The specifics of art teaching and the need for the individualized approach to the student

The paper considers the specifics of teaching art that emphasize the need for the individualized approach in the work with children. The first part offers a short account of the historical development of art teaching in the light of different views on the functions and aims of aesthetic education. Highlighted are developmental-psychological aspects and methodological issues related to aesthetic education. The second part stresses the importance of the individualized approach in work with children in art classes in order to meet the specific needs of each child, to stimulate their creativity in problem solving and develop a research approach in studying art contents, as well as integrating them with the contents of other school subjects. Stressed also is the need for adequate pre-service and in-service teacher training.