A summary of two studies of literacy development in classroom settings illustrates: (1) the developmental dialectic between children's use of symbolic forms and the functions those symbolic forms serve in the child's social world; and (2) ways that specific cultural practices define the interaction between the child, the symbolic media, and the…

Investigates the difference between children's drawings from two- and three-dimensional models, specifically, the influence of color and line, the difference between multicolor and monochrome material, and gender differences. Finds that children's drawings present detailed information about the subject first, then simple proportions, and finally…

Examines children's (n=306) drawings of a river basin to determine their understanding of scientific concepts related to the water cycle. Presents exemplars of five levels of understanding and analysis of the drawings' orientation and content. Contains 24 references. (Author/WRM)

Discusses an art activity that has students create pictures in which they first trace a chameleon pattern and then add camouflage to conceal the chameleon. Explains that different materials and techniques are used for students in grades k-1 and 2-5. (CMK)

Studies young children's designs in an early years design, make, and appraise (DMA) classroom. Examines several issues including the connection between designing and making, the purpose of drawing for young children, children's understanding of the design process, types of images used by young children, and children's attitudes toward designing…

Compares drawings of English children with mild learning difficulties (M.L.D.) with those of children of the same chronological age and of the same mental age. Reports that drawings by M.L.D. children are similar to those of children at the same mental age. Suggests that M.L.D. children follow a normal rather than deviant developmental pattern.…

Explores the nature of images created by Paleolithic artists and autistic artists in regard to drawing techniques and image function. Explains the commonalities based on a discussion of the role of the early vision process and the construction of meaning. Notes the importance of this research for understanding autistic artists. (DSK)

The symbolic graphic life-line was used with clients (N=50) in short- or long-term group therapy programs. Information expressed through the life-lines helped to integrate the clients' feelings and thoughts in relation to past events, and aided therapists in devising treatment goals. (MKA)

Discusses a project focusing on icosahedrons that combines geometry, structure, graphic design, animation, motion, and mechanical and freehand drawing with ancient Greek catapult mechanics. Includes directions on how to both construct a template and develop the pattern for the icosahedrons. (CMK)

Describes how drawing can be used as a tool to help students develop and document more complex understandings not often used in science instruction. Explores how drawing can be used to learn about animals. Includes student illustrations. (SAH)

Describes a project in which ninth grade students sculpt gargoyles as part of a Gothic unit. Discusses the construction of the gargoyles from the initial sketches to sculpting methods and effects to finishes. Offers tips on what to avoid. (CMK)

Discusses an art project in which sixth grade students design alphabets by transforming the shapes of the letters into new designs that are still recognizable. Explains that students brainstorm ideas for their own lettering style. (CMK)

Describes a drawing assignment, using colored pencil, that explores color, texture, and relationships among drawn objects. Students use reference photographs to create a drawing in which one object is juxtaposed against a crowd of similar but different objects. (CMK)

Describes an assignment where students in an advanced art class created ten textured backgrounds for future artworks. Explains that there were different stations with tools and media for creating the backgrounds. Offers examples of what subject matter was used with the backgrounds. (CMK)

Describes an art project for second-grade students where in over five class periods, they create fired clay dinosaur sculptures with dioramas as the background. States that this project, the culminating activity for a sculpture unit, teaches students many art terms and uses of different media. (CMK)