Describes how children six years and older can create plaster friezes. Children were first shown examples and then drew plans before creating their own friezes. (KM)

Describes how artist Betye Saar collects technological debris that she manipulates to create her artwork. Compares her work with African art which has a long history of transforming materials from the environment into symbols and objects. Suggests activities for students to create art with debris from their environment. (KM)

This article reviews several studies which suggest that the Australian community does not actively encourage creative potential. Noted are a 1969 cross-cultural study showing Australian children were one of the least creative groups tested and a follow-up study of these students showing Australians as comparatively low creative achievers in adult…

Reviews current research in the application of the Neo-Piagetian theory of Pascual-Leone and shows how it provides the science teacher new implements. Hypothesizes that the role of the environment and creativity, if emphasized adequately, can help make science instruction more effective. (Contains 45 references.) (PR)

Manipulatives make possible an indispensable form of hands-on investigation in science instruction. A Yale University study found that simple objects kept elementary-age children involved and entertained with very high levels of attention and concentration. Manipulatives also encourage social interaction, enhancing cooperation, harmony,…

A study involving 34 fifth- and sixth graders examined the equivalence of paper-and-pencil and computer-based versions of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), Figural Forms A and B. Computer-based TTCT scores were not equivalent with the paper-and-pencil version. Computer-based scores did show different response tendencies among…

Discusses the Montessori music curriculum, describing a series of lesson plans to present a comprehensive view of music in the classroom. Describes selecting simple melodies, integrating music into the day, using songs to initiate deeper studies in all parts of the prepared environment, teaching singing, and encouraging children to write their own…

Discusses the connections between Montessori pedagogy and Brian Swimme's ideas of a human authorship of a connection with the evolution of the universe and a need to reestablish a connection with the natural world. Describes the ways the art of 11- and 12-year-old students demonstrates an awareness of these issues and a connection with the natural…

Romanian teachers and creative adolescents were interviewed to profile the creative adolescent, focusing on self-image and a description of social conditions contributing to creativity. Responses suggested that schools lack the means to stimulate creativity. Teachers recognize creativity but lack curricula to meet students' needs. Creative…

This article describes implementation of a creativity curriculum, Ten Lessons in Creativity, with gifted and typical students in elementary and middle school settings. It discusses creativity instruction as a bridge between gifted and regular education, ways that creativity workshops affirm the highly creative child, creativity and self-esteem,…

Used the Parents as Teachers Inventory to examine the relation between socioeconomic status and attitudes of 80 mothers of 3- to 5-year-olds who had attended Head Start or a university nursery school regarding play and creativity. Found that mothers of children attending the university school had higher play and creativity scores than mothers of…

Describes an activity in which fourth grade students created a three-dimensional representation of Vincent Van Gogh's room in Arles (France). Expounds that the students had to invent their own strategies for three-dimensional construction and two-dimensional embellishment. Provides directions for creating the room and bed. (CMK)

Describes an assignment that requires students to develop an original concept for their artwork where they utilize mixed media and repetition within their drawing as a starting point. Explains that students learn about principles of design and the frequency of repetition to satisfy compositional needs. (CMK)

Discusses the importance for teachers to question personal paradigms by changing their beliefs about teaching practices. Explains that instead of having second-grade students use bright colors to create African masks, students can develop their shading skills instead. Provides instructions for a lesson where students use pencil shading when…

This article examines assessment instruments, measurement considerations, and factors that affect understanding of a child's creativity. It compares strengths and weaknesses of methods of assessing creativity and lists more than 60 standardized assessment measures. Procedures for using formal and informal measures in the decision-making process…