The arts are basic educational processes that involve students with different abilities and from differing age groups in sensory perception. This perception, augmented by the use of art compositions, establishes a critical dialogue between the medium and the viewer. What one views, sees, and observes in an art piece serves to create a…

Using examples from children drawing in a year one classroom, this article examines firstly, how drawing operates as a unique mental tool, and secondly, the role of drawing in the construction and development of knowledge. Young children utilize prior knowledge and experience to negotiate and construct meaning through their interactions with…

This book describes an art program that combines the knowledge, imagination, and evaluative factors of creativity for a productive pattern of student growth in perception, thinking, valuing, and art skills. Over 200 basic concepts have been arranged in logical, developmental order to give students a valuable body of knowledge. Instruction focuses…

Conveys how art history is taught to elementary school students through the Picture Presenter program. Trained volunteers present reproductions of important artworks and illustrate these to students by wearing clothes or using items similar to those in the painting. Describes learning activities and the fundraising that keeps the project…

Maintaining that the arts are composing activities and--like talking and writing--powerful ways of making meaning, this book discusses teaching English through the arts. The book provides a brief theoretical and historical basis for its fundamental approach and presents 29 instructional strategies that classroom teachers who do not have special…

Outlines how a museum visit and the Looking/Learning article, "Painting: Neo-Impressionism," ("School Arts," September 1989) were used to inspire sixth grade students to make their own Neo-Impressionist works. Comments on the diversity of the students' techniques in attempting to blend color visually. (KM)

Develops a multimedia approach for teaching color theory suitable for grade four through adult. Students select the hue, value, and degree of translucence they wish to work with and through a combination of crayon work and tissue collage, create a multicolored plaid. Outlines materials, art concepts, and process involved. (KM)

Suggests that elementary teachers and student teachers should use media resources to supplement their knowledge and as references for ideas. Examines the process whereby art education students study articles from "School Arts" to extend the ideas presented and to practice adapting them to different grade levels by creating printmaking…

Presents lesson plans designed for secondary students that assess the role of naturalistic representation in twentieth-century art by examining the artwork of four artists: Pablo Picasso, Rene Magritte, David Smith, and Jackson Pollock. Provides background information on each illustration, and outlines discussion and art production activities for…

Profiles the use of mask-making in an art education program at San Pedro Academy in Los Angeles. San Pedro is an all-male private school for elementary, middle and high school students with emotional and behavioral problems. Discusses the uses of mask-making from multicultural and therapeutic perspectives. (MJP)

Described a program to infuse art into a writer's workshop in an effort to improve writing and self expression across grade levels. Notes how the students' artwork elicited more descriptive writing, improved students' observation skills, provided a necessary image for writers to write with clarity and purpose, and improved learning. (SD)

Explains how a veil control method allows secondary students to use oil paints in the classroom without difficulties of control, manageability, and clean up. Outlines how to prepare and apply oil glazes. Maintains that this method enhances students' studio skills and helps them appreciate the works of the great masters. (KM)

Reviews research on the place of the arts in programs for the elderly. In nine articles deals with characteristics and attitudes of adult students in art and music, dance therapy, and creativity. Discusses the aging advocacy movement and suggests it can be useful to program planners and gerontologists. (JAC)

Develops a unit to help elementary school children revive the spontaneous bright color painting qualities of their preschool years. After observing book illustrations and Henri Rousseau's work, second grade students created compositions outlined in black paint and then used felt-tipped markers instead of paint to color in the shapes. (KM)

Outlines difficulties of introducing art critiques in the elementary classroom. Recounts how problems were overcome by providing focus and allowing students to decide which classmates should critique their work. Provides a structure for critiquing art that builds verbal and analytical skills as students proceed from kindergarten to grade six. (KM)