Young children's experiences with contemporary art. (1st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, David; Bell, Helen; Collins, Lyn; Spencer, Alicia
• Is Part Of: International journal of education through art. Volume 14:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 159
• Publication Date: 2018-06-01
• Subjects: Art -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 707.1
• DOI: 10.1386/eta.14.2.145_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-5234

Abstract

This ethnographic study describes how an in-depth preschool learning pathway developed around children's investigations into a contemporary artist. It found that learning with Yayoi Kusama's art favoured habits of exploration, reflection, revisitation and development of ideas, and enriched children's visual awareness, inclusive artlearning conversations and their learning in mathematics, literacy and visual art. It argues that sustained learning pathways, scaffolded media investigations, first-hand engagements with real artworks and well-informed teachers can enhance curiosities, independent inventive dispositions and confident art experiences in the early years.