Based on a longitudinal study of three children from birth, argues that children experiment with two dimensional representation much earlier than is commonly thought. Interaction between figurative and action modes of representation is described. Suggests symbolizations based on movement and time as well as configuration. (Author/AS)

Discusses ways in which block building represents the young child's art world, the use of blocks as an art medium, and art concepts that can be developed with the use of blocks. Suggests a methodology of block building that is designed to enhance artistic ability. (RJC)

Reviews past studies of children's drawings and their relationship to academic ability. Discusses the use of Clark's Drawing Abilities Test with gifted and talented secondary students. Finds that the test can be used successfully to identify various ability levels among students. (CFR)

This paper examines art, a discipline that bears striking parallels, and differences, in the way it is practiced and valued in the United States and Japan. In Japan, art is a valued part of the elementary curriculum warranting as much time as science and social studies. In the United States, art is generally thought of as something extra to do if…

Reports on a study of verbal interaction during art production experiences. Finds that teachers trained in structured questioning techniques were able to elicit significantly greater proportions of verbal interaction, inquiry-oriented questions, and student verbalizations than teachers not trained in the techniques. (CFR)

In evaluating IMAGE, an open-ended computer assisted learning program designed to enable English children to produce, modify, and print artwork created on the computer, teachers' perceptions of the program were focused on what the software package can do and what can be learned from using the program. Eighty teachers utilized the package in their…

Examines a number of variables in children's drawings (color selection, subject matter, artistic skills) for evidence of gender differentiation in these variables. Discovers differentiation in only two variables. Moreover, this dichotomy decreases from kindergarten to third grade suggesting an increase in sex equity due to education. (MJP)

Raises a number of interesting questions about the relationship between controversial contemporary art and school art. Briefly summarizes the reactions of several groups of teachers and students after attending a controversial exhibit. Concludes with some recommendations for bridging the gap between the two art worlds. (MJP)

Analyzes the research strategies, stimuli, subjects, statistical strategies, and relative variables in 34 empirical studies on children's representation of three-dimensional objects. The studies fell into three categories: children's representation of spatial relationships within an object, between two objects, and studies that included both. (MJP)

This handbook gives guidelines for setting up an elementary level art appreciation program. The program encourages involvement by staff and parent volunteers, resource persons and presenters and utilizes commercially produced art reproductions. Sample art reproduction selections and schedules are given. An art vocabulary and a time line of world…