Three-dimensional mind maps are a highly effective tool for providing engaging, kinaesthetic and sensory experiences for young children, with real objects used to promote the sharing of knowledge and the creation of connections. The use of real objects allows children the opportunity to connect with those objects at a personal level, thus placing…

What is happening in arts teaching and learning in our classrooms? Recent NEMP reports tell us that Year 4 students are not performing well but that there is an increase in scores at Year 8. This new professional development resource builds on research into teacher practice in Years 0-6 classrooms in New Zealand primary schools. It offers new…

Rice can be the basis for mosaics, flower arrangements, games, toys, and many things children would like to make. It can add new dimensions to making candles, coasters, and jewelry. Working with rice can aid in the development of appreciation of texture, symmetry, coordination, imagination and, at the same time, result in hand-made gifts for…

An art activity which involved elementary students in making coiled clay constructions is described. (RM)

In this art activity elementary students are asked to design their own alphabet, not just by streamlining the letters they regularly use, but by inventing new letters. (RM)

A first-grade teacher describes how she taught her students to weave using real yarn. (RM)

Pictograms--assemblages of geometrical shapes that represent parts of the body--simply and vividly show how the body moves. They can be used to help elementary students draw larger figures and have confidence in drawing people. The pictograms also encourage children to look at shapes and details that artists use. (RM)

Connecting art and language arts, this guide offers creative lessons for more than 140 favorite children's books, most of which have been published within the last 10 years. The lessons help teachers inspire students in grades K-5 to create art projects related to a book's story. In the first part of the book, the author explains more than 50 art…

This book provides tools for educators to help children respond to traumatic events with resiliency and hope. Created as an extension of the "9/11 As History" initiative, the book provides an overview of 16 unique lesson plans created for children from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade. It also contains selections from the writings…

Described is an art course in which fifth-grade students made masks using low fire whiteware as the medium. (RM)

Art activities, three for elementary students and one for secondary students, are described. Elementary students develop an autobiobox (a visual autobiography in a container), learn to draw trees in a meaningful way, and do human figure drawing; secondary students study and duplicate cast shadows. (RM)

Ranger Rick's NatureScope is a creative education series dedicated to inspiring in children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world while developing the skills they will need to make responsible decisions about the environment. The topic of this issue is "Wild & Crafty." It contains a variety of craft ideas related to…

This book offers a wide variety of easy-to-make crafts, including toys, games, and gifts, and each project begins with a box. The book provides directions, a materials list, and suggestions for setting aside a work area. The projects are illustrated with large full-color photographs and explained with simple step-by-step instructions. Contains a…

Clay is an incredible medium and can well serve any curriculum. Strategies that elementary teachers can use to help children interpret their ideas into finished clay pieces are discussed. (RM)

Working in small groups, fifth graders designed and made a ceramic title mural that became a permanent display in the school entryway. The project is described. (RM)