THE COMMUNICATIVE POTENTIAL OF YOUNG
CHILDREN’S DRAWINGS
2 Volumes, Volume 1
Submitted by Emese Hall, to the University of Exeter as a thesis for the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education, March 2010.
This thesis is available for Library use on the understanding that it is
copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published
without proper acknowledgement.
I certify that all material in this thesis which is not my own work has been
identified and that no material has previously been submitted and
approved for the award of a degree by this or any other University.
(Signature) .........................................................................................
VOLUME ONE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I greatly appreciate the expertise, guidance, and enthusiasm of my supervisors.
Special acknowledgement goes to Professor Elizabeth Wood for her invaluable support
and encouragement. Many thanks also to Dr. Susan Young for her help and insight.
A very big thank you to all of my willing participants: Faye, the children, and their
parents – without whom this research would not have been possible. I am particularly
grateful to Faye for letting me into her classroom and for being interested in ‘‘The
Drawing Project’’ from day one. I also extend my thanks to the teachers who took part
in my survey.
I appreciate the encouragement, advice, and assistance of my friends. A special thank
you to Sandra and Nadine for their role in the coding process.
Finally, I would like to thank my family for their unfailing love and support. Your
faith in my ambitions was a great motivational factor and I am dedicating this work to
you all: Dad, Mum, Mimi, Bob, and Mogsi.
My research was substantially supported by a studentship from the Graduate School of
Education, so I must also state my appreciation for this funding.
ABSTRACT
This study builds on the work of researchers such as Anning and Ring (2004) and
Brooks (2002, 2004, 2005a, 2005b), who have used socio-cultural theory to investigate
the influence of context on young children’s drawing, meaning making, and
representation at home and in school. My thesis explores the communicative potential
of young children’s drawings through case studies of 14 reception and year one
children at a rural school in South West England. The three main research questions
concerned what and how the children communicated through drawing, as well as
drawing influences.
Data were collected over one school year, in three seven-week research phases.
Spontaneous drawings from home and school were collected in scrapbooks and
discussed with the children.
The class teacher and the children’s parents were
interviewed and observations of the children drawing in class were also conducted.
These methods were repeated for each phase. Nearly 800 drawings were analysed
through a data-driven, iterative process where intersubjective understandings were
emphasised.
The communicative potential of the children’s drawings was considerably broad, but
one main theme (Identity) and two sub-themes (Power and Purpose) were visible in
relation to the data. Importantly, the drawings offered spaces for intellectual play and
identity construction, where the children positioned themselves as competent and
creative individuals. The drawings were also shaped by a variety of shifting sociocultural factors stemming from home, school, and elsewhere. The implications of the
study highlight the value of recognising drawing as a complex visual language that
should be shared through verbal discussion.
Additionally, a large-scale survey was conducted in order to gain a broad base of
understanding about early years teachers’ beliefs, practices, and knowledge in relation
to drawing. The findings appeared to reflect the impact of the ‘‘mixed messages’’ in
current educational policy, particularly in regard to the year group that teachers were
teaching.
CONTENTS
VOLUME ONE ........................................................................................... 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................ 2
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................. 3
CONTENTS ................................................................................................. 4
TABLES ...................................................................................................... 13
FIGURES ................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1 Overview of the Thesis ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1.2 Overview of this Chapter ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.2 Personal Rationale ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.3 Definitions of Drawing ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.3.1 My Definition of Drawing ........... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.3.2 Functions of Drawing ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4 Definitions of Communication............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.4.1 Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Communication Error! Bookmark
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1.5 Drawing in the Early Years Curriculum ........ Error! Bookmark not
defined.
1.5.1 Drawing in the Early Years Foundation Stage Error! Bookmark
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1.5.2 Drawing as a Pre-Writing Skill .. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.3 Drawing as Mark-Making ........... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.4 Understanding Young Children’s Drawings ... Error! Bookmark
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1.5.5 Drawing & Creativity ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.6 Drawing as a Visual Language ... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.7 Drawing in Key Stage 1 .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.8 Drawing as a Tool for Learning . Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5.9 The Relationship Between Drawing & Writing Error! Bookmark
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1.5.10 What is the Role & Value of Drawing in Early Education?
