Homeschooling gives you the amazing freedom to create a learning experience that's perfect for your child. You can explore their interests, go at their pace, and use teaching methods that match how they learn best. But when it comes to art, it can be hard to know where to begin.
You might be wondering:
What should my child be learning about art at different ages?
How can I make art lessons fun and engaging?
Where can I find good art curriculum resources?
This blog post will help you teach art to your child at home, from when they're little in first grade all the way until they graduate high school! We'll explore:
What to teach at each grade level: We'll look at how art education changes as children grow, from basic skills in elementary school to more advanced concepts in high school.
How to make art lessons fun: We'll share ideas for hands-on activities, creative projects, and ways to explore different art mediums.
Where to find great resources: We'll recommend some of the best homeschool art curriculums and resources available.
By the end of this post, you'll have a clear understanding of how to create a vibrant and engaging art education for your child at home.
Art offers more than just creative expression; it brings unique benefits to learning and personal growth.
Why Art Matters: Benefits for Homeschoolers of All Ages
Art is incredibly important for homeschooling kids of all ages, from the youngest learners in 1st grade all the way up to high school seniors! It might seem like just a fun activity, but art actually plays a vital role in a child's development and education.
Here are some of the reasons why art is so valuable for homeschoolers:
1. It Sparks Creativity And Imagination
Art provides a wonderful outlet for children to express themselves and explore their ideas. They can paint, draw, sculpt, build, and create whatever their imaginations dream up! It encourages them to think outside the box, try new things, and see the world in new ways.
2. It Builds Important Skills
Art isn't just about having fun; it also helps children develop important skills that they'll use throughout their lives. It helps them strengthen those small muscles in their hands and fingers that they need for writing, drawing, and other tasks.
It also helps them develop problem-solving skills, as they figure out how to create different effects or solve artistic challenges. And it encourages critical thinking, as they learn to analyze and interpret art.
3. It Teaches About The World
Art is like a window into different cultures, histories, and ways of seeing the world. Through art, kids can learn about different people, places, and time periods. They can explore different artistic styles, traditions, and techniques from around the globe. It broadens their understanding of the world and its diverse cultures.
4. It Helps Them Learn Other Subjects
Art isn't just a separate subject; it can be connected to all sorts of other things kids are learning, like math, science, language arts, and history. For example, they can create artwork inspired by historical events, build models to understand scientific concepts or write stories about their artwork.
This helps them make connections between different subjects and see how learning can be fun and interconnected.
Want a Curriculum That Integrates Art with Other Subjects?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) believes that learning should be connected and engaging. That's why our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) weaves art into a variety of subjects, making learning more meaningful and fun.
Here's how TSHA integrates art with other subjects:
History: Children create timelines, maps, and artwork inspired by historical events and cultures.
Science: Children draw diagrams, build models, and create art projects to explore scientific concepts.
Language Arts: Children illustrate stories, write poems, and create artwork based on the books they read.
Math: Children use art to explore shapes, patterns, and measurements.
Ready to see how art can enhance your child's learning in all subjects?
5. It's A Way To Express Themselves
Art gives kids a way to express their feelings and emotions, even when they don't have the words. It can be a powerful tool for communication and self-discovery, helping them understand themselves and their place in the world.
6. It's Fun!
Let's be honest, art is just plain fun! It's a great way for kids to relax, de-stress, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful or meaningful. It can be a wonderful outlet for self-expression, a source of joy and accomplishment, and a way to connect with their own creativity.
So, whether your child is a budding artist or just enjoys doodling in their notebook, make sure art is a regular part of their homeschooling journey!
Art skills develop over time, and each stage offers new ways to learn and grow.
What are the Different Stages of Homeschool Art
Just like your child grows and changes over time, their approach to art education should evolve too! Here's a look at how homeschool art curriculums can be tailored to different grade levels, from elementary school through high school:
Elementary Grades: Sparking a Love of Art (Grades 1-4)
In the early elementary years, art education is all about sparking a love of art and laying a foundation for future exploration. Here's how a good homeschool art curriculum can do that:
1. Introduction to Artists and Art Projects
Exploring Famous Artists: A good elementary art curriculum will introduce children to some of the most famous artists and composers in history. They'll learn about their lives, their styles, and the amazing artwork they created.
Fun Activities: The curriculum should include lots of fun activities to keep kids engaged, like picture studies, coloring pages, and creating their own art projects.
Example: A first-grade art curriculum might introduce children to artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. They might learn about da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Van Gogh's sunflowers, and Monet's water lilies. They might also try their hand at painting their own versions of these famous works of art.
2. Learning More About Art History
Exploring Art Movements: As children get older, they can start to learn about different art movements and styles, like Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. This helps them understand how art has changed over time and how different artists have expressed themselves.
