Anna Mary Robertson Moses, popularly known as Grandma Moses, may be the most famous American folk artist. A fortuitous combination of original vision, innate talent, spunky character, and long life, Moses is known for her landscapes that depict nostalgic views of country life. In this article, the author describes an art activity she introduced to…

Describes the Polish paper-cutting folk art called "wycinanki," and provides instructions for teachers to assist their students in the production of this decorative art form. (MDM)

Presents methods of coordinating poetry writing with mask making, oriental exercises, and painting to give students a sharper insight into the poetic impulse. (MM)

Directions for making and coloring nine paper dolls representing various regions of Mexico are given. These dolls represent the regions of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Hildalgo, Yucatan, Potosina, Puebla, and Chiapas. Each doll is dressed in the traditional costume of the region. (NQ)

Folk art tells the story of many generations and reflects cultures everywhere. It is a wonderful tool for introducing students to world cultures and traditions. This book brings the world of folk art into the classroom with extension activities that integrate art, social studies, science, language arts, and music. Organized into three sections,…

Describes how art activities can create a comfortable atmosphere of valuing diversity without spotlighting the culturally different child. Guidelines are offered for using folk arts, art history, children's literature, and small-group activities. (RH)

The Aztec calendar had a different god representing each month of the year. This color-by-number book illustrates each god and gives its name and the month it represents in Spanish. Each part of the god is numbered from 1 to 20 with a color corresponding to each number. (NQ)

As part of the National Education Association (NEA) Mastery in Learning Project, faculty and students of the Greasewood/Toyei Consolidated Boarding School developed a booklet of Navajo students' work. The purpose of the booklet is to promote better understanding of the Navajo culture. Navajo culture emphasizes respect for the earth, reverence of…

Directions, suggested materials, and illustrations are given for making paper mache pinatas and masks, cascarones, Ojos de Dios, maracas, dresser scarf embroidery, burlap murals, yarn designs, paper plate trays, paper cut designs, the poppy, sarape aprons, and paper Mexican dolls. Filled with candy and broken, the pinata is used on most Mexican…

The teaching mini-units in this teacher's guide are designed for use with elementary level students. Thematic study units are given for each of the following countries or continents: Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the…

In the Haida nation, there are two phratries, Eagle and Raven, divided into a number of clans sharing one or more emblems. These emblems, inherited from the mother's line, adorn the button blankets which are the traditional ceremonial robes that serve to identify the family of the wearer. Written instructions and diagrams guide students in…

A milagro is a little metal pendant that symbolizes a request, a prayer, or a wish. This "Teacher's Guide" and bilingual "Student Booklet" accompany a bilingual videotape and color wall poster in a multimedia package intended to introduce students in grades 3-8 to the folk art tradition of milagros. The videotape, presented…

This resource guide, designed for elementary level students, presents activities focusing on the language and customs of Mexico. The material is organized in 12 chapters that correspond with the curriculum calendar. Whenever possible, the thematic topic presented in each chapter refers to calendar appropriate festivals or events. Following an…

Discusses the development and implementation of the Folk Art Laboratory School, a one-week summer program. This inservice teacher education program was a cooperative venture between the University of Indianapolis and a local elementary school. Teachers learned about the various genres of folk art as taught by local practitioners. (MJP)