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1.6 Theoretical Underpinnings ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
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1.7 Overview of the Study & Research Questions Error! Bookmark not
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1.8 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER TWO: DRAWING SURVEY .... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
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2.3.3 The Final Questionnaire ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4 Survey Findings ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.1 Beliefs About Drawing ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.2 Practices in Relation to Drawing Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.3 Knowledge About Drawing ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4 General Additional Comments About Drawing Error! Bookmark
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2.4.4.1 Drawing as a Form of Expression/Communication .... Error! Bookmark
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2.4.4.2 The Cross-Curricular Role of Drawing .. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.3 The Pedagogy of Drawing/Skill Development ....... Error! Bookmark not
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2.4.4.4 Others’ Perceptions of Drawing ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.5 Drawing as an Enjoyable/Pleasurable Activity ..... Error! Bookmark not
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2.4.4.6 The Freedom of Drawing ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.7 Drawing in Art ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.8 Own Knowledge of Drawing ................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.9 Drawing & Cognition ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.10 Drawing Provision ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.11 Age Differences in Drawing .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.12 Gender Differences in Drawing ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.4.13 Drawing and ICT .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5 Discussion ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.1 Teachers’ Beliefs about Drawing Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.2 Teachers’ Practices in Relation to Drawing ... Error! Bookmark
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2.5.2.1 Drawing Materials .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.2.2 Opportunities for Drawing...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.2.3 Teaching of Specific Drawing Skills ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.2.4 Assessing Children’s Drawings .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.3 Teachers’ Knowledge of Drawing ............. Error! Bookmark not
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2.5.4 Discussion of Additional Comments .......... Error! Bookmark not
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2.5.5 Further Justification for the Case Study Research .............. Error!
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2.6 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER THREE: LITERATURE REVIEW ........ Error! Bookmark not
defined.
3.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2 An Overview of Theories About Children’s Drawings .......... Error!
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3.2.1 Drawing & ‘‘Child Art’’ ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.2 Stage Theories of Artistic Development ..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
3.3 Studies Based on Commissioned Drawings ..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
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3.3.2 Non-Figure Based Studies........... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4 Studies Based on Non-Commissioned Drawings .. Error! Bookmark
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3.4.1 Longitudinal Studies.................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.2 Non-Longitudinal Studies............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5 The Justification for My Research Approach Error! Bookmark not
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3.5.1 Studies Based on Commissioned Drawings ..... Error! Bookmark
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3.5.1.1 Use of Developmental Criteria ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5.1.2 Lack of Autonomy for the Child Participants ........ Error! Bookmark not
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3.5.1.3 Individuality or Uniqueness of Drawings not Sought/Valued .........Error!
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3.5.1.4 Generalisations from a Single Drawing . Error! Bookmark not defined.
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3.5.2.1 Recognition of Context ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5.2.2 ‘‘Richness’’ of data ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5.2.3 Children’s Views Sought ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.5.2.4 Recognition of Drawing’s Role in the Curriculum Error! Bookmark not
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3.5.2.5 Drawing Seen as a Form of Communication ......... Error! Bookmark not
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3.6 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER FOUR: CASE STUDIES - METHODOLOGY ............ Error!
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4.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.2 Research Methodology ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3 Children as Participants ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.1 Children’s Rights ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.2 Research With Children .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3.3 Children’s Voices ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
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4.4 Ethical Considerations ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.1 Informed Consent ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.1.1 Gatekeepers ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.1.2 Parents’ Meeting ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.1.3 Ongoing Consent..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.2 Right to Withdraw ....................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.3 Anonymity & Confidentiality....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4 Participants’ Right to Gain ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4.1 Project Summaries .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4.2 Ownership of the Drawings .................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4.3 Enjoyment ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4.4 Seaside Poster Project ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4.5 Tokens of Appreciation ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4.4.6 Project Assembly ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5 Data collection ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.1 Visual Research Methods ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.2 Overview of Research Methods... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.3 Research Questions ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.4 Research Context & Participants Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.5 Background Information Sheet ... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.6 The Scrapbooks ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.6.1 School Drawings ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.6.2 Home Drawings ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.7 Research Conversations .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.7.1 Pilot Research Conversations ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.7.2 Location of Research Conversations ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.7.3 Researcher Approach .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.7.4 Recording the Research Conversations .. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.8 Interviews with Adults: Parents & Teacher ..... Error! Bookmark
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4.5.8.1 Researcher Approach .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.9 Observations................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.9.1 Recording the Observations .................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.5.10 Group Research Conversations Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.6 Research Diary ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.6.1 Reflexivity .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7 Data analysis......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.1 Data Logging............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.1.1 Distinction between School & Home Drawings .... Error! Bookmark not
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4.7.2 Quantitative Data Analysis ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.3 Qualitative Data Analysis ........... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.3.1 Transcription ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.3.2 Coding ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.3.3 Authenticity ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.4 Research Validity ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.4.1 Triangulation .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.7.4.2 Member Checks ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.4.3 Peer/Colleague Examination .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.7.4.4 Statement of Researcher’s Experiences, Assumptions & Biases .....Error!