Example: A fourth-grade art curriculum might focus on the Impressionists, exploring the works of artists like Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Mary Cassatt. Children might learn about the techniques these artists used and how their work reflected the world around them.
3. Hands-On Activities and Projects
Learning by Doing: The best way to learn about art is to create it! A good art curriculum will have plenty of hands-on activities and projects so kids can try out different materials and techniques.
Example: Children might learn how to draw different shapes and objects, paint with watercolors, sculpt with clay, or create collages with different materials.
Want an Art Curriculum That Lets Your Child Explore and Create?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) believes that children learn best by doing! That's why our art curriculum is packed with hands-on activities and projects that let children explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills.
Here's how TSHA makes art come alive:
Hands-on Exploration: We encourage children to experiment with different art materials and techniques, from painting and drawing to sculpting and printmaking.
Engaging Projects: Our curriculum includes a variety of engaging projects that allow children to apply what they've learned and create their own unique works of art.
Focus on the Process: We emphasize the importance of the creative process, encouraging children to explore, experiment, and take risks without the fear of judgment.
Ready to give your child a hands-on art experience they'll love?
Middle School Art: Diving Deeper (Grades 5-8)
Middle school is a time when kids start to think more critically and ask deeper questions. A good homeschool art curriculum for this age group will help them explore art history, learn new techniques, and develop their own artistic style.
1. Exploring Art History
From Ancient to Modern: Middle schoolers can start to learn about art from all different time periods and cultures, from ancient cave paintings to modern sculptures. They'll discover how art has changed over time and how different artists have expressed themselves throughout history.
Art Movements and Artists: They'll also learn about important art movements, like Impressionism and Cubism, and the famous artists who led those movements, like Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso.
Example: When kids are in middle school, they might learn about art from a time period called the Renaissance. They can study famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci (who painted the Mona Lisa) and Michelangelo (who sculpted the statue of David).
Students might learn about the techniques they used, the ideas they expressed, and how their art reflected the culture of the time.
2. Developing Artistic Skills
Trying New Techniques: Middle school is a great time to try out different art techniques and mediums. Students might experiment with drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, or even digital art.
Example: A curriculum might include lessons on how to draw portraits, paint landscapes, create clay sculptures, or take interesting photographs.
3. Connecting Art to History and Culture
The Big Picture: It's important for students to understand that art isn't created in a vacuum. It's influenced by the history, culture, and ideas of the time. A good art curriculum will help students make these connections.
Example: A curriculum might explore how the Industrial Revolution influenced art or how different cultures have used art to express their beliefs and traditions.
4. Learning About the Elements of Art
The Building Blocks of Art: Students will learn about the basic elements of art, like line, shape, color, and texture. They'll also learn how artists use these elements to create different effects and express their ideas.
Example: A curriculum might include lessons on how to use color to create mood or how to use lines to create movement in a drawing.
High School Art: Becoming Art Critics (Grades 9-12)
High school is a time when students really start to think critically and express their own ideas. A good homeschool art curriculum for this age group will help them dive deep into art history, develop advanced techniques. They can even learn how to analyze and critique art like professionals!
1. A Four-Year Journey Through Art History
The Big Picture: High school art can be like a grand tour through the history of art! Students can explore different art movements and styles from all around the world, from ancient times to the present day. They'll learn how art has evolved over time and how different cultures have expressed themselves through art.
Example: A high school art curriculum might use a book like The Annotated Mona Lisa as a guide. This book provides a great overview of art history and explores different mediums like painting, sculpture, and photography.
Students can learn about famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Pablo Picasso. They can understand how their work connects to the larger world of art history.
2. Developing Advanced Art Skills
Mastering Techniques: High school is a time to refine artistic skills and try out more advanced techniques. Students might focus on drawing, painting, sculpting, or other mediums that interest them.
Example: A curriculum might include lessons on how to draw portraits with charcoal, paint landscapes with oils, or create sculptures with different materials.
3. Analyzing and Critiquing Art
Becoming Art Critics: High school students can learn how to analyze and critique art like professionals! They'll learn about the elements of art (like line, shape, and color) and the principles of design (like balance and contrast). They'll also learn how to express their opinions about art in a thoughtful and informed way.
Example: A curriculum might ask students to write critiques of famous paintings, comparing and contrasting different styles and techniques.
4. Connecting Art to Other Subjects
Seeing the Connections: Art isn't just a separate subject – it's connected to everything! A good high school art curriculum will help students see the connections between art and other subjects like history, literature, and science.
Example: A curriculum might explore how art reflects the social and political changes of a particular time period or how scientific discoveries have influenced artistic expression.
With so many art curriculums available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, here are five top-rated options for homeschoolers of all ages.
