The self-portrait is a reflection of the personality in a visual, physical sense, as a concrete form, a summary of the external characteristics of the artist, but also in a psychological sense, when the self-portrait becomes a mediator of communication with the self, a medium of self-investigation. In this way, the self-portrait exists as a means…

For this author, one of the most enjoyable aspects of teaching elementary art is the willingness of students to embrace the different styles of art introduced to them. In this article, she describes a project that allows upper-elementary students to learn about abstract art and the lives of some of the master abstract artists, implement the idea…

In this article, the author discusses how to publicize the art program while integrating art history, technology, art concepts, painting, drawing, and performance opportunities into one project. She suggests that hosting a living artist exhibition might be the answer. Each year, the author and the school librarian conduct a collaborative study of…

When students feel comfortable in the learning environment and are being given authority to make their own choices about what they want to create, they can create significant artworks with different personal expressions through the form of narratives. Students feel this freedom especially when they are not in the regular school environment where…

This case study describes the effects of an art program in raising the self-esteem of an artistically talented fifth-grade girl who remained in the regular classroom while her academically gifted classmates left for gifted programs. Each assignment in the art program, and her response to the activity, are described. (CR)

GRADES OR AGES: K-6. SUBJECT MATTER: Art. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The guide, which is intended as a basic sequential program, has three main sections: 1) Kaleidoscope, described as a frame of reference for creative experiences and outlining the aims of the program, types of art experiences, art appreciation, and guidelines for the…

This book outlines a nontraditional approach to papier mache and a process called "cloth mache" with fifth- and sixty-grade students. The volume describes a process called "cloth mache," a technique neither widely known or practiced. By combining the two media, a new dimension of sculpture is opened to the student. The paper…

Reports a study of 56 fifth graders that questioned whether the cognitive style of reflection-impulsivity could be measured by students' performance on 2 art-related tests. Found that cognitive style was not a strong predictor of artistic performance. (GG)

Designed to accompany the "Elementary Art Curriculum Guide," this resource is divided into 3 levels: level 1 grades 1-2, level 2 grades 3-4, and level 3 grades 5-6. The material is presented in a standardized format which includes four major components: reflection, depiction, composition, and expression. Once a concept has been chosen,…