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4.7.4.5 Submersion/Engagement in the Research Situation .... Error! Bookmark
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4.7.4.6 External Validity ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.8 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
VOLUME TWO ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER FIVE: PHASE ONE FINDINGS ........... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
5.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2 Overview of Phase One Findings ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3 What do Children Communicate Through Drawing? ........... Error!
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5.3.1 Overview of Content Strands ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2 People .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2.1 Drawings Featuring Self ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2.2 Drawings Featuring Family Members .... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2.3 Drawings Featuring Anonymous People Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2.4 Drawings Featuring Fantasy People ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2.5 Drawings Featuring Friends .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.2.6 Drawings Featuring Named Others ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.3 Natural Environmental Features Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.4 Weather/Sky Features ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.5 Animals ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.6 Writing ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.7 Symbols/Patterns/Abstracts......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.8 Miscellaneous Objects ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.9 Names .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.10 Fire Etc. ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.11 Vehicles ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.12 Buildings.................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.13 Human-Made Environmental Features ... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
5.3.14 Toys/Play Equipment ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3.15 Numbers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4 What Influences Children’s Communication Through Drawing?
..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.1 Home Influences .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.1.1 The Role of Siblings ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.1.2 The Role of Parents ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.1.3 The Home Environment........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.2 School Influences ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.2.1 The Role of Faye ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.2.2 The Role of Topic Work .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.2.3 The Role of Classroom Practices ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.2.4 The Role of Peers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.3 Additional Influences .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.3.1 The Wider Environment .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.3.2 Cultural Events ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4.3.3 Hobbies/Pastimes .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER SIX: PHASE TWO FINDINGS Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.2 Overview of Phase Two Findings ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3 What do Children Communicate Through Drawing? ........... Error!
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6.3.1 Overview of Content Strands ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.2 People .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.2.1 Drawings Featuring Self ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.2.2 Drawings Featuring Family Members .... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.2.3 Drawings Featuring Anonymous People Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.2.4 Drawings Featuring Fantasy People ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.2.5 Drawings Featuring Friends .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.2.6 Drawings Featuring Named Others ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.3 Symbols/Patterns/Abstracts......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.4 Animals ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.5 Natural Environmental Features Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.6 Miscellaneous Objects ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.7 Writing ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.8 Names .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.9 Weather/Sky Features ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3.10 Buildings.................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
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6.3.12 Vehicles ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
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6.3.14 Human-Made Environmental Features ... Error! Bookmark not
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6.3.15 Numbers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4 What Influences Children’s Communication Through Drawing?
..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.1 Home Influences .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.1.1 The Role of Siblings ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.1.2 The Role of Parents ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.1.3 The Home Environment........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.2 School Influences ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.2.1 The Role of Faye ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.2.2 Topic Work .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.2.3 Classroom Practices ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.2.4 The Role of Peers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.3 Additional Influences .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.3.1 The Wider Environment .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.3.2 Cultural Events ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.3.3 Hobbies/Pastimes .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.5 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER SEVEN: PHASE THREE FINDINGS ... Error! Bookmark not
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7.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.2 Overview of Phase Three Findings .... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3 What do Children Communicate Through Drawing? ........... Error!
