Table of Contents 1 Importance of Art Education..1 What is art and why is it important in our education?. 1 2 Art and Creativity..9 Are we born artistic and creative?.. 9 How can one develop one's artistic skills and creative expression?.. 10 How are creativity and childhood connected?.. 11 Can you learn to draw at any time in your life?.. 11 Is it true that some children are not creative? . 12 3 Understanding Children's Visual Expressions.. 13 The Scribble Stage (2-4 years)-The Explorer.. 14 The Pre-schematic Stage (4-7 years) - The Designer .22 The Schematic Stage (7-9 years)-The Creator ..32 The Beginning of Realism (9-12 years)-The Visualizer41 4 Art Therapy.. 51 Why Art is Important 51 Birth of Art Therapy. 53 Approach to Art Therapy .54 Art for Healing.57 Differences between Art Education and Art Therapy ..57 Interpreting Images - what does one do with these interpretations? 58 Where and with whom can art therapists work?.. 60 Training of Art Therapists 61 Process of Art Therapy..65 5Organizing Your Art Class81 Creating an Art Environment.. 81 Where and How to Buy and Store Art Supplies 82 Displaying Artwork 84 6 Art for Kindergarten 87 What role should art play in kindergarten?87 How does the kindergarten teacher use art with a kindergartner?.88 7 Creating Lesson Plans93 Concepts present in artwork..94 Developing Lesson Plans 100 Getting Started. 102 8 Lesson Plans.105 Lesson plan template 105 9 Art Appreciation for Children.. 129 Doors of India .. 132 Houses in India-Dream House. 133 Indian Miniatures 134 Cave Paintings.135 Animals in Indian Art..136 Masks.. 137 Warli Art.. 138 10 Art Supplies 143 Supplies you will need to get started.143 11 Endnotes147 12References149 13 lndex 155