Objects and Meanings (Step-up Art and Design)

Created to support the Schemes of Work at KS2, this series is an introduction to techniques and to artists both classic and contemporary. It provides specific projects for children to try, with background notes for teachers and suggestions for further activities, together with a useful webography and glossary of key terms.

Grade 5–8—Each book features 12 topics-for example, "Color, Shape, and Composition" in Objects and "The Story of Silk" in Textiles—with activities and investigations that include research and writing, Web site extension resources, ideas for discussion, and recipes and suggestions for projects. Art-oriented terms appear in red within the texts and are defined in the glossary. The emphasis is on looking at fine art to develop artistic skill by emulating techniques: making thumbnail sketches, keeping journals of ideas and materials, experimenting with media, observing, asking questions, and investigating. Images include full-color paintings, tapestries, sketches, architecture, sculpture, and photography, paired with photos of children working on related pieces. A cartoon bubble often describes what they're doing. Boxed insets suggest additional activities. A final note for teachers and parents provides specific ideas and resources to explore. While not every Web resource works perfectly, they are useful links. Unlike Joyce Raimondo's "Art Explorers" series (Watson-Guptill), these books do not focus on specific artists with the intent of emulating an individual style or artistic movement, but they do follow the dialogic techniques to understand art. Also similar to Sue Lacey's "Start with Art" series (Copper Beech, 2000), Ogier's books offer numerous ideas for discovery and make great classroom/teacher resources.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
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