The "I's" of children: study of communication with art.

 Proposed (working title): The “I’s” of children and their art: communication dynamics of art in early childhood learning. Looking at art with children gives them an opportunity to interact, identify, investigate and imagine.

·        Does this foster social and verbal communication skills and language development in a classroom setting with peers and adults?

I intend to engage in the individual students’ learning experiences through practitioner research of qualitative case study and field testing. It will most likely be a narrative approach.

I will observe children and their communication about art. Will they develop self-confidence, acceptance of diverse viewpoints, observation skills and extended language?

I will guide children with non-judgmental questions and transcribe their dialogue as well as non-verbal communication.

 I will analyze how children interact with peers through dialogue about their art and the artwork of others.

I intend to have written permission from each parent on the disclosure of information, transcripts and findings as they come available.

Data on curriculum and instructional methods will be documented.

Eglinton, K. A. (2008). Using participatory visual ethnography to explore young people’s use of visual material culture in place and space. In R. Hickman, (Ed.). Research in art and design education (pp. 51-66). Chicago: Intellect Books.

 

Hickman,R. Kiss,L (2010). Cross-Curricular Gallery Learning: a phenomenological case study. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 29 (1), p.27-36.