Discussed is whether or not folk art and children's art are really art. Child and folk art are two rich sources of imagery that can lead to a re-examination of the connections between the ethical and aesthetic in other more traditionally accepted forms of art. (Author/RM)

In focusing excessively on nurturing the students' creative artistic potential, many teachers tend to neglect the students' potential for learning to appreciate and talk about the visual arts. Teachers should be prepared for teaching art appreciation with inservice workshops, summer and night courses, and further university training. (DS)

Presents an interview with Elliot Eisner a scholar and researcher in both the arts and education. His work with the Getty Center for Education in the Arts has influenced a new structure for art curriculums. (Author/MD)

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)

Appreciating children's art involves considering all work as an expressive form which conveys its own meaning. Characteristics that can be examined include the medium and materials used; the size, shape, colors, and angles present; the subject, scene, idea, or emotion represented; and the nature and origin of the idea for the work. (JW)

Examines studies, especially those of Viktor Lowenfeld, which suggest that coloring books are harmful to the creative expression of children. Proposes an alternative hypothesis that views coloring books as useful teaching tools to help children understand and appreciate art. Calls for further research into the issue. (KM)

Asserts that educational researchers ideally want their interests, values, and assumptions about life and human purpose interwoven with their research themes. Reviews research in art education. Concludes that one topic to study would be the relationship between art education and life. (CFR)

Highlights the importance of including the arts as part of a total Montessori curriculum, regardless of a teacher's talent. Suggests that success in facilitating children's exploration of the arts is achievable via field trips, classroom activities, appropriate materials, and arts integrated into all areas to create an "Art Smart"…

The arts are basic educational processes that involve students with different abilities and from differing age groups in sensory perception. This perception, augmented by the use of art compositions, establishes a critical dialogue between the medium and the viewer. What one views, sees, and observes in an art piece serves to create a…

Shows how two approaches, nurture (subject-matter centered) and nature (child-centered), have affected education and art education over the years. Concludes that whichever approach is fashionable, art education must be relevant to students' lives and they should be able to talk intelligently about art. (KM)

This monograph stresses the importance of art education in elementary and secondary schools and explains how school/community partnership in the arts can help keep arts education programs alive. Part of a series containing background information on arts programs in schools, this document is intended to aid individuals and school art advocacy…

This book brings together British and U.S. contributions to the debate of a critical studies approach to art and design education. The approach links practice and appreciation. But critical differences exist in definitions of the term design, with the U.S. recognition of design as the use of principles and elements of art in works and a British…

Argues that children need play time to explore the world because it is valuable, irreplaceable, spontaneous, and provides situations where children can learn with all their senses. Examines play in terms of its role in exploration, imagination, creative activity, work, learning, knowledge expansion, art, and the culture of children. (Author/SD)