Why include art in your homeschool curriculum?
As a homeschooling parent, you have the flexibility to design a curriculum that meets the unique needs and interests of your child. While the core subjects like math and science are essential, it is equally important to include art in your homeschool curriculum. Art offers numerous benefits to children, fostering creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills. By incorporating art into your homeschool routine, you can provide your child with a well-rounded education that nurtures their artistic abilities and enhances their overall learning experience.
Benefits of incorporating art into homeschooling
Integrating art into your homeschool curriculum brings a multitude of benefits to your child's education. Firstly, art promotes creativity and imagination. Lo’s art classes let each artist feel confident and are encouraged to think outside the box. They are encouraged to try new materials and push themselves. Art also encourages self-expression, allowing children to communicate their thoughts and emotions in a visual form. This can boost their self-esteem and confidence in expressing themselves.
Moreover, art encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Lo likes to introduce a variety of art materials to foster a sense of familiarity once a project is complete. When working on art projects, children have to make decisions, experiment with different techniques, and find creative solutions to artistic challenges. These skills transfer to other areas of their education and daily life, fostering analytical thinking and adaptability.
What American Artist who’s still living has sold the highest grossing painting? Lastly, art promotes cultural awareness and appreciation. Through studying various art movements and artists from different time periods and cultures, children develop an understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Learning about this broadens their horizons and encourages them to embrace diversity in all its forms. Lo Knows Art’s “Express Yourself!” course is a fun way to learn art history and create! We complete a piece of art reminiscent of the artist or movement we study for each lesson.
Different types of art curriculum for homeschoolers
When it comes to incorporating art into your homeschool curriculum, there are various options to choose from. One popular approach is to follow a structured art curriculum specifically designed for homeschoolers. Lo Knows Art can provide a comprehensive framework that covers different art forms, techniques, and art history Lo utilizes hands-on activities to engage children in the learning process. Even an art quiz taken through Kahoot or done with bean-boozled as the reward and consequence can be a lot of fun.
Another option is to focus on artistic pursuits as a part of your homeschool curriculum. This approach allows children to explore their own interests and develop their artistic skills through self-directed projects. By providing them with resources, materials, and guidance, you can encourage their artistic growth while giving them the freedom to pursue their passions.
Artistic pursuits curriculum overview
Most homeschoolers follow artistic pursuits curriculum. It is a flexible and child-centered approach to art education. It encourages children to explore various art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, based on their interests. Provide a range of projects and activities that promote skill development and creative thinking. See my list of supplies below.
By incorporating artistic pursuits into your homeschool routine, you allow your child to develop a genuine connection with art. This approach fosters a lifelong love for art and nurtures their creative abilities. However, you may choose to participate monthly or bi-weekly in a structured art class, your student may try a new material or technique that may appeal to them.
Art supplies for homeschool art curriculum
The following are my tips to create a well-equipped art space for your homeschool art curriculum. Consider having the following essential art supplies:
1. Drawing materials: Include a variety of sharpened pencils, erasers, colored pencils, and markers for drawing and sketching and lots and lots of blank paper. I always kept a folder marked ‘drawing paper’ that was the printer mistakes or school work on one side and blank on the other so they could always have access to it. 2. Painting supplies: Have a selection of watercolors, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, palettes, and canvases for painting projects. Try watercolor on rocks in the rain or go to the coast and paint sea shells. 3. Sculpting materials: Provide clay, modeling tools, and sculpting wire for hands-on sculpting activities. The BX has air dry clay for around $5. 4. Collage materials: Include a range of papers, magazines, scissors, glue sticks, and other materials for collage and mixed media projects. 5. Craft supplies: Have a collection of beads, yarn, fabric scraps, buttons, and other craft materials for creative and tactile art projects. Don’t forget the glue! Glue dots are great but also have traditional Elmers and glue sticks- or glue gun for older children.
Remember to store these supplies in an organized and accessible manner, allowing your child to independently explore and create. I like to fill a small tote with these and periodically clean out the scraps and restock it as needed.
Online art classes for homeschoolers
If you are looking for additional resources to enhance your homeschool art curriculum, consider online art classes for homeschoolers. These classes offer a convenient and flexible way to supplement your child's art education. Online lessons are especially helpful if you have a range of ages and need to be with the younger children while the older ones attend class on the computer or vice versa.
The benefit of online art classes taught through zoom is that you still get to participate and get instant feedback from the teacher and students. Lo is an experienced Outschool art teacher and has held online classes ranging from 6 year olds up to high school. Online art classes are great because you can follow an instructional portion and don’t have to stop once the class is over if you desire more time to complete your project. Another benefit is you’re in your own familiar space. Lo encourages students to share their artwork and discuss intent but it’s also okay if they choose not to. It is their time and Lo is here to guide and encourage, I find that most of the time, they are eager to share and discuss their artwork. Additionaly, online art classes provide opportunities for virtual group discussions and feedback, fostering a sense of community and connection with other homeschoolers while never having to leave your home. Classes cover various art forms and techniques, allowing your child to explore new areas of interest.
Local art classes and for homeschoolers
While online art classes offer convenience, local art classes provide valuable hands-on experiences and opportunities for in-person interaction. It allows for an opportunity to use group materials that may be too expensive or needed much prep-work. These classes cater to different age groups and skill levels, providing a supportive and engaging environment for learning. Attending local art classes with Lo can expose your child to new art forms, techniques, and perspectives. It also allows them to connect with other homeschoolers who share their passion for art.
Conclusion
Incorporating art into your homeschool curriculum is a valuable investment in your child's education and overall development. By nurturing their artistic abilities, you enhance their creativity, self-expression, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Whether you choose a structured art curriculum or opt for artistic pursuits, remember to make art classes engaging, interactive, and hands-on. Provide your child with the necessary art supplies and consider supplementing your homeschool curriculum with online art classes or local art classes. Embrace the power of art to enrich your homeschooling journey and unlock your child's creative potential.
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