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7.3.1 Overview of Content Strands ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.2 People .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.2.1 Drawings Featuring Self ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.2.2 Drawings Featuring Anonymous People Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.2.3 Drawings Featuring Family Members .... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.2.4 Drawings Featuring Fantasy People ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.2.5 Drawings Featuring Friends .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.2.6 Drawings Featuring Named Others ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.3 Writing ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.4 Animals ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.5 Natural Environmental Features Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.6 Weather/Sky Features ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.7 Symbols/Patterns/Abstracts......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.8 Miscellaneous Objects ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.9 Names .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.10 Vehicles ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.11 Buildings.................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.12 Toys/Play Equipment ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.13 Human-Made Environmental Features ... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
7.3.14 Fire Etc..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.3.15 Numbers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4 What Influences Children’s Communication Through Drawing?
..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.1 Home Influences .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.1.1 The Role of Siblings ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.1.2 The Role of Parents ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.1.3 The Home Environment........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.2 School Influences ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.2.1 The Role of Faye ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.2.2 Topic Work .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.2.3 Classroom Practices ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.2.4 The Role of Peers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.3 Additional Influences .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.3.1 The Wider Environment .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.3.2 Cultural Events ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.4.3.3. Hobbies/Pastimes ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.5 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER EIGHT: DISCUSSION.............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.2 Overview of Phase One, Two, & Three Findings . Error! Bookmark
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8.2.1 Overview of Content Strands ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.2.2 Individual Drawing Preferences . Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.2.2.1 Types of Drawers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3 Case Studies .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.1 Elizabeth’s Drawings .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.1.1 Elizabeth’s Phase One Drawings............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.1.2 Elizabeth’s Phase Two Drawings ........... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.1.3 Elizabeth’s Phase Three Drawings ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.2 Red Dragon’s Drawings ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.2.1 Red Dragon’s Phase One Drawings ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.2.2 Red Dragon’s Phase Two Drawings ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.2.3 Red Dragon’s Phase Three Drawings .... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.3 Kiki’s Drawings........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.3.1 Kiki’s Phase One Drawings .................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.3.2 Kiki’s Phase Two Drawings .................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.3.3 Kiki’s Phase Three Drawings ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.4 Beckham’s Drawings .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.4.1 Beckham’s Phase One Drawings ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.4.2 Beckham’s Phase Two Drawings ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.3.4.3 Beckham’s Phase Three Drawings ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4 Themes Arising From the Data .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.1 Drawing & Identity ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.2 Drawing & Power ....................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.2.1 The Power of Pre-Existing Cultural Imagery & Cultural Meanings
............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.2.2 The Power of Expectations...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.2.3 The Power of Positions ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.2.4 The Power of the Marketplace ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.3 Drawing & Purpose .................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.3.1 To Communicate to Others ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.3.2 To Create Imaginary Worlds .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.3.3 To Explore Experience ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.4.3.4 To Organise & Explain Information ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
8.5 Summary .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER NINE: CONCLUSION ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.1 Introduction.......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2 What Do Young Children Communicate Through Drawing?
..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2.1 Communicating Identity .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2.2 Communicating Power ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2.3 Communicating Purpose ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2.4 Content Strands ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2.4.1 Gender Differences ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2.5 Individual Drawing Preferences . Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.3 How Do Young Children Communicate Through Drawing? Error!
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9.3.1 Drawing as a Language .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.3.2 The Importance of Talk ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4 What Influences Young Children’s Communication Through
Drawing? .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.1 Home Influences .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.1.1 The Role of Siblings ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.1.2 The Role of Parents ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.1.3 The Role of the Home Environment ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.2 School Influences ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.2.1 The Role of Faye ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.2.2 The Role of Topic Work .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.2.3 The Role of Classroom Practices ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.2.4 The Role of Peers .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.3 Additional Influences .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.3.1 The Wider Environment .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.3.2 Cultural Events ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.4.3.3 Hobbies/Pastimes .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.5 How Can Children’s Drawings be Used to Mediate
Communication? ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.6 What is the Meta-communicative and Meta-cognitive Potential of
Young Children’s Drawings? ................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.7 What is the Significance of Early Years Teachers’ Beliefs,
Practices, and Knowledge in Relation to Drawing? ... Error! Bookmark
not defined.
9.8 What are the Implications of the Findings for Improving the
Status of Drawing Across the Early Years Curriculum? ............ Error!
Bookmark not defined.
