One afternoon during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown, as I was retooling my in-person courses for online instruction, I took a break to see how the educators and artists I follow on Instagram were faring. As I scrolled through a variety of posts, I happened upon an image showing a page torn from the 1940 children's book "Lentil"…

Rice can be the basis for mosaics, flower arrangements, games, toys, and many things children would like to make. It can add new dimensions to making candles, coasters, and jewelry. Working with rice can aid in the development of appreciation of texture, symmetry, coordination, imagination and, at the same time, result in hand-made gifts for…

Describes the origin of Swedish rya knotting and illustrates how it is done. Outlines a lesson plan to make a Swedish rya mat using weaving and knotting techniques. (KM)

This notebook is a reference source that lists suggested manual projects that can be completed by students with disabilities. The projects were developed for use with special education students and those in prevocational education. Information is included about materials, hardware, equipment, and safety, with recommendations for each project and…

Appreciating children's art involves considering all work as an expressive form which conveys its own meaning. Characteristics that can be examined include the medium and materials used; the size, shape, colors, and angles present; the subject, scene, idea, or emotion represented; and the nature and origin of the idea for the work. (JW)

Notes that a woodworking center in early childhood settings fosters self-esteem, integrates into curriculum, provides developmentally appropriate activities, and aids in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Provides information in wood choices, tools, and activities in gluing, sanding, hammering, sawing, and drilling. Includes…

Describes a motivating activity for drawing still-life. States that students did contour drawings with markers and then layers of color tissue were used for enhancement. Students learned to appreciate the accidental variations caused by the materials. Concludes that this lesson increased students' motivation for contour drawing. Identifies…

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)

This book brings together British and U.S. contributions to the debate of a critical studies approach to art and design education. The approach links practice and appreciation. But critical differences exist in definitions of the term design, with the U.S. recognition of design as the use of principles and elements of art in works and a British…