A Homeschool Art Curriculum Teaches More Than Just Art

Looking for a homeschool art curriculum? Like most of the other subjects, there are numerous home school suppliers who are eager to fulfill your needs whether searching for basic or advanced materials for your children.

Home School Publishers

Many of the popular publishers offer workbooks and texts to create a course of study for art. Look at ABeka, Alpha Omega Press or Rod & Staff for their graded home school books.

A few other homeschool art curriculum resources include:

1.  The Atelier Curriculum DVDs found at http://www.homeschoolart.com/

2.  Artistic Pursuits books from http://www.artisticpursuits.com/index.html

3.  Foster Art Academy taught by a homeschool dad, at http://www.fosterartacademy.org

4.  A Classical Approach to art with How Great Thou Art from http://www.howgreatthouart.com/

5.  Draw, Write, Now workbook series

6.  Free, online lessons and tutorials found online for homeschool art

More than Just Getting Messy

Research seems to show that the benefits of including a homeschool art curriculum within your program go much further than just having fun and playing with paint or clay. There seems to be a direct connection between the process of art and how it stimulates the mind as well.

Since I'm no expert in that area, I asked a good friend of mine who teaches art in a school setting to share her opinion on this matter from her experience. Shelby S. of Franklin, TN, had this to say:

"In my experience, art instruction has shown to enhance every aspect of a child's life. I have seen instant changes in a child's mood, confidence, self esteem, and general outlook on life when art has been introduced into their lives.

I particularly remember several cases in the medical setting during my clinical rotations in nursing school. I saw one patient who was thought to be mute begin to not only speak, but sing and tell stories almost immediately after art therapy was introduced through painting.

I also remember another case involving a teenager who was considered by all means to be depressed and hopeless. After the opportunity to have a creative outlet through art, their mood completely altered, they became much more positive, and their battle with anorexia was greatly shortened.

I have seen how children who are creative every day in some form of art are generally happier, more energetic, have better grades, and are more capable of coping with life's struggles. On a scientific level, working both sides of the brain increases a person's overall cognitive function and stimulates the brain to function better, for longer."

Additionally, PBS.com shared on their website in an article entitled "The Importance of Art in Child Development," many similar claims to those made above by Shelby.

The benefits listed included an increase in "motor skills, language development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, cultural awareness, and improved academic performance" when students participated in art instruction a minimum of three times per week.

Homeschool Art Curriculum Courses

I have listed some of the most common forms of art lessons that may be suitable for homeschoolers. One of your first decisions will be choosing which art form to teach your child or whether to work with several styles.

Be sure to check with your local educational agency, if required, to make sure your course selection fulfills their requirements.

Arts & Crafts usually means lots of different materials and techniques. For instance, spray painting and then adhering macaroni shells to a shoebox is a typical arts and crafts activity done in the early grades.

Art Lessons can be done at a community center, homeschool tutorial or with a master artist or talented friend. This could be a really nice experience for an older student or artistically gifted person who might prefer the one-on-one instruction rather than a group setting.

Art Appreciation/History teaches the about the different artists and their styles of art. Often it will cover various s time periods and their artists.

Great Artists could involve a thorough look at works by different artists and might encourage tracing and then imitating their works.

Drawing, Graffiti or Cartooning are specific types of drawings that can be separate courses or attached to other subjects like writing.

Painting includes watercolors, pastels, and oil mediums

CAD – Computer- Aided Design uses computer software in the creation and manipulation of artwork and design.

Art instruction through any of the homeschool art curriculum choices available seems to encourage confidence and boldness as the child learns to express himself through various mediums.

Be sure to include as many opportunities as possible for your child to develop the skills that are attributed to a quality program. Remember, it is so much more than just playing with paint or clay!

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