9.9 Final Reflection .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.9.1 Limitations of the Research ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.9.2 Areas for Further Investigation .. Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDICES ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix A: Certificate of Ethical Approval ....... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Appendix B: Drawing Survey Letter ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix C: Drawing Survey Code Book ............ Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Appendix D: Initial E-mail to Faye .......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix E: Poster Invitation to Parents Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix F: Sample Parental Consent Form ....... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Appendix G: Ethical Storyboard for Children ..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Appendix H: Background Information Sheet ....... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Appendix I: Sample Project Overview Sheet for Parents ........... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Appendix J: Sample Project Update Letter for Parents.............. Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Appendix K: Sample Project Analysis Summary for Parents .... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Appendix L: Sample Interview Schedule (Parents) ... Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Appendix M: Sample Interview Schedule (Faye – 1) Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Appendix N: Sample Interview Schedule (Faye – 2) .. Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Appendix O: Sample Research Conversation Transcript (Phase One)
..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix P: Sample Interview Transcript (Parent – Phase Two)
..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix Q: Sample Interview Transcript (Faye – Phase Three)
..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix R: Running Record Excerpts .. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix S: Sample Drawing Log Sheet Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix T: Coding Frame ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix U: Internal Reliability Sample (Phase Two) ............... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Appendix V: Research Diary Excerpts.... Error! Bookmark not defined.
REFERENCES ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
TABLES
Table 2.1
Questionnaire Structure - Draft 1
Table 2.2
Questionnaire Structure - Draft 2
Table 2.3
Questionnaire Structure - Draft 3
Table 2.4
Summary of Questionnaire Pilot
Table 2.5
Summary of Final Questionnaire
Table 2.6
Response to the Stated Belief That ‘‘Drawing Skills Should be Taught’’
(Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.7
Response to the Stated Belief That ‘‘Writing is More Important Than Drawing’’
(Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.8
Response to the Stated Belief That ‘‘Children’s ‘Home Drawings’ May be
Different from Those Produced in School’’ (Re. Age)
Table 2.9
Response to the Stated Belief That ‘‘Drawing is Relevant in Many Subject Areas’’
(Re. Years’ Teaching Experience)
Table 2.10
Response to the Statement ‘‘ There is a Good Range of Drawing Materials in my
Classroom’’ (Re. Art and Design Qualifications)
Table 2.11
Response to the Statement ‘‘Children Have Access to a Computer Based Drawing
Program in my Classroom’’ (Re. Age)
Table 2.12
Response to the Statement ‘‘Children Have Access to a Computer Based Drawing
Program in my Classroom’’ (Re. Years’ Teaching Experience)
Table 2.13
Response to the Statement ‘‘Children can Self-Select Drawing Materials in my
Classroom’’ (Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.14
Response to the Statement ‘‘Children can Self-Select Drawing Materials in my
Classroom’’ (Re. Years’ Teaching Experience)
Table 2.15
Response to the Statement ‘‘Drawing is Available as a Free Choice Activity,
Available Throughout the Day’’ (Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.16
Response to the Statement ‘‘Children use Drawing to Illustrate Work Done in
Other Subjects’’ (Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
54
55
57
58
59
61
62
63
64
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
Table 2.17
Response to the Statement ‘‘Drawing is Mainly Done in Art or Design
Technology Lessons’’ (Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.18
Response to the Statement ‘‘I Teach Specific Drawing Skills’’ (Re. Year Group
Currently Teaching)
Table 2.19
Response to the statement ‘‘I use Formative Assessment Strategies (e.g.,
Suggesting Ideas for Improvement)’’ (Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.20
Response to the Question ‘‘Can Observational Drawing be Used to Explore
Texture?’’ (Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.21
Response to the Question ‘‘Can Drawings be Classified into Genres?’’
(Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.22
Response to the Question ‘‘Is Perspective Reliant on Colour Choice?’’
(Re. Art and Design Qualifications)
Table 2.23
Response to the Question ‘‘Can a Spontaneous Drawing be Requested?’’
(Re. Age)
Table 2.24
Response to the Question ‘‘Can a Spontaneous Drawing be Requested?’’
(Re. Years’ Teaching Experience)
Table 2.25
Response to the Question ‘‘Can Hatching be Used in a Felt Pen Drawing?’’
(Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.26
Response to the Question ‘‘Can Hatching be Used in a Felt Pen Drawing?’’