Top 5 Homeschool Art Curriculums
Want to help your child explore their artistic side? We've found some awesome homeschool art curriculums that will make learning fun and exciting! Whether you want a program that covers all the basics, focuses on specific skills like painting or drawing, or even includes lessons on art history, there's something for everyone on this list.
1. American Emergent Curriculum (by The School House Anywhere)
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique and engaging approach to art education that goes beyond traditional art lessons. Our curriculum is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and a lifelong love of art, all within a flexible and supportive homeschooling environment.
At TSHA, we believe that art is more than just creating pretty pictures. It's a powerful tool for communication, exploration, and personal growth. Our art curriculum is integrated into our broader American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), which emphasizes child-centered learning, hands-on exploration, and real-world connections.
This means that art is woven into a variety of subjects and activities, making it a natural and enriching part of your child's homeschooling experience.
Key Features
Exploration of Diverse Mediums and Techniques: We believe in exposing children to a wide world of artistic possibilities! Our curriculum encourages the exploration of various art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, mixed media, and more.
Children will experiment with different tools and materials, like watercolors, clay, charcoal, and pastels. This helps them find their own style and express themselves in fun, creative ways.
Art History and Appreciation: Art is a window into different cultures and time periods. Our curriculum includes engaging lessons on art history, introducing children to famous artists, diverse art movements, and how art has evolved throughout history.
They'll explore everything from ancient cave paintings to modern sculptures, gaining a rich understanding of art's role in our world. This will help them develop an appreciation for the creativity and skill of artists across cultures and time periods.
Focus on Creativity and Self-Expression: We believe that every child is an artist! Our curriculum encourages children to tap into their creativity, explore their own ideas, and develop their unique artistic voice. We provide opportunities for them to experiment, take risks, and find new ways to express themselves through art.
Whether it's painting a vibrant landscape, sculpting a whimsical creature, or creating a comic strip filled with their own characters, we encourage children to let their imaginations soar!
Integration with Other Subjects: Art isn't just a standalone subject at TSHA. We weave art into other areas of learning, like language arts, science, and history, to make it even more meaningful and engaging.
Children might create illustrations for the stories they write, design models for their science projects, or recreate historical artifacts as part of their history lessons.
This helps them connect different subjects and understand the world in a deeper way.
Flexibility and Adaptability: We understand that every child learns differently, and every homeschooling family has its own unique style. Our art curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different learning styles, interests, and homeschooling approaches.
You can set the learning pace and pick activities that match your child’s interests. You can also add your own ideas and materials to make the curriculum more fun and personalized.
Emphasis on the Process: We believe that the process of creating art is just as important as the final product. Our curriculum encourages children to explore, experiment, and take risks without the fear of judgment.
We celebrate effort, creativity, and individuality, helping children develop a lifelong love of art and a sense of confidence in their abilities.
Teaching Method
Our art curriculum utilizes a variety of teaching methods to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment:
Hands-On Exploration: Children try out lots of hands-on activities that let them explore different art materials and techniques.
Individualized Instruction: We recognize that every child learns differently. Our approach allows for individualized instruction and support. That ensures that each child can progress at their own pace and develop their artistic skills with confidence.
Positive Reinforcement: We believe in the power of encouragement and positive feedback to motivate and inspire young artists. We celebrate their creativity, effort, and unique expressions.
The School House Anywhere's art curriculum makes learning about art fun and exciting! It helps kids learn how to express themselves in different ways, and it gives them the confidence to be creative.
This comprehensive curriculum takes a deep dive into art history, exploring different art movements, artists, and techniques from around the world. It's designed to help students develop both their artistic skills and their understanding of art's role in culture and history.
Key Features
Comprehensive Coverage: Covers art history from ancient times to the present day.
Variety of Mediums: Includes lessons on drawing, painting, sculpture, and more.
Focus on Art Appreciation: Helps students develop an understanding and appreciation of different art styles and movements.
Hands-On Projects: Includes engaging projects that allow students to apply what they've learned.
Teaching Method
Chronological and Thematic Approach: Presents art history in a chronological order, with a focus on different themes and movements.
Hands-On Learning: Encourages students to experiment with different mediums and techniques.
Critical Thinking: Promotes critical thinking and analysis of art.
This curriculum emphasizes a classical approach to art education, focusing on drawing and painting skills. It's designed to help students develop a strong foundation in art fundamentals, such as line, shape, value, and composition.
Key Features
Classical Approach: Focuses on traditional drawing and painting techniques.
Step-By-Step Instruction: Provides clear and concise instructions for each lesson.
Emphasis on Observation: Encourages students to carefully observe the world around them and translate their observations into art.
High-Quality Materials: Uses high-quality art materials to ensure the best learning experience.
