Abstract/Notes: Although there is a national curriculum for art education in the UK there are also alternative approaches in the private sector. This paper addresses the issue of the effect of these approaches on children's drawing ability. Aim. To compare the drawing ability in three drawing tasks of children in Steiner, Montessori and traditional schools. Sample. The participants were 60 school children between the ages of 5;11 and 7;2. Twenty children were tested in each type of school. Method. Each child completed three drawings: a free drawing, a scene and an observational drawing. Results. As predicted, the free and scene drawings of children in the Steiner school were rated more highly than those of children in Montessori and traditional schools. Steiner children's use of colour was also rated more highly, although they did not use more colours than the other children. Steiner children used significantly more fantasy topics in their free drawings. Further observation indicated that the Steiner children were better at using the whole page and organising their drawings into a scene; their drawings were also more detailed. Contrary to previous research Montessori children did not draw more inanimate objects and geometrical shapes or fewer people than other children. Also, contrary to the prediction, Steiner children were significantly better rather than worse than other children at observational drawing. Conclusion. The results suggest that the approach to art education in Steiner schools is conducive not only to more highly rated imaginative drawings in terms of general drawing ability and use of colour but also to more accurate and detailed observational drawings.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1348/000709900158263

ISSN: 2044-8279, 0007-0998

Abstract/Notes: This article introduces some of the theoretical principles that inform the use of play in the treatment of children with disabilities. A number of competing definitions of play and its functions are briefly discussed. Both educationalists and child psychotherapists make claims for the value of play but tend to offer quite different explanations of why it helps vulnerable children, whilst animal ethologists stress the role of play in promoting survival and adaptation. Some of the key ideas of historically important play theorists, including Freud, Klein, Winnicott, Froebel, Montessori and Piaget, are mentioned.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/030802269205500309

ISSN: 0308-0226, 1477-6006

Language: English

ISSN: 0519-0959

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study was to compare preschool children from classes using the Montessori method and Science-A Process Approach (S-APA) in the process skill of observation. The first stage of the study compared the programs with respect to (1) the sequential presentation, (2) the use of materials to provide sensory training, (3) practice acquired through activities, and (4) the role of the teacher. Conclusions were that because S-APA and Montessori seemed to have common elements and because both had taught the process of observation, there was a reasonable justification to compare student competence in observation. The second part of the study compared the competence on observational tasks of three groups of 25 children, ages 5 and 6. The first group received Montessori training for two years in preschool, the second group used S-APA for one year with background of another type of preschool that excluded Montessori, and the third group which served as a control had neither Montessori nor S-APA training in their two-year preschool experience. Students were tested on a set of observational tasks from the text, the Science Process Instrument. Findings showed no significant differences between the Montessori and the S-APA preschool students in regard to competence in observation. Both the Montessori and the S-APA groups scored higher than the control group. This work is based on the authors doctoral dissertation research.

Language: English

Published: Chicago, Illinois, Apr 1974

Abstract/Notes: Handwashing can prevent diarrhea-related illness and respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured intervention program on knowledge and practice of hand washing among preschool children. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in three-time phases among 32 preschoolers aged between 3 to 6 years old in Kedah. The same questionnaire was delivered at each phase and they underwent the intervention program of hand washing. Their performance in hand washing was measured and evaluated using a questionnaire and checklist. The results of the study revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean preschoolers' children score on knowledge and practice before and after participated in the intervention program. Overall, preschoolers' knowledge and practice of handwashing were significantly (p<0.05) improved by the intervention program.  However, as the participants were young children, it is important to emphasize the consistency of reinforcement of knowledge and regular practices of hand hygiene.

Language: English

DOI: 10.59670/jns.v33i.2335

ISSN: 1863-5954, 2197-5523

Language: English

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: This is an article from Montessori Education, a Japanese language periodical published by the Japan Association Montessori.

Language: Japanese

ISSN: 0913-4220

Abstract/Notes: Differential effects of four preschool programs were evaluated through pre‐and post‐batteries of standardized tests. The interventions represent levels of structure along a continuum from the traditional to the highly structured preschool. Results from all instruments differentiated among the programs, and clearly favored the highly structured preschool.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-0025.1970.tb00679.x

ISSN: 0002-9432, 1939-0025

Language: German

Published: München: Kindler, 1978

ISBN: 3-463-00716-9