Writing is now being viewed in its larger context of communication. Research suggests that young children use the more familiar communication systems like speech, drawing, music, and drama to add depth and meaning to their writing. Teachers must redefine their ideas about writing and children's communication knowledge. Cites six references. (MLH)

Finger painting is often regarded as the epitome of free expression for children. However, a careful review of the history of Ruth Shaw's finger-painting system reveals that it was dominated by specific techniques and stylistic conventions taught without a critical understanding of art history or appreciation. (IS)

Argues that the process of learning to write should be recognized as a process of learning how to construct different kinds of written texts, each representing a different way of making meaning. (HOD)

Reevaluates the impact that Kenneth Koch's 1970 collection of children's poetry, "Wishes, Lies, and Dreams," has had on its contributors. (MM)

Alternatives in junior high, middle, and intermediate schools run the gamut, the researchers of NASSP's exemplary program files discovered. A few of them are described in this article. (Editor)

Fifteen-year-old John Scott created a 35-page science fiction comic. The authors describe his effort to demonstrate that art teachers should not denigrate such work simply because it derives from popular culture, for it is a valid form of creative expression and one which teaches important artistic processes. (SJL)

Presents the idea that the teacher who constructs a learning program for a particular group of learners which is filled with materials and activities that stimulate deep personal feelings, making it possible for individuals to express personal reactions, achieves something close to true individualization. (Author)

Describes how sketch journals help students make connections in their learning across the curriculum through drawing and writing. Also called observation journals, the journals provide students with a tool for observation and a place to practice writing, respond to literature, take notes, solve problems, express themselves, and think in words and…

Single-subject multiple probe designs were employed in two studies with 5 young adults who had mental retardation and mental illness. After learning visual arts activity skills in Study 1 and personally expressive behaviors in Study 2, participants displayed improvement in behaviors associated with mental illness and increases in expressive…

A study analyzed the self-perceptions of 50 Indian children (ages 3-10) with visual impairments in their expressions of mood and feelings, needs and wants, and preferences and decision making. Children had difficulty expressing sympathy, particularly younger children. Children also difficulty choosing what they wanted to wear. (Contains 7…

Discusses the various uses for the journal in an introductory course in the University without Walls (UWW) program. Discusses how the journal can be a means of discovering meaning in the chaos of the social world and how it provides an opportunity to integrate life and experience with academic life and theory. (JS)

Examines the origin and nature of kitsch and its prominence in contemporary U.S. culture. Discusses how kitsch can be used in the arts curriculum to teach cultural and aesthetic lessons. (KM)

Describes how creative book craft can be used to teach art history and appreciation, creative visual experience, and writing opportunities for all students. Outlines how students can create decorative papers and bind them into personal folders. (KM)

Advantages and disadvantages of word processing as a tool for teaching written self-expression to students with learning disabilities are discussed, research on its effectiveness is examined, available word-processing programs are reviewed, and guidelines for software selection are provided. (Author/MSE)

High school students who visit museums have many diverse life experiences, and instructors must understand that the experience is tremendous preparation for looking at art. The article explains how to encourage students to respond to art rather than talk at them about what they should know. (SM)