Describes a cultural arts program of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA) that encourages K-12 students to explore their thoughts and express them through the arts. The 1988-89 theme was "Proud Experiences," around which students created artwork that depicted feelings of accomplishment as well as national and family pride.…

Discusses the use of arts and crafts activities in school-age child care programs. Differentiates arts and crafts, describes the use of throw-away items in activities, and makes suggestions for starting arts and crafts activities. Concludes with instructions for five craft activities, including Fourth of July candles and place mats, gift…

Defines "synectics" as the bringing together of diverse elements. Notes that as an instructional strategy, it depends upon thinking by analogy or metaphor. Discusses components of a synectics lesson. Presents three sample synectics lessons (on "Macbeth," friendship, and Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird"). (PA)

Describes Weekend Workshops offered by the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Talented Elementary Students. The purpose of the three-hour workshops is to offer academically talented students an interesting and challenging experience. The philosophy and goals of the program and course descriptions are provided. (CR)

Presents an interview with Ruth Beall Heinig, author of "Creative Drama for the Classroom Teacher," about her role as a teacher of creative drama and as a teacher-educator preparing teachers to use creative drama. Describes the development of her career in creative drama. Offers information on books about the subject written by other authors. (CR)

Describes the potential that theater has to exert a positive influence on students' behavior patterns. States that positive educational experiences for African-American children may be achieved through the development of "an alternative frame of reference, positive self-concepts, a Black identity, and a commitment to their people."…

Discusses an exploration of depth in landscape painting using Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" as an example. Used computer drawing software for children to allow students to create their own interpretations of "Starry Night" while exploring means of portraying depth in two-dimensional art. (DSK)

Describes a puppetry project a teacher developed for her middle school theater students, focusing on the step-by-step creation of puppets. Compares "drama for everyone" to writing across the curriculum, exposing students to myriad subjects. Discusses a project that built an advanced theater class around integrated learning, benefiting not only…

Describes tools and techniques that can be used to increase creativity in libraries. Highlights include idea files; brainstorming, in groups or as individuals; mind mapping; checklists; idea processing software; new age techniques such as brain integration and flotation tanks; and an annotated bibliography of six books on idea techniques. (LRW)

Interaction with animals has important implications for child development in the areas of social growth and communication. Although pets are common in classrooms, research on educational benefits is scarce. A survey shows that classroom animals are often studied directly and used as prompts for creative activities. (Contains 13 references.) (MLH)

Presents an interview with Allen Schoer, CEO of TAI Resources, regarding his definition of creativity, what stimulates individual creativity, what makes it grow, and how his experiences and ideas can be applied in any classroom for an effective learning experience. (VWC)

This article suggests ways in which specific books about quilts can be used in classrooms or individually to develop personal, cultural, and problem-solving extensions for gifted curriculum. It discusses how gifted children can be encouraged to examine their experiences and ideas and piece them together into meaningful craft products. (Contains…

A New York-based nonprofit educational organization, the Touchstone Center, creates interdisciplinary arts programs in public schools that stimulate the imaginative process. When the natural world is used as a context for imaginative thought, and when children use their innate capacity for wonder and imagination, a new interest in learning often…

This article describes a hybrid activities model that physical educators can use with students in grades four and above to create virtually a limitless array of novel games. A brief introduction to the basic theory is followed by descriptions of some hybrid games. Hybrid games are typically the result of merging two traditional sports or other…

This chapter examines spiritual awakenings and creative expression that influence changes in the life course. In what ways can learning environments foster growth and integration of the whole person?