257 The Attitudes and Practices that Shape Children’s Drawing Experience at Home and at School Esther Burkitt, Richard Jolley and Sarah Rose Concept: Few empirical studies have investi- gated the influence of teachers, parents and chil- dren on children’s drawing experience. The current study aims to examine the attitudes and practices of these three key players that shape children’s drawing experience. Method: A survey methodology was used, as typically found in previous research in this area. Participants were 270 5–14 year old children, 44 of their teachers of the National Curriculum for Art and Design, and 146 of their parents. The teachers and children participated in individual interviews and the parents completed a postal survey. Responses to most interview questions were transcribed and content analysis used to identify salient themes. The other questions involved responses on five-point scales, these were analysed by reporting percentages. Results: The findings are discussed in five sections. First, the positive perceptions of chil- dren’s drawing behaviour and attitudes. Second, the perceived importance and principal aims of the National Curriculum for Art and Design Educa- tion. Third, the numerous sources of encourage- ment and support for drawing development. Fourth, the differing perceptions of what consti- tutes a good and bad drawing. Fifth, issues surrounding an age-related decline in children’s drawing activity. Conclusions: The findings are related to theories of drawing education, and implications for chil- dren’s drawings and drawing pedagogy are discussed. Abstract JADE 29.3 (2010) © 2010 The Authors. JADE © 2010 NSEAD/Blackwell Publishing Ltd