Two studies investigated: (1) the art preference of young children for realistic, stylized, and abstract styles; and (2) the influence that exposure to art has on these style preferences. Analyses revealed that exposure increased preference for the selected painting as well as preference for other paintings in that style. (PCB)

This paper focuses on two questions: (1) Can visual arts be an effective way for students to express what they have learned in social studies?; and (2) Can creative activity improve motivation, participation, attitude, and enhance learning in social studies? The sample for study was drawn from 75 fifth-graders in 3 classes in a school located in a…

While the capacity to recognize and appreciate beauty may be inborn in all of us, participation in the arts as an audience or artist usually involves a learning process. What is the relationship between childhood and early adult experiences with the arts and later participation? In 1982, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the…

Until recently, little scholarly attention has been paid to the art found in children's books. This study describes a project with a fifth grade class in an effort to increase their ability to critique book illustrations. Ten slides from picture books were shown to one experimental and one control group. Students were asked to critique the…

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)

This document is the secondary level visual arts component of the North Dakota Arts Curriculum Project. After a presentation of the philosophy, goals, and objectives for the visual arts program, the guide is organized into four sections. The first section, "Visual Arts Program Components," presents an overview of educational…

Describes a cooperative program where the New York City Museum of Modern Art and the New York City Public School System joined forces to create a visual literacy/aesthetic development program. The program incorporated a three-year teacher training effort, development of an art education curriculum, and classroom art education support. (MJP)

This handbook gives guidelines for setting up an elementary level art appreciation program. The program encourages involvement by staff and parent volunteers, resource persons and presenters and utilizes commercially produced art reproductions. Sample art reproduction selections and schedules are given. An art vocabulary and a time line of world…