“Finally, George Szekely has put his many wonderful thoughts about how children make art—and how parents and teachers can use this information—into one volume.”
—John A. Michael, Professor Emeritus, Miami University

“In How Children Make Art, George Szekely links children’s artistic experience with pedagogical approaches that foster creativity and human interactions. Both teachers and parents will gain ideas and insights for giving today’s children a needed experiential alternative in our technology-driven and often voyeuristic society.”
—Renee Sandell, George Mason University

With his unique and refreshing perspective, George Szekely shows educators how to use ideas from home art and play activities as the basis for a school art program that is meaningful to children. The author presents memorable descriptions and inspiring moments from a lifetime of studying children’s home art—all to introduce readers to a wealth of teaching possibilities. In these pages we learn what happens when children entering the art room are treated as colleagues, bringing their own ideas to an art curriculum that doesn’t overshadow them with adult art plans and teachings about adult artists.

Book Features:

• An approach that presents a clear alternative to the traditional art classroom, one that emphasizes the uniqueness of children’s art materials, creative spaces, and art processes.
• Short, easy-to-read segments designed to fit the curriculum needs of a wide range of teacher education settings.
• Examples of public school art classes where child artists are nurtured and challenged.

George Szekely, a pioneer in developing creative changes and methodologies for art teaching, is Senior Professor of Art Education at the University of Kentucky.