This digest considers teacher- and child-initiated strategies for enhancing young children's self-expression and creativity. When teachers think about art and creative activities for children, it is important for them to consider that young children: (1) are developmentally capable of classroom experiences which call for (and practice) higher…

The unit on nonverbal communication is designed for presentation to elementary, middle, and junior high school gifted students. An introductory section lists four unit objectives leading to awareness of the nonverbal communication transmitted by students themselves and by others; expression and understanding of the nonverbal messages of gestures,…

Educational experiences which facilitate the development of original thinking and learning are (1) the "open system" of education which stresses freedom at home and at school; (2) the emphasis on sensory awareness of the environment; (3) the development of curiosity and sense of wonder; (4) the growth of imaginative powers and original thinking…

A simulation study with 96 students at 3 schools of fashion design demonstrated that more creative output was obtained from subjects who had more choice in selecting problems on which to work; took more time to perform the task; had more training; expressed positive feelings about their work; and attended the school with the best reputation. (DB)

Described are the development, implementation, and evaluation of six 3-hour inservice training sessions designed to help five participating teachers improve imagination and creativity in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students. Content areas for each session are outlined; activities including brainstorming and role playing are reviewed; and…

The conflict between Samoan culture and the development of creativity among Samoan students is examined. Creativity is defined as the process of sensing gaps, finding a means of effecting closure, and formulating hypotheses to eventually produce a novel product. The greater the pressure to conform, however, no matter what the source, the fewer the…

Argues that a high priority should be placed on creative expression in early childhood settings, including the visual arts, music, dance, poetry, and drama. Stresses that creative potential must be nurtured and carefully cultivated, and argues that there can be no true artistic expression without freedom, and there can be no true freedom without…

The purpose of this manual is to serve as an instrument for those interested in using puppetry with economically and/or deprived youngsters for the purpose of improving self expression, self-image, and communication. That his form of creative exPression improves coordination, memorization skills, listening skills, and crativity are suggested.…

Examples of innovative programs for the disadvantaged and minority groups include a demonstration program in guidance and counseling and one in cultural arts. These programs are elements in a three-year demonstration program sponsored by Project Upper Cumberland. A cultural art evaluation and a guidance school program evaluation are presented.…

Profiles Sherry Stidolph and her ongoing efforts to bring Shakespeare to children. Stidolph uses her knowledge of child development to decide which plays to choose and which elements to emphasize. Includes drawings by the children illustrating scenes from the plays. (MJP)

Examines children's art creations in a child care center in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. Suggests that, to produce art, children need many interesting experiences in classroom and community, as well as encouragement to think, talk, and create art in response to their experiences. Under such circumstances, their art is as intriguing and…

Explores misconceptions about the place of the arts in early childhood education. Notes that children's creativity usually flourishes in a play-like atmosphere where children have the time, materials, opportunity, and social support to experiment. Suggests three ways to facilitate children's artistic growth and creative expression, and includes a…

Visual thinking has been neglected with the increasing emphasis on verbal and analytical skills. There is a need to provide balance in curriculum content and instructional evaluation related to visual imagery skills. In order to draw upon students' diverse talents and thinking capacities, educators must honor and respect alternative thinking and…

This collection of speeches is concerned with the fine arts and crafts programs in elementary and secondary schools. An introduction outlines the problem of aesthetics and fine arts education. Speakers (1) propose a humanities program for students of all abilities; (2) consider whether marching bands serve an aesthetic purpose in the high schools;…

Creativity and its development in students through creative English programs are the subjects of this report from the Dartmouth Seminar. David Holbrook's paper, "Creativity in the English Programme," maintains that English should be taught creatively to enhance the child's capacity to deal with his inner and outer experiences and to help…