Kinder-artists at Oakhurst Elementary love rodeo time, which is an annual event in Fort Worth, Texas. The spirit of the Old West pervades as children don jeans, hats, boots, and bandannas to be a cowboy or cowgirl for the day. Furthermore, Fort Worth is a city that celebrates not only its history as "Cowtown" but also the fine arts! An…

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"…

Explores the value of teaching art criticism and aesthetics to young children. Maintains that critical aesthetic experience reinforces such experiences in art production. Outlines seven methods to develop aesthetic language and shows how art criticism and aesthetics can be used by visiting a gallery or museum. (KM)