In child-centered programs children construct their own knowledge from their experiences and interactions with the world around them, and teachers foster children's growth and development by building on children's interests, needs, and strengths within a safe and caring environment. The Step by Step educational program developed a series of…

This packet--a teacher's manual, student workbook, and color poster--was designed to accompany a 2-part videotape program. The teacher's manual provides a script of the videotape, and is organized in 2 sections. Part 1, "Kings, Glyphs, Temples and Ball Courts", looks at the written glyph language and the Solar and Ritual calendars of the…

Project Spectrum is a collaborative research and development project that offers an alternative approach to assessment and curriculum development for preschool and early primary years. The project, based on Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory and David Henry Feldman's nonuniversal development theory, emphasizes observing children…

This curriculum guide offers principles, guidelines, and suggested activities for teaching art to young children with a wide variety of disabilities. An introductory chapter notes the benefits of the arts, adaptations for various disabilities, the curriculum's rationale, and integration of the arts across learning domains. Chapter 2 examines how…

A study examined whether the integration of literacy with music, visual arts, and physical education significantly improved the reading and writing skills of struggling first grade students. Data included running records, teacher observation, writing samples from portfolios, and student surveys. Results indicated: (1) student attitudes toward…

Recommends asking a basic question "What am I trying to teach?" when considering the use and adaptation of computers in art classes. Suggests testing a system to ascertain possibilities, limitations, and particular characteristics. Maintains that computer art is often simply a starting point for other projects. (MJP)

Presents a series of instructional resources that includes three color plates illustrating the work of three sculptresses. Portrays the historical subjects: colonial America's Virginia Dare, the biblical Hagar, and ancient history's Zenobia. Activities include researching the artist, the subject, and the historical period. Discusses the White…

Examines some factors contributing to the success of art as a therapeutic tool with children with autism and considers some reasons why art is not more in evidence in schools. Considers benefits of art therapy and the role of art education as part of the British National Curriculum. Outlines the skills that experienced teachers of children with…

Presents a series of lesson plans and learning activities using discipline based art education principles to focus on four works by African American artists. The artists featured are Joshua Johnson, Horace Pippin, Alma Thomas, and Tom Miller. Includes a representative color plate of each artist's work. (MJP)

Proposes using feminist art criticism, rather than the modernist emphasis, to teach art criticism. Outlines three goals for feminist art criticism: social analysis, political activism, and self-knowledge. Examines each goal and its complementarity, stressing a pluralistic approach. Maintains that such criticism promotes socially relevant learning.…

Develops a unit to help elementary school children revive the spontaneous bright color painting qualities of their preschool years. After observing book illustrations and Henri Rousseau's work, second grade students created compositions outlined in black paint and then used felt-tipped markers instead of paint to color in the shapes. (KM)

Presents a sequential curriculum in design education focusing on product design embodying conceptual statements to guide instruction. Discusses conceptual statements for primary, intermediate, and middle school levels. Concludes that the study of design must be an integral part of the art curriculum. (CFR)

Contends that during the Great Depression the federal government gave the visual arts unprecedented support. Presents a classroom lesson on a public controversy regarding a Works Progress Administration sponsored mural in an Idaho city. Includes teaching suggestions, recommended topics for student projects, and four primary sources. (CFR)

Describes three computer-based lessons using constructivist learning principles. Includes a telecommunications lesson using an online vendor, an interactive video lesson on van Gogh's paintings, and a CD-ROM lesson on ancient lands. Includes figures depicting screens from all three lessons. (CFR)

Reports on research with preschool caregivers, primary grade teachers, and home caregivers of 605 young children on the role the visual arts play in early childhood education. Finds that parents and personnel at day care centers and nursery schools were sensitive to, and positive about, the role and significance of visual arts. (CFR)