Harvard Project Zero provides a series of technical research reports which study artistic creation and comprehension as a means toward better art education. The emphasis of the research is to improve art education through a better psychological understanding of symbol systems and media of art and through better understanding of the perceptual,…

Discusses art education and some suggestions for correlated visual arts--social studies experiences for children. These activities allow for personal, aesthetic expression that should lead to increased understanding of important human relationships. (Editor/RK)

Developed with the intention of helping children learn about themselves, this booklet presents the objectives, activities, and children's films used by five public school participants in one component of the Special Arts Project. Each film was chosen both to dramatize realistically the source and effect of one specific feeling (positive or…

This handbook, written for teachers, art teachers, and parents of young children, describes actual elementary school classroom experiences. Each anecdote is juxtaposed with a simple explanation of its philosophical and psychological rationale. Symbolic representation of the environment through art making is seen as a natural language, a…

Intended as support material for teachers in Tasmania, Australia, to develop their ideas and practices in teaching visual arts to elementary school students, this volume provides a framework for a working, personal curriculum document that can be expanded. The first section of the book deals with learning through the visual arts. It describes the…

Studies the employment of collage by young children as a symbolic activity in organized educational settings. Establishes a taxonomy of collage types and observes their development in two kindergarten classes. Concludes that collage promotes the acquisition of a flexible sequence of skills and reflects a range of abilities and approaches. (DSK)

Reports on the beginnings of visual representation in early childhood by using longitudinal studies in both London, England and Singapore. Finds evidence to support the theory that underlying children's use and organization of visual media are certain robust forms of behavior, or deep structures. (CFR)

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…

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)

Responds to Claire Golumb's research on the cognitive development of young children's ability to create representations of reality using visual arts. Asserts that young children must find acceptable pictorial substitutes when producing representations. (CFR)

A model elementary art curriculum for use in Manitoba (Canada) schools is outlined. The guide's first section provides an overview of the program, discussing why art is taught in grades 1-6, program design, goals, objectives, implementation and evaluation, special education, child development in art and a scope and sequence. The second section…