This paper presents four major features of L. S. Vygotsky's theory of creative imagination. The first feature discussed is that imagination is the internalization of children's play. It is explained that the development of imagination parallels the development of speech which originates in the child's social dialogue with adults, passes through an…

Findings of research seeking predictors of mature creative achievement in the early artistic development of the Swiss painter, Paul Klee; the French painter, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec; and the Spanish painter and sculptor, Pablo Picasso are presented. Discussion is organized into four sections. The first section offers an overview, rationale, and…

This paper attempts to make explicit some assumptions about the creative abilities of people with developmental disabilities, and offers constructive strategies for replacing negative ideas and attitudes with positive attitudes. The paper points out that: a high degree of artistic ability can coexist with considerable impairments in other areas of…

The paper examines the early development of a highly talented child artist in light of three theories of graphic development in children: (1) drawing development is a search for increasingly satisfying solutions to graphic problems that proceeds along a stage-like path; (2) gifted children aspiring to be artists carefully imitate their culture's…

The important role of spontaneous play in preschool education programs is emphasized. At present too much emphasis is placed on structured learning activities and it's suggested that more "open spaces" be allowed for in a child's day. In spontaneous play, adequate space and time must be allotted for investigation and unhurried experience. Good…

The concept of excellence is explored in relation to various dimensions. Since the time of ancient Greece, there has been difficulty in defining "the Good," or the nature of human excellence. It is suggested that "the Good" of which excellence is an important part is a fundamental concept of the human personality, and that…