This study examined the relationship between the visual elaboration characteristic of paired-associate learning and figural elaboration as found in the graphic representations of preadolescents (ages 8-12) and as measured by nonverbal creativity measures. Significant correlations between figural variables and one or both visual variables were…

An important outcome of Singapore's education system is the development of creative thinking skills. This project investigates the impact of a creative dance unit on a class of Primary One (seven-year-old) children's usage of bodily kinaesthetic intelligence to solve problems. One key objective was for the researchers to observe something new,…

Children's drawings of "a house with a tree behind it" were analyzed for (1) developmental changes in graphic representation over a 3-year period; (2) relationship with Piagetian tasks (the Nebraska Wisconsin Cognitive Assessment Battery of the NC-124), Peabody IQ, and WISC-R; and (3) correspondence with the Luquet-Piaget sequence of…

A project involving painting large murals on the courtyard walls of a school not only halted vandalism but improved the quality of education for all students by integrating the arts into their basic education. (JD)

Describes Kaleidoscope, a participatory arts program created by Hallmark Cards. Designed as a supplement to classroom art instruction, the program provides children of 6 to 12 years with positive experiences in exploring art. The program is designed to foster originality, imaginative thinking, and creative self-expression. (Author/BB)

Investigated impact of peer group acceptance and gender on quality of artwork produced by predominantly European-American friendship dyads of third through sixth graders. Found that high-accepted (according to sociometric ratings) dyads' artwork was rated higher in quality than low- and dissimilar-accepted dyads' artwork. Females raters…

Examines artwork of elementary school students to determine the interrater and inter-item reliabilities of ratings given by professional artists. The generality of creative performance for the artworks, and the topic of age trends in artistic creativity, are also considered. (BB)

Evaluated the effectiveness of a drawing program called "negotiated drawing" with children aged 5-7 years. Compared drawings of children using this program with those of children given normal drawing lessons. All the children improved their drawings, but the children using the negotiated drawing program improved more than the children…

Describes an artist-in-residence experience at a private Montessori school. Discusses the Montessori philosophy regarding art education, the artist's challenge to the Montessori approach, and art experiences. Asserts that the artist-in-residence demonstrated a merging of the precepts of the Reggio Emilia approach, Montessori principles, and the…

Presents an art lesson that teaches students to look closer at a work of art and to utilize art vocabulary to describe a picture. Discusses a student project in which students use "Dippity Dye" to create the background on which to draw fish and other sea life. (CMK)

Focuses on the study of personal containers and their uses in art creation for children. States that children are fascinated by boxes and containers. Provides examples of personal containers, such as lunch boxes, pencil cases, purses and valets, and school bags. (CMK)

In an exchange program, 11- and 12-year olds from Arles (France) (n=25) and Sparta (Greece) (n=27) visited each other's cities and explored the culture and history. This study explores the ways they conceptualized the cultural patrimony of both cities through student drawings. The exchange created opportunities for dialog about European culture.…

Presents three art projects that can bring to life the study of ancient Egypt for elementary students. After researching Egypt's history and culture, students can create King Tut masks, make Cleopatra headdresses, and craft cartouche pendants. The article describes the materials needed and steps required to complete each project. (SM)

Presents a project in which students used the modeling compound called Sculpey to create miniature creatures called "wee folk". States that the project students were required to learn two new techniques: (1) working in stages; and (2) using round wooden toothpicks as primary tools. (CMK)

Describes an art project where students used excelsior, shredded wood used for packing, to create animals. Explains that excelsior can be found at furniture and grocery stores. Discusses in detail the process of making the animals and includes learning objectives. (CMK)