Master Kitz is a creative