Teaching Art in the Homeschool

I am not artistically talented at all.  My 6 year old can draw better than I can.  But  do think that Art is important and should be included in the homeschool.  Some over whelmed homeschool moms may think adding in one more subject is impossible but there are lots of ways you can add in some art without adding to your stress level.

ARTistic Pursuits Elementary Book 3

The first thing you can do is add some art around your home.  This can be done very simply.  I found an online freebie last year from Enrichment Studies that was a download of one of their art collections (regular price $14.95)   Each piece of art work has the artists name and a snippet of information about that piece. I laminated the pictures and placed them in various places around the house: in the school room, living room, bath room, dining room, next to the light switch in the hallway.  It is such an easy way to expose the children to different works of art.  If you want to do discussion about the works of art you can, or just simply have the children become used to them.

Some people like to have art books around the house for their children to look through as interested, but this is not such an easy thing for some families.  The subject matter in some pieces of art may not be considered appropriate for your family.  You should always preview any books or materials ahead of time just to be sure.

See the Light God's Special Surprise

There are many resources available to homeschoolers to help you teach art to young children, or have older children teach themselves.  I have used DVD instruction, books, and ideas off of Pinterest. With so many products out there it can be hard to choose.  My favorite art curriculum is by ARTistic Pursuits.   They have books from Pre-K through high school and each book has a section to read, step by step instructions with photographs, and examples that were done by other students.  Older children can work through the books independently and for younger children you read a section to them, answer some questions about the art work, and help guide them through the instructions to create their art.  In every lesson the child's creativity is able to shine through.   I have also used and really been impressed with DVDs from See the Light.  See the Light brings the instructor into your home ans shows the child step by step how to complete the project.  Children can work at their own pace and pause or rewind as needed.  The end results were fantastic!   The Usborne Art Treasury is another book we have used at home.  It  has one page of information on the featured artist and then a project to complete. The projects do not need a lot of special supplies and can be completed very quickly. Discovering Great Artists by MaryAnn F. Kohl has over 150 projects and information about each artist.  There is a great variety of different art projects in the book and it can be used with a wide range of ages.

This project is from the Usborne Art Treasury

 You do not have to spend a lot of money on expensive art supplies, but buying the least expensive is not a good idea either.  Cheap supplies that do not work like they are supposed to will only frustrate children and will make them not want to do art.  It is supposed to be fun!!

Clay pots from ARTistic Pursuits Sculpture Technique: Model

Art co-ops can be a great way to get together with other homeschool families and learn about art.  We learn about a different artist each month, view some of their works, and make a piece of art based on the artists work.  The children have fun and it's a great way for us all to get together.  And trust me, if I can lead an art co-op anyone can!

Looking at a slide show at art co-op

Want to kill two birds with one stone?  Listen to some classical music while your children are working on their art projects.  Music and art all in one!

Happy Homeschooling!