
Because rhythm reaches children before instructions ever do
Because rhythm and movement help children return to the present moment
Because children focus best when their bodies are involved
Because sound and motion together hold attention longer
Because rhythmic play trains the body to pause, listen and respond
Because attention and focus grow through action
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
Children learn best when their bodies, senses, and emotions are fully engaged. Rhythm and movement naturally awaken this full-bodied learning.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because executive skills are shaped by doing – not just by thinking
Because rhythm teaches stop and start, fast and slow, wait and go
Because when children move with intention, they build self-control
Because children can’t plan, pause or problem solve without practice
Because rhythm gives the brain a pattern to follow
Because creative movement trains the brain to adapt, respond and reflect
Because moving in sequence builds thinking in sequence
Because impulse control grows with
Because remembering a rhythmic or movement pattern strengthens working memory
Because attention and focus grow through action
INCLUSION
Children learn best when their bodies, senses, and emotions are fully engaged. Rhythm and movement naturally awaken this full-bodied learning.
WHY IT MATTERS
Because real inclusion means meeting every child where they are and inviting them in
Because no child should have to change who they are to take part
Because belonging is the first step to learning
Because rhythm doesn’t judge ability, pace or personality
Because rhythm and movement don’t rely on words or academic ability
Because learning should move with the child – not against them
Because rhythm is accessible to all children – no matter their background, needs or learning style
Because movement welcomes children before words can
Because when we create space for difference, we create space for joy
Because children think with their hands, their feet, their whole body
Because rhythm speaks in a language everyone understands
Because attention and focus grow through action
The Art of Rhythm
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT US
THE ART OF
[ thee aht ov ] phrase
Something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful and that encompasses important ideas and feeling
RHYTHM
[ rithem ] noun
Any regular recurring motion, flow or movement. Symmetry.
The Art of Rhythm was founded to support children and unite parents, educators and others who play pivotal roles in the lives of children, with the intention of raising childhood development and wellness through elements of rhythm.
Purposefully curated, we combine and unite components of music, creative movement, dance, yoga and mindfulness so children experience a connection to the mind and body, the breath and ultimately, stillness.
Stillness and verbal instruction work for some children – but not for all. Children with sensory sensitivities, speech delays, diverse emotional needs often feel overwhelmed by stillness and spoken instructions. Rhythmic, creative, movement- based play and learning offers a different way in – one that uses movement, rhythm and multi-sensory play to build skills like attention, executive function, language and emotional well-being for every child.
It reaches across difference – regulating, connecting and empowering children of all abilities, needs, backgrounds and learning styles.
The sun rises and sets each day, the tides ebb and flow. There is a natural rhythm to everything in the universe. Rhythm is the force of life and our heartbeat and breath are timely reminders of this.
Modern life however, detaches us from our innate rhythms and recent studies show the staggering and rising statistics of young children suffering from anxiety, mental health disorders, disease and developmental delay.
In a world driven by ‘more is better’, we have become disconnected from our natural sense of rhythm and the rhythms flowing in and around us.
Rhythm is how living things function best and is a catalyst for connection, transformation, healing, growth, optimal development and wellness.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s future and the formative years of early childhood lay the foundations for how a child develops through adolescence and into adulthood.
Now, more than ever before our children and ourselves deserve to be in touch with the deeper rhythms of the mind, body and soul.
“Rhythm is our universal mother tongue. It’s the language of the soul”
— Gabrielle Roth
CHASE, FOUR YEARS OLD
” I feel quiet inside … not loud anymore”
SUNITHA, THREE AND A HALF YEARS OLD
” When I am dancing I am happy in my bones”
ARNEL, FIVE YEARS OLD
” Singing and songs and music and things is like just great you know, like when it is really really good then it goes to great “
JANE, FIVE AND A HALF YEARS OLD
” Lots of the stories are just boring but not the ones where you get to do stuff”
Gada, Early Childhood Centre Director
“Nicki’s experience and expertise and her open personality and friendly manner make her highly respected and loved by the staff and children. She always meets individual needs. Nicki is dependable and extremely caring and has a great deal of common sense and intelligence which she applies to her work.”