(Re. Art and Design Qualifications)
Table 2.27
Response to the Question ‘‘Is a Naturalistic Drawing the Same Thing as a
Realistic Drawing?’’ (Re. Years’ Teaching Experience)
Table 2.28
Response to the Question ‘‘Are Oil Pastels Easier to Blend than Chalks?’’
(Re. Years’ Teaching Experience)
Table 2.29
Response to the Question ‘‘Is a Sketchbook a Good way of Monitoring Skill
Progression?’’ (Re. Year Group Currently Teaching)
Table 2.30
Summary of General Additional Comments About Drawing
Table 4.1
The Case Study Children
Table 5.1
Drawings Collected in Phase One
Table 5.2
Content Strands in Phase One Drawings
73
74
75
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
148
170
172
Table 5.3
Drawings Featuring Family Members Collected in Phase One
Table 5.4
Children’s Hobbies/Pastimes
Table 6.1
Drawings Collected in Phase Two
Table 6.2
Content Strands in Phase Two Drawings
Table 6.3
Drawings Featuring Family Members Collected in Phase Two
Table 7.1
Drawings Collected in Phase Three
Table 7.2
Content Strands in Phase Three Drawings
Table 7.3
Drawings Featuring Family Members Collected in Phase Three
Table 8.1
Drawings Collected in Phases One, Two, and Three
Table 8.2
Content Strands Across all Phases
Table 8.3
Individual Profiles Across the Phases (Most Popular Strands)
176
216
220
222
226
267
269
273
314
315
317
FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Two Contrasting Models of Communication
25
Figure 4.1 Participants’ Right to Gain
143
Figure 4.2 The Scrapbooks
149
Figure 4.3 Drawing at School
150
Figure 4.4 Drawing at Home
151
Figure 4.5 Research Conversations with the Children
151
Figure 4.6 Interviews with Adults: Parents and Teacher
154
Figure 4.7 Observations
156
Figure 4.8 Group Research Conversations
157
Figure 5.1 Lilac (5 years, 11 months)
174
Figure 5.2 Elizabeth (5 years, 9 months)
175
Figure 5.3 Mary (5 years, 8 months)
177
Figure 5.4 Ben (5 years, 8 months)
178
Figure 5.5 Nick (4 years, 10 months)
179
Figure 5.6 Elizabeth (5 years, 10 months)
179
Figure 5.7 Rosie (5 years, 4 months)
181
Figure 5.8 Sonny (4 years, 9 months)
182
Figure 5.9 Ben (5 years, 8 months)
183
Figure 5.10 Red Dragon (4 years, 9 months)
184
Figure 5.11 Jim (5 years, 11 months)
185
Figure 5.12 Lilac (5 years, 11 months)
186
Figure 5.13 Elizabeth (5 years, 10 months)
187
Figure 5.14 Jim (6 years, 0 months)
188
Figure 5.15 Tink (5 years, 2 months)
189
Figure 5.16 Red Dragon (4 years, 8 months)
190
Figure 5.17 Jim (5 years, 11 months)
191
Figure 5.18 Elizabeth (5 years, 9 months)
192
Figure 5.19 Beckham (5 years, 9 months)
194
Figure 5.20 Ben (5 years, 9 months)
195
Figure 5.21 Mary (5 years, 10 months)
196
Figure 5.22 Kiki (5 years, 9 months)
199
Figure 5.23 Mary (5 years, 9 months)
200
Figure 5.24 Ben (5 years, 9 months)
200
Figure 5.25 Red Dragon (4 years, 8 months)
201
Figure 5.26 Nick (4 years, 11 months)
202
Figure 5.27 Jim (5 years, 11 months)
203
Figure 5.28 Elizabeth (5 years, 9 months)
204
Figure 5.29 Red Dragon (4 years, 8 months)
206
Figure 5.30 Violet (5 years, 3 months)
207
Figure 5.31 Red Dragon (4 years, 8 months)
208
Figure 5.32 Red Dragon (4 years, 9 months)
209
Figure 5.33 Kiki (5 years, 9 months)
