Describes art as a symbolic language as implemented in Reggio Emilia, Italy, preschools and adapted in U.S. schools. Considers the beauty of the classroom environment, use of materials and tools, use of observation of the child as the source of the curriculum, child-centered planning, teacher-child interaction to guide development of graphic…

Suggests that teachers can work with children's families to study likenesses and differences in their respective cultures. Details a class project for 7- to 8-year-olds whereby children start with self-portraits and construct masks of their faces. Provides sample mask project timeline and steps for making masks out of paper molds and a…