Reports a study which assessed childrens' ability to depict in their drawings the occlusion of a farther object by a nearer one. Results showed that the ability to represent occlusions increased with maturity and instruction. (BSR)

In this art activity elementary students are asked to design their own alphabet, not just by streamlining the letters they regularly use, but by inventing new letters. (RM)

Art activities, three for elementary students and one for secondary students, are described. Elementary students develop an autobiobox (a visual autobiography in a container), learn to draw trees in a meaningful way, and do human figure drawing; secondary students study and duplicate cast shadows. (RM)

This book collects the thoughts of some of the world's most astute observers of child art. Essays in the book include: (1) "Art as a Unifying Principle in Education" (Sir Herbert Read); (2) "Stages of Development in Preschool Art" (Rhoda Kellogg); (3) "Child Art and Visual Thinking" (Rudolf Arnheim); (4) "The Mental Foundation of Art Education in…

Too much stress on technical procedure in a ceramics class can inhibit elementary students' free inquiry. It should be remembered that ceramics is a form of visual art and that art is a form of expression. Teachers must help students express themselves. (RM)

Creating a collage can be an effective way to help elementary children develop good compositional habits, drawing skills, and confidence. Students first gather pictures and photographs and create a collage. They then create a work of art from the collage, by drawing and painting it. (RM)

Techniques are presented to get children thinking about their body motions, thereby increasing the expressiveness of their drawings. (RM)

How second graders made three-dimensional forms using construction paper scraps is described. (RM)

Describes Kaleidoscope, a participatory arts program created by Hallmark Cards. Designed as a supplement to classroom art instruction, the program provides children of 6 to 12 years with positive experiences in exploring art. The program is designed to foster originality, imaginative thinking, and creative self-expression. (Author/BB)

In this interdisciplinary art and science program elementary school children visited a planetarium, learned about astronomy, and created cosmic art. Integrating art and science allows students to take a more unified look at the many parts of the world. (RM)

The Crayola Dream-Makers exhibition, which consists of 100 two- and three-dimensional works of art in which second, third, and fourth graders from all over the United States depict their dreams for themselves and their world is described. Samples of the children's art are included. (RM)

Discusses the use of pillows as an art form for children to explore. Addresses ways pillows can be used in art, such as: building things with pillows and using pillows and pillowcases to learn about design, to create portraits and figures, and to serve as a canvas for art. (CMK)

This book gives detailed information concerning the use of tools and media of paint. It aims at developing skills and knowledge that will allow young students to express themselves by painting. The book is organized into five sections with subheadings, including: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Exploring Paint As We Use..." with…

The monotype is a singular work of art created by transferring an image from one surface to another. Methods and suggestions to help elementary and secondary students make watercolor monotypes are discussed. (RM)

Discusses the role of Montessori education in developing lifelong skills for creativity. Considers self-expression the key to recovering human authenticity and spirit. Urges teachers and parents to develop this inner self in themselves and their children as a barrier against contemporary materialism, hurried life, and alienation caused by…