210
Figure 5.34 Rosie (5 years, 4 months)
211
Figure 5.35 Sonny (4 years, 9 months)
211
Figure 5.36 Lilac (5 years, 11 months)
213
Figure 6.1 Ann (5 years, 10 months)
224
Figure 6.2 Elizabeth (6 years, 1 month)
227
Figure 6.3 Beckham (6 years, 1 month)
228
Figure 6.4 Kiki (6 years, 1 month)
229
Figure 6.5 Tink (5 years, 6 months)
229
Figure 6.6 Red Dragon (5 years, 0 months)
231
Figure 6.7 Beckham (6 years, 1 month)
231
Figure 6.8 Elizabeth (6 years, 1 month)
233
Figure 6.9 Tink (5 years, 6 months)
234
Figure 6.10 Red Dragon (5 years, 0 months)
235
Figure 6.11 Mary (6 years, 1 month)
236
Figure 6.12 Mary (6 years, 0 months)
237
Figure 6.13 Rosie (5 years, 7 months)
238
Figure 6.14 Elizabeth (6 years, 1 month)
239
Figure 6.15 Red Dragon (5 years, 0 months)
240
Figure 6.16 Elizabeth (6 years, 1 month)
242
Figure 6.17 Tink (5 years, 6 months)
242
Figure 6.18 Kiki (6 years, 0 months)
244
Figure 6.19 Ben (6 years, 1 month)
244
Figure 6.20 Red Dragon (5 years, 0 months)
246
Figure 6.21 Kiki (6 years, 1 month)
250
Figure 6.22 Beckham (5 years, 11 months)
251
Figure 6.23 Mary (6 years, 1 month)
252
Figure 6.24 Part of Town Group Drawing
256
Figure 6.25 Part of Tadpole Group Drawing
257
Figure 6.26 Red Dragon (5 years, 1 month)
258
Figure 6.27 Violet (5 years, 7 months)
259
Figure 6.28 Red Dragon (5 years, 1 month)
261
Figure 6.29 Ben (6 years, 0 months)
262
Figure 6.30 Ann (5 years, 10 months)
263
Figure 7.1 Sonny (5 years, 10 months)
271
Figure 7.2 Lilac (6 years, 1 month)
272
Figure 7.3 Beckham (6 years, 3 months)
273
Figure 7.4 Ann (6 years, 1 month)
274
Figure 7.5 Lilac (6 years, 6 months)
276
Figure 7.6 Elizabeth (6 years, 4 months)
276
Figure 7.7 Ben (6 years, 4 months)
277
Figure 7.8 Ben (6 years, 4 months)
279
Figure 7.9 Mary (6 years, 4 months)
279
Figure 7.10 Elizabeth (6 years, 3 months)
280
Figure 7.11 Tink (5 years, 9 months)
281
Figure 7.12 Red Dragon (5 years, 4 months)
282
Figure 7.13 Rosie (5 years, 9 months)
283
Figure 7.14 Mary (6 years, 4 months)
284
Figure 7.15 Red Dragon (5 years, 4 months)
285
Figure 7.16 Beckham (6 years, 3 months)
286
Figure 7.17 Violet (5 years, 10 months)
287
Figure 7.18 Beckham (6 years, 3 months)
287
Figure 7.19 Elizabeth (6 years, 4 months)
289
Figure 7.20 Nick (5 years, 4 months)
290
Figure 7.21 Lilac (6 years, 7 months)
294
Figure 7.22 Red Dragon (5 years, 3 months)
295
Figure 7.23 Elizabeth (6 years, 4 months)
297
Figure 7.24 Red Dragon (5 years, 4 months)
297
Figure 7.25 Faye’s Literacy Setting Drawing
299
Figure 7.26 Lilac (6 years, 1 month)
300
Figure 7.27 Ben (6 years, 5 months)
301
Figure 7.28 Tink (5 years, 9 months)
303
Figure 7.29 Elizabeth (6 years, 4 months)
305
Figure 7.30 Beckham (6 years, 3 months)
308
Figure 7.31 Violet (5 years, 11 months)
309
Figure 8.1 Drawing as a Space for Intellectual Play & Identity Construction
(Developed from Edmiston, 2008)
Figure 8.2 Drawing as a Space for Intellectual Play & Identity
Construction: Final Version (Developed from Edmiston, 2008)
Figure 9.1 Drawing as a Space for Intellectual Play & Identity
Construction: Final Version (Developed from Edmiston, 2008)
Figure 9.2 Two Contrasting Models of Communication
344
345
360
365