Describes how an elementary school Scarecrow Festival evolved from a school-wide art activity into a community-wide project. A materials list for scarecrow construction is included. (AM)

Describes an art activity in which sixth graders made mirror-image masks using only two primary colors and one secondary color. Students discussed the effect of color combinations and the use of masks in folk and modern cultures. (AM)

A patchwork wall hanging is an excellent introduction to felting for elementary students. Directions and a time allowance for designing and basting a patch, felting, and sewing the hanging are included. (AM)

Sixth grade students in a special studio class completed a Malaysian copper tooling project. Procedures, techniques, materials and time requirements for the project are presented. (AM)

Describes ways that aesthetic theories can be integrated into children's art education. The author illustrates elements of E.H. Gombrich's theory of aesthetic perception using as examples art activities designed to increase student awareness of their "mental sets" and their understanding of how mental sets influence visual perception. (AM)

This is the first in a series of articles discussing qualities of art materials commonly used and purchased in school art programs. These articles, written by manufacturers, are intended to help art teachers to identify standards of quality when purchasing or ordering art materials. Some art activities are also discussed. (Author/SJL)

Presents detailed instructions for creating and using natural fabric dyes extracted from plants, a project which the authors have used with first- through sixth-graders. (SJL)

Discusses five guiding principles (from scholars' work in semiotics) for helping teachers explore the arts and literacy instruction, intended as a framework for understanding representation of meaning, in whatever sign system or art form. Discusses why understanding semiotic systems is important to language arts instruction that represents meaning…

In this brief article, the author describes a lesson plan on Mola art she used in her elementary classroom. Using four examples of Kuna Indian molas, the teacher introduced students to the beautiful, colorful, creative art form of molas. The Kuna women have been making these layered pieces of cloth for more than one hundred years. They use a…

A focus on school reform within the field of elementary education has brought an arts-integrated approach to teaching and learning to the forefront. This is not a new approach, as integrating what many call "hands-on activities" in the classroom is quite common. The difference lies in the quality and depth of the approach to teaching and learning,…

The author is always looking for ways to see connections and to adapt experiences across different subjects. Combining art with other disciplines helps keep students engaged, even the really analytical and verbal learners. Aerial perspective is an art technique, a scientific principle, and a vehicle for introducing Chinese painting and…

This document is a brochure to guide young children and their parents as they tour a display of glass art works from the Corning Museum, exhibited at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Questions are posed about individual pieces and the exhibit in general. Activities for children to do at home also are suggested. (DB)

The importance of art in a child's life is emphasized. Things parents can do to develop art awareness are explored. Questions that can be used to check "visual literacy" programs at school are listed. (MT)

Classroom teachers are in a unique position to help children develop an aesthetic awareness. Suggestions for an art appreciation program and materials are discussed. (MT)