Teaching Method
Direct Instruction: Provides clear explanations and demonstrations of techniques.
Guided Practice: Offers opportunities for students to practice with guidance.
Independent Work: Encourages students to work independently to develop their skills.
This online art curriculum offers a variety of video lessons and resources for students of all ages. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic drawing to advanced painting techniques.
Key Features
Online Platform: Provides access to video lessons, printable resources, and a supportive online community.
Variety of Mediums: Covers a wide range of art mediums and techniques.
Flexible Scheduling: Allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Expert Instruction: Taught by experienced art educators.
Teaching Method
Video-Based Lessons: Engaging video lessons demonstrate different techniques and concepts.
Step-By-Step Instruction: Provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions.
Creative Exploration: Encourages students to explore their creativity and develop their own style.
This faith-based art curriculum integrates art appreciation with biblical principles. It covers a variety of art mediums and techniques, with a focus on developing creativity and character.
Key Features
Faith-Based Approach: Integrates biblical principles and values into art lessons.
Variety of Mediums: Covers a wide range of art mediums and techniques.
Character Development: Emphasizes character development and moral values.
Teaching Method
Biblical Integration: Connects art lessons with biblical stories and principles.
Hands-On Learning: Encourages students to explore and create art.
Character-Building Activities: Includes activities that promote character development and spiritual growth.
Remember, the best curriculum for your child will depend on their individual learning style, interests, and your family's preferences. Don't be afraid to try out different approaches and find what works best for you!
When selecting an art curriculum, there are a few key things to consider to ensure it meets your child’s needs.
What To Look For In The Homeschool Art Curriculum?
Choosing the right art curriculum for your homeschool can be an exciting adventure! But with so many options out there, it's helpful to know what to look for. Here are some key ingredients that make a fantastic homeschool art curriculum:
1. Engaging and Age-Appropriate
Art should be fun, especially for young learners! A great homeschool art curriculum will spark your child's imagination and make them excited to learn. It should be presented in a way that's easy for them to understand, with clear instructions, colorful examples. It could even contain a few silly jokes or stories to keep things interesting.
2. Exploration of Diverse Mediums and Techniques
The art world is full of amazing possibilities! A good art curriculum will introduce your child to a variety of art mediums, like painting, drawing, sculpting, and even photography.
They'll get to experiment with different tools and techniques, like watercolors, clay, charcoal, and digital art. This helps them discover their own artistic style and express themselves in unique ways.
3. Art History and Appreciation
Art is a window into different cultures and time periods. A great art curriculum will include lessons on art history, introducing your child to famous artists, different art movements, and how art has changed over time.
This helps them understand the rich and diverse world of art and develop an appreciation for the creativity and skill of artists throughout history.
4. Creativity and Self-Expression
Art is all about expressing yourself! A good art curriculum will encourage your child to be creative, explore their own ideas, and develop their own unique artistic voice. It will provide opportunities for them to experiment, take risks, and find new ways to express themselves through art.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability
Every child learns differently, and every homeschooling family has its own style. A good art curriculum should be flexible enough to adapt to different learning styles, interests, and homeschooling approaches.
You can choose which activities to do, change the order of lessons, or add your own ideas and resources. This helps make the curriculum more engaging and personalized.
Wrapping Up
Homeschooling lets you include art in your child's education in many ways. You can adjust the lessons to fit how your child learns best, and they can try out different art forms to show their creativity.
When you combine art with other subjects, like history or science, it helps children understand those subjects better. It also makes learning more fun and interesting.
Homeschooling also lets you choose an art curriculum that fits your child's needs and interests. This means they can learn at their own speed and try out different art materials and techniques.
By making art a regular part of your homeschooling, you can help your child develop a love of art that will last a lifetime.
Want an Art Curriculum That Inspires Creativity and a Love of Learning?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique and engaging approach to art education that's designed to spark your child's imagination and help them grow as an artist.
Here's what makes TSHA's art program special:
Hands-on Activities: We believe that children learn best by doing! That's why our curriculum is packed with fun, hands-on activities that let children explore different art materials and techniques. They might paint with watercolors, sculpt with clay, and create collages.
Focus on Creativity: We want children to express themselves and develop their own unique artistic style. Our curriculum encourages them to experiment, take risks, and find new ways to share their ideas and imagination through art.
Adaptable to Different Learners: Every child learns in their own way. Our curriculum can be adjusted to fit your child's learning style and needs. Whether they are visual learners, auditory learners, or kinesthetic learners, we can help them find ways to learn and grow as artists.
Integrated with Other Subjects: We believe that learning should be connected! Our art curriculum is integrated with other subjects, like language arts, science, and history. This helps children see the big picture and understand how art connects to the world around them.
Ready to help your child discover the joy of art?
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