Examination of children's visual perception skills in terms of verbalization (Ekphrasis) of visual art works

The primary aim of the study is to investigate children's visual perception skills in terms of the verbal description of visual artworks (Ekphrasis). The research was conducted using the qualitative research method of Phenomenology. The data were analyzed using the descriptive analysis technique. The study group of the research consists of 12 children (6 years old) enrolled in an official independent preschool affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the Esenler district of Istanbul. The participants were selected through purposive sampling, aiming for easy accessibility. While forming the study group, a visual perception test was administered to differentiate children with typical development. In the data collection process, "Ekphrasis Tables" were selected with expert opinions, and "Children Interview Questions" were created and utilized based on art criticism questions and ekphrasis examples in visual art education. The results of the 'Frostig Visual Perception Test,' which was administered to determine the study group, were analyzed first during the data analysis process. The test was applied to 20 children, and 12 children with high visual perception were selected from the participants. Prior to the application, each child was provided with pre-information for the Ekphrasis application, using Feridun Oral's book 'Different But Same' as an example. After individually presenting Ekphrasis tables to each child, 'Children Interview Questions' were asked. After completing the Ekphrasis study with 12 children, 6 of them were asked to draw pictures and interpret them, while the remaining 6 children who did not draw pictures underwent the Ekphrasis application. The data obtained from the data collection tools were organized into themes, categories, and codes. As a result of the research, it was observed that the Ekphrasis study contributed to the children's perceptual levels, raised awareness about art, especially visual arts, and established a profound connection with artworks. Keywords: Child, Visual perception, Visual art, Ekphrasis