A lesson led by adult ideas, rubrics and formulas, conducted in a shrine dedicated to adult artists, demonstrates that children's art does not carry much weight in the art room. Art lessons need to speak of why and how artists do what they do. Art lessons also need to express the freedoms in drawing, instead of the search for the "proper way." In…

Suggests techniques for making the art period a creative rather than mundane experience for high school students. Included are hints on beginning the class, preparing materials, conducting the lesson, ending the class, assigning homework, and communicating with students. (SJL)

Through play, children draw ideas from their own experiences and create exciting works of art. Materials and methods that can be used in the classroom to help children play are described. (CS)

Focuses on sculptures created by children related to dolls. Discusses different types of toys that inspire children and explains that students can learn about figure studies. States that students learn about topics such as posing and grouping figures. (CMK)

Discusses the use of pillows as an art form for children to explore. Addresses ways pillows can be used in art, such as: building things with pillows and using pillows and pillowcases to learn about design, to create portraits and figures, and to serve as a canvas for art. (CMK)

Contends that children's playfulness with flashlights is an artform suitable to the art classroom. For example, flashlights can become drawing tools or a means of sculpting with forms and light. Discusses works by "flashlight artists" and considers flashlight art history in the classroom. (CMK)

Recognizes the importance of children's art made at home and focuses on having children express themselves through handmade art. Gives examples of different types of handmade art, such as making room accessories and furnishings, constructing "portable" artworks, and building figures in different mediums. (CMK)

Proposes that presenters at conventions should be performers amidst an active audience and demonstrate the ideas as they might actually appear in the classroom using a hands-on, visual approach. Highlights various presentation introductions that illustrate this visual presentation approach. Provides suggestions for convention presenters. (CMK)

Discusses how clothing choices can be a form of art expression in children and young adults and believes that art teachers should encourage such creativity. Describes types of outlets for artistic dress-up that can be used in the classroom. (CMK)

Discusses the use of disguises and masks in the art classroom and in the daily lives of children. Focuses on different materials and objects that can be used as a mask or disguise. Draws on the experiences of the author. (CMK)

Discusses the use of wheels in children's art. Focuses on collecting wheels, ideas for decorating different artworks with wheels, and objects that can move on wheels. Sees wheels as an inspiration for children's art, reflecting on the use of this object in the art classroom. (CMK)

Focuses on ways that children in art classes can be "gift artists." Discusses different types of gifts that children can create, such as presents for their parents or presents that have been personalized. (CMK)

Discusses the use of the chalkboard as a surface for creating art and enabling young students to express their creativity. Explores different ways that art teachers can use chalkboards, such as for taking attendance, for use during a child's time-out, or a place to rehearse an artwork. (CMK)

Focuses on the study of personal containers and their uses in art creation for children. States that children are fascinated by boxes and containers. Provides examples of personal containers, such as lunch boxes, pencil cases, purses and valets, and school bags. (CMK)

Discusses types of art materials that children enjoy using in their artworks. Explores the art materials such as tasty art supplies, such as candy; peeled supplies, such as pencil shavings; sticky art supplies, such as Band-Aids; and fast-food supplies, such as forks and spoons. (CMK)