Hi Melanie I am an Arts educator and a Museum educator in Australia. The Australian Institute od Art education which is affiliated with INSEA (International Society of Education Through the Arts) has produced some guidelines for Art Education. One of the worst things you can do for a childs artistic development is a colouring in activity. Instead of simply colouring in a student coud be asked to draw a particular thing (eg the blue vase, or the Ming Dynsaty sculpture, or their favourite object on display) or you could provide half of a drwing and ask th estudent to finish it. These type of activities tell the student that their drawings are not only valid, but wanted and worthy of a student of their age. Colouring in simply tells students that their work should be as good as the professional artist who provided the black lines and they are only good enough to colour in. It is after colouring activities that students start to say "I can't draw." Other important aspects of good art education is exhibition rather than competition. Exhibitions show all students work as valid, where as a competition says one artwork is better than another. Competitions take all sorts of aesthetic judgements into consideration rather than the artistic debvelopment of the child. In Australia the average reading age is that of a 12 year old - so the text should be accessable to a majority of reading levels. Use a simple word, or if trying to extend language explain the more difficult words. Try to relate th eactivities to the students lives as this will make it more relevant. The other really important thing is to make the activities relevant to school programme. This helps teachers fulfil their educational aims, therefore they are more likely to visit the exhibition. Good luck! I am happy to answer any questions or help with suggestions. Clare Gervasoni Hi, I am designing a children's guide for a Chinese exhbition of ceramics and textiles. This is my first time writing a children's guide and I need to know if there are any specific things I need to consider (Some do's and don'ts perhaps?) So far I have some word puzzles, coloring exercises, a scavenger hunt (looking activities) and some history. Could the experienced museum educators out there provide me with some advice? Send do's and don'ts to my personal address or feel free to post them on the list for everyone! Thank you in advance, Melanie Cagonot [log in to unmask]