In this inspiring and comprehensive guide to art education, Nancy Beal focuses on six basic media: collage, drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, and construction. She gives practical consideration to all facets of a teacher's responsibility, such as how to introduce each material; what supplies are best; how a classroom can be set up to support children's explorations; and how teachers can ask open-ended questions to stimulate personal and meaningful expression. Each chapter includes a section specifically for parents on helping their children create art at home. The book is extensively illustrated with the art of Beal's students, visual proof of her gifts as an educator and art enthusiast.