When first studying children's artistic development, many preservice teachers feel amazed as they learn students' artistic capabilities and see how students can thrive under the guidance of effective art educators. Teaching a standards-based art curriculum skillfully and with care requires art educators to be familiar with developmentally…

A goal of art learning is always independence, for everyone to become their own art teacher. Teaching for artistic independence can never start too early. As art teachers, children acquire confidence in their art, and in coming to school as artists. Children should be considered artists in residence and visiting artists in schools. It makes sense…

In this article, I will examine the use of picture books as a means of supporting the intellectual pursuits of young children. Theoretical frameworks will be discussed as they pertain to the integration of these books in the Municipal Infant Toddler Centers and Preschools of Reggio Emilia and Pistoia, Italy. The pedagogical framework of these…

What is happening in arts teaching and learning in our classrooms? Recent NEMP reports tell us that Year 4 students are not performing well but that there is an increase in scores at Year 8. This new professional development resource builds on research into teacher practice in Years 0-6 classrooms in New Zealand primary schools. It offers new…

Asperger Syndrome (AS) and autism are two pervasive developmental disorders of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with AS may have exceptional speech and language abilities and difficulty establishing friendships with peers. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that all American children have the right to…

In this article, the author profiles Susan Striker, an art teacher, who first opened an art school for children, Young Art, in New York City in 1984. With her popular series, "The Anti-Coloring Book," celebrating its 26th year of publication, Susan Striker has made a career for herself out of not being afraid to go against the tide. Striker went…

The arts are among the first victims of back-to-basics zealots but now a countermovement is under way. Connecticut's Mead School offers a striking example that students in arts-centered schools can be highly motivated to learn. (Author/RK)

Argues that the aesthetics component of discipline-based art education (DBAE) needs to be re-evaluated in order for DBAE to be used at the elementary level. Suggests taking the practical approach to teaching aesthetics rather than the philosophical approach. (BR)

Presents two printmaking lessons for children inspired by master art teacher, Frank Wachowiak. "Repeated Motifs and Designs" uses vegetables and found objects to make prints emphasizing repeat patterns. "Fish Under the Sea" uses white liquid glue to make line prints with strong linear compositions. (LS)

Provides four art portraits from various sources to help students question reality and the roles people play in society. Includes background information on the artists, historical contexts, visual analyses, and vocabulary lists. Outlines art and reading assignments for all age groups. (KM)

Describes a cultural arts program of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA) that encourages K-12 students to explore their thoughts and express them through the arts. The 1988-89 theme was "Proud Experiences," around which students created artwork that depicted feelings of accomplishment as well as national and family pride.…

States that amidst optimism and controversy, discipline-based art education (DBAE) has entered the U.S. art education scene. Attempts to put DBAE in perspective, to identify its roots, and to alleviate the concerns of some about its message. (Author/BSR)

Maintains that the cognitive aspects of art education are being emphasized in order to validate art education's place in the curriculum. Argues that the studio approach to art education should be reformed while remaining at the core of art education. Explores the questions of who should teach art education; and how art teachers should be educated.…

Maintains that the study of art history should be learning about all forms of art work from every culture and relating it to the present. Describes how one art teacher uses puppetry to actively involve students in art history. Recommends that teachers look to the great teachers and their own teaching for such lessons. (KM)

Explores children's fascination with creating their own unique games as an art form. Focuses on different games, such as chess, checkers, pogs, and monopoly. States that observing children playing games offers a firsthand lesson in how children create. Discusses what it means to be an art teacher who promotes creative play with games. (CMK)