Integrating Authentic Art gives educators the skills, tools, and understanding they need to support children's most authentic visual representations and speak the language of art. Weaving Vygotskian theory with practical art lessons, author Margaret Brooks proves that visual arts are critical to young children's development and that they build a foundation for current and lifelong learning and communication throughout all domains and curriculum areas. Teaching children to draw and use other art media gives them the tools to express themselves in many "languages" and shows them how deeply we respect their ideas. Doing art with children helps us see the world through their eyes.