Effects of structural and natural language use during direct instruction in teaching color and shape concepts to eight Turkish elementary children with moderate mental retardation were compared using an adapted alternating treatments design. Results indicated that natural language use was as effective or more effective than structural language…

Even though affordable technology makes it possible for teachers to make professional looking computer presentations, overheads, and handouts, they need to understand basic design principles to create effective visuals. This article discusses when visuals should be used and principles of design: layout; organization; and use of space, color, and…

Describes a student activity that focuses on color and the production of images on computer monitors. Students discover the rules for making colors through the use of a magnifying glass and a computer monitor. Includes some tips for integrating the activity into the curriculum. (DDR)

Explains an art project in which students create a linear still life drawing on A2-size paper, duplicate the still life drawing from another viewpoint, and then use abstract design, integrating dynamic patterns and vibrant colors, that hide the still life images. (CMK)

Focuses on a second grade art lesson (two 40-minute class periods) in which students use stencils, oil pastels, and watercolors to create an impressionistic landscape. Discusses how to create the stencils, using oaktags, and how to create the picture. (CMK)

Addresses the teaching of color symbolism and asserts that racism is embodied and perpetuated through conventional notions of black and white symbolism. Discusses a project with two eighth grade classes, focusing on the discussion of color symbolism in school and popular culture. Considers the importance of analyzing contemporary languages of…

Discusses an art activity for kindergarten students that reinforces the idea that patterns are made from repeating a line or shape. The lesson uses circular rather than linear patterns and can be completed in a 40-minute class period. (CMK)

Describes an art lesson for second graders inspired by the loss of Princess Diana and Mother Theresa entitled "Princes, Princesses, Heroes and Heroines." Attempts to relate to the children's personal lives and focuses on people who, in the minds of the children, changed or improved the world. (CMK)

Focuses on a printmaking activity in which students create embellished string prints using the relief process of string glued to chip board. Explains that string prints can easily be embellished with oil pastels. Provides a description of the procedure and a list of materials and methods. (CMK)

Presents a weaving project for sixth grade that employs weaving in layers with octagonal mat boards, instead of the traditional round board. Discusses the process, providing a list of 12 steps, diagrams, and learning objectives. (CMK)

Examines the effect of color-coding instructional materials for students identified as possessing different styles of learning. Subjects (107 college students) were classified as external, neutral, or internal locus of control. Results indicated a significant main effect in favor of the color-coded materials for specific educational objectives.…

Describes an assignment that was used in an advanced drawing class in which the students created self-portraits, breaking up their images using planes and angles to suggest their bone structure. Explains that the students also had to include three realistic portions in their drawings. (CMK)

Presents an activity that used the book "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister as a means to introducing the project in which first-grade students created a picture of a fish. Explains how the students practice following step-by-step directions by the teacher. (CMK)

Offers an integrated art lesson in which kindergarten students drew a picture in response to the "Three Blind Mice" using geometric shapes for the mice. Summarizes the technique used to create the mice and focuses on mixing colors to introduce tints and shading to the students. (CMK)

Describes the first assignment for an intermediate oil painting class in which the students painted the human figure. Explains that the assignment involved three techniques: (1) abstract application of acrylic paint; (2) oil "Paintstiks" from Shiva; and (3) a final layer of actual oil paint. (CMK)