How can parents more clearly understand what's behind shifts in motivation so that they may preserve their gifted children's joy and kindle a lifelong love of the arts? A shift takes place when intrinsic motivation gives way to extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is desire kindled within. One who is intrinsically motivated is deeply engaged…

For many children, their artistic gifts may not be apparent until opportunity or exposure provides a spark. That's why parents and caregivers must understand the many ways they can ignite sparks, nurture artistic talents, and provide opportunities for gifted children to explore the arts. In many communities, opportunities outside of school abound.…

Many parents are in search of ways to best encourage their gifted children in the arts. As arts programs receive less financial and administrative support from the public school systems, parents are seeking additional resources. This article will provide a beginning point for parents to support artistic development for gifted children, based upon…

The author describes a parent art program, how it works, and ways to implement it. She emphasizes the strengths of parent programs as a way to support and enrich existing arts education, not as a replacement. Hansen describes the art kit--the adult's teaching resource--and the basic four-part process: presentation, demonstration, an art activity,…

Numerous books are available to engage readers of all ages in creative productions. Listed are books of art and craft projects, books about art, and books about music and dance, all briefly reviewed. (MT)

Children take enormous pride in their drawing abilities. They like bringing to life a specific object whether it is a star or a cat or a tree, and they will likely be frustrated until they can get it just right. Drawing is a way of thinking in motion, the brain guiding the hand, and it demonstrates strongly another type of intelligence. As a…

Understanding and creating art can teach students to work cooperatively and strive to achieve goals. Parents can encourage students' participation in art by supporting community art programs and helping to decide how art will be taught in school. The paper describes how to plan and conduct art education PTA meetings. (SM)

Afterschool and weekend activities to promote understanding and supplement a multicultural curriculum are suggested. Home activities include making musical instruments and puppets, while other suggestions involve visits to museums, city neighborhood festivals, and international restaurants. (MT)

Though most art materials are safe for children (and labelled accordingly), parents and teachers should follow recommended safety guidelines, such as those presented in this article, when choosing, using, and storing children's art materials. (SM)

Play teaches children about themselves and the world they live in, engaging them socially, physically, intellectually, and creatively. Parents must allow their children time to play; they must participate in the play to help their children learn and to foster a sense of intimacy. (SM)