The connection between language and drawing development has always seemed a plausible proposition despite the lack of research in this area. This paper reports on the research findings and theory offered to date in support of links that are purported to exist between these two human abilities. The most convincing arguments for this proposition emanate from the work and ideas of the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky who claims that drawing behavior is inextricably linked to the development of language in humans. In addition, more recent research by Dyson et al has revealed a crucial role for drawing as a prerequisite for the development of writing skills.
This paper is concerned with the art education of Aboriginal children. An attempt has been made to look at the situation as it exists, particularly in relation to fringe-dwelling Aboriginal children. This has been accomplished by means of a questionnnaire and direct teaching and observation of Aboriginal children on Palm Island and library research. The authors made a number of comparisons with data from research carried out overseas on similar groups, although they realise that no dogmatic conclusions can be made concerning Aboriginal children without further research in Australia.
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