Asks whether museums successfully create impressions in young children that encourage continuing participation in learning and leisure. Finds that most young children have a limited or misguided conception of museums based on a single direct experience or on an isolated secondary source. Notes other findings of direct interest to art educators.…

Investigates the way that young children make aesthetic judgments about art works made by peers. Indicates that there are three phases in response formation: an initial response, a judgment based on more formal criteria, and an emotional response. Notes that children often needed prompting questions to reach the latter phases. (DSK)

Explores how elementary children reflect upon a wide variety of visual humor, and what beliefs and assumptions arise in their responses. Finds that children found amusement in popular art, but not in fine art; have shared assumptions and understandings about humor by grade two; and that visual humor can expand children's concepts of art. (DSK)

Reports on the beginnings of visual representation in early childhood by using longitudinal studies in both London, England and Singapore. Finds evidence to support the theory that underlying children's use and organization of visual media are certain robust forms of behavior, or deep structures. (CFR)

Reports on research with preschool caregivers, primary grade teachers, and home caregivers of 605 young children on the role the visual arts play in early childhood education. Finds that parents and personnel at day care centers and nursery schools were sensitive to, and positive about, the role and significance of visual arts. (CFR)

Reviews research on the relationship among young children, their developing skills, and art. Maintains that children's development, like art itself, grows out of the individual child artist and his or her place in life and culture. Presents examples of developmentally appropriate art activities and instruction. (CFR)