This paper examines art, a discipline that bears striking parallels, and differences, in the way it is practiced and valued in the United States and Japan. In Japan, art is a valued part of the elementary curriculum warranting as much time as science and social studies. In the United States, art is generally thought of as something extra to do if…

This study describes preschoolers' computer-generated graphics. Of specific interest were three questions: (1) What is the nature of children's computer-generated drawings in terms of the developmental stages of art? (2) How do the stages evident in children's computer-generated drawings compare with those in drawings produced with traditional art…

Reviews literature supporting the proposition that language is an essential component of early artistic development. Suggests that appropriate forms of dialogue between adults and children in art-making contexts may provide a foundation for understanding and facilitating early artistic activity. (Author/BB)

Replicates Jessica Davis' study of the U-shaped aesthetic development curve in a cross-cultural setting. Examines whether a similar U-curve is evidenced in Chinese aesthetic development. Presents results that suggest that Chinese aesthetic criteria do not produce a U-shaped evaluation of artistic skills. Discusses limitations of the study. (DSK)

Presents a longitudinal case study of one girl's artistic development from age 2 to 6 years to illustrate the interplay between the child's symbolic development and the social context in which she draws. Considers the observer-researcher as a "co-constructor" of artistic development, highlighting the need for models of development that integrate…

Designed to expand children's artistic and reading/writing abilities while developing their ability to draw, tell, and write stories, this paper describes a "story-picture" program for first grade Blackfoot Indian children. General cognitive, perceptual and psychomotor, and affective skills are listed as the course's intended learning…

Designed to offer practical and flexible suggestions, this curriculum guide presents art teaching methods for instructing K-6 students in drawing techniques. Information in the guide is presented by grade level and further subdivided into sections on: (1) materials needed; (2) suggested topics; (3) motivation and guidance; (4) activities; and (5)…

Seventeen research papers and discussions representing diverse topics concerning research in the arts and presented as part of the 1983 Arts and Learning Special Interest Group (SIG) program of the American Educational Research Association are presented in the first of two volumes. Papers presented are: "Ways to Talk and What to Say: A Study…

The purpose of this study is to show that there is a gradual and measurable development in the drawing of space representation concepts. A further purpose is to show that children's drawings of a village (which represent relations among concepts) may be a better measure of their conceptual maturity than their drawings of a man (which represent a…

Investigates the drawing and copying skills of nine autistic and eight mentally retarded children matched for mental age. Results indicate a similarity of performance for the drawing tasks and significant differences concerning the copying. Discusses the specific functions performed better by the autistic children and provides illustrative…

Sixteen conference papers representing diverse topics concerning research in the arts and presented as part of the 1984 Arts and Learning Special Interest Group (SIG) program of the American Educational Research Association are presented in the second of two volumes. Papers presented include: "First Graders' Conversations about Art Making:…

Using examples from children drawing in a year one classroom, this article examines firstly, how drawing operates as a unique mental tool, and secondly, the role of drawing in the construction and development of knowledge. Young children utilize prior knowledge and experience to negotiate and construct meaning through their interactions with…

Recognition of the handicapped child's isolation from the environment is the basis for creative art therapy across handicapping conditions (physical disabilities, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, deafness, Blindness, speech impairment, cerebral palsy). Detachment may be overcome by self expression through drawings, paintings, and…

Presents the results of a study where five-, seven-, and nine-year olds were asked to draw three figures: one standing still and facing them, one standing still in profile, and one running in profile. Half drew from imagination and half drew from models. Discusses the differences between the efforts. (MJP)

Analysis and assessment of young children's spontaneous writing and drawing in daily journals may focus on three significant dimensions: what, who, and how: what stands for thought and meaning; who, for person; and how, for form. These categories may be further divided. Thought and meaning include theme(s), organization, and vocabulary; person…