Explores the extent to which social cognitive aspects of preschool children's free play behaviors varied according to two classroom contextual variables: (1) presence in different learning centers and (2) number of children and adults in those centers. Results incdicated that children behaved differently according to these variables. (Author/AS)

Contradictions in the literature abound concerning Franz Cizek's role in fostering creative art. Researchers should turn to student recollections to determine what Franz Cizek's contribution to art education really was. A former Cizek student who today is prominent in design work is interviewed. (RM)

This document consists of the two issues of the journal "Visual Arts in Research" published in 1994. This journal focuses on the theory and practice of visual arts education from educational, historical, philosophical, and psychological perspectives. Number 1 of this volume includes the following contributions: (1) "Zooming in on the Qualitative…

This paper first gives a historical overview of mosaics, discussing mosaic masks made by the Aztecs and floor mosaics made by the Greeks, as well as the Roman mosaics at Pompeii and the Byzantine decorative mosaics exemplified by those at Ravenna. The paper then elaborates on children's mosaic making observed during research conducted between 1986…

Part of a series for early years teachers in Scotland, this guide focuses on ways to provide creative opportunities that support and enhance child development. The guide discusses how to respect children's creativity while observing and developing their skills and suggests practical and creative alternatives to the mass production of identical…

This case study of artist/researcher Ursula Kolbe was undertaken in 1998 to extend understanding of the complexity of the process of teaching and learning in respect to children's interactions with visual arts materials. The following questions prompted the research: how does a teacher who is also an artist work with young children? and does a…

A program for improving student attitudes and achievement in art was developed and implemented. Targeted population consisted of eighth-grade students (n=28) in a junior high school in a suburban community near a large Midwestern city. The problem of poor attitudes and disinterest in art was documented with student surveys and self assessments, a…

The author argues the position that, "...drawing is a learned behavior, one that can be affected through instruction. (Author)

Ideas are presented for the creation of various puppets which can be used to teach different topics in the elementary school classroom. A song and ideas for stages for puppet shows and a "puppet corner" are also included. (CJ)

This fifth article in a series on children's art discusses art expression and art teaching in the unpredictable and chaotic years of early adolescence. (SJL)

The purpose of this study was: (1) to examine how artistic development is fostered in the playgroup setting; (2) to discover if between-playgroup effects are apparent in the developmental levels of children's painting, and (3) if such differences occur, to consider the relevance of supervisor behavior to these differences. Subjects were 48…

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…

Discusses the place of design and technology in the national curriculum in England and Wales and its relationship to the art and design curriculum. Outlines the principal recommendations of the reports from the National Curriculum Working Group for Design and Technology. Summarizes the responses to the reports. (KM)

Reproduces the National Society for Education in Art and Design's (NSEAD) response to the report, "Design and Technology for Ages 5 to 16." Comments on attainment targets and statements of attainment, programs of study, profile components and assessments, key issues, and implementation. (KM)

Outlines three methods of introducing original paintings to young children: narratives, finding a consensus, and building on a shared experience. Analyzes the childrens' verbal and artistic responses. (KM)