2015 Volume 36 Pages 461-473
In Japan, it is assumed that expression and appreciation are indistinguishable for young children and closely interconnected in their lives. In contrast, in the U.S, children are taught about art appreciation, for which abundant teaching materials exist. This study aims to discuss the importance of teaching art appreciation from early childhood. Tracing the trends in the U.S. art education history, one discovers that the teaching of art appreciation focuses on fine arts and that efforts have been made toward the wider acceptance of fine arts among the public. Specifically, this study analyzes Visual Thinking Strategies, Basic Manual: Grades K-2, materials targeting American children, and clarifies several features aiming at the development of various skills.