RHYTHMIC RESOURCES
BOOKS AND CARDS
WE ALL KNOW KANGAROOS CAN’T PLAY A DRUM – Soft Cover
FEEL THE RHYTHM.
CALM YOUR BODY.
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS.
Big emotions. Endless energy. Different ways of learning, communicating, and being can sometimes feel overwhelming for children and for the adults who guide them.
This story offers a playful way through.
Children naturally move – and this story moves with them.
As they jump, tap and move with the rhythm of the drum and the animals of the Australian bush, children are supported to calm their bodies, focus their minds, and express big feelings through movement and play.
Thoughtfully created to support diverse developmental and sensory needs, this interactive story strengthens regulation, connection, and expression – helping every child feel included.
Designed with care, this book uses a restrained colour palette to provide a grounding, sensory-friendly backdrop. The calm visual space allows rhythm and movement to lead the way, inviting every child in.
A playful, accessible and engaging resource for families, educators and allied health professionals.
AGE RANGE : 2 – 8 Years
WE ALL KNOW KANGAROOS CAN’T PLAY A DRUM ( Hard Cover )
FEEL THE RHYTHM.
CALM YOUR BODY.
EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS.
FEEL THE RHYTHM.
CALM YOUR BODY.
How To connect
PATHWAYS TO WORKING WITH US
EARLY CHILDHOOD AUTHOR VISITS
Purposefully curated weekly sessions delivered directly to your early childhood service, homeschooling or learning community.
10 WEEK PROGRAM
- 10 highly engaging, interactive and multi-sensory sessions grounded in rhythm
- Holistic, culturally diverse and inclusive, supporting children with additional needs and celebrating individual uniqueness
- A professionally designed, innovative blend of music, creative movement, dance, yoga and mindfulness
- Developmentally appropriate catering for children 2-6 years
- Cross-curricular outcomes with direct links to the Early Years Learning Framework
Within each session, you can expect a unique combination of Songs, fingerplays, chants and rhymes; dance, movement, improvisation and creative expression; circle and group games; musical play and listening activities; fundamental movement skill development; breathwork and mindfulness; music, sound and yoga stories; yoga, stretch, meditation and relaxation; body percussion and musical instrument exploration and culturally diverse music and dance
ONGOING PROGRAM
- 4 x 10 week program
Discover the power of rhythm on a deeper and more meaningful level. The ongoing program allows rhythm to be embedded in the lives of children whilst transforming the teaching experience and learning community. Generous discounts of up to 25% off full priced 10 week programs apply
WELL-BEING WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS, PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS CONNECTING TO RHYTHM
It is well documented, that enhancing the wellness, growth and development of both children and adults is critical to creating an engaged, connected and thriving early childhood service or homeschooling community.
The well-being of educators, parents and caregivers, directly impacts the well-being of the children under their guidance and care.
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly” Unknown
Now is the time for those who hold a pivotal role in the lives of children to Revive, Reflect, Relax, Reconnect and Recommit
Our Connecting to Rhythm Workshop is both energizing and restorative, contributing to stress reduction, mood enhancement, grounding and general well-being whilst equipping you with tools to integrate in your journey alongside children.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Customised to your specific needs. Supporting you to incorporate and embed elements of rhythm into daily practice for the benefit of all children
1:1 CONSULTATION
GUEST SPEAKING
Meet The Founder
NICKI DAVIES
Nicki has always known that some of the most powerful ways children learn, connect, communicate and belong cannot be measured by words alone.
CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS OR ENQUIRIES – Your Journey of Rhythm, Movement and discovery Starts Here
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW –
WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONNECTING WITH YOU.
