An examination of human‐figure drawings of kindergarten boys and girls before and after short‐term instruction∗

Abstract

All to many experiences rich with new information are provided to young children without interactions with them to assist in their perceptual development. In addition, not enough guided transfer of new knowledge to practical situation is provided to young children. Short‐term instruction that incorporates these features in the approach used can be effective in promoting children's visual training and perceptual skills. In the study being reported, following this type of instruction Kindergarten boys and girls did increase in detail and number as well as types of units used in their human figure drawings. Instruction that includes time for in depth discussions about objects so that children have an understanding about the relationships between units and human figure characteristics, and time to practice the new information immediately following instruction can be quite effective in improving children's perceptual understandings and their art expressions [drawings]. ∗This article is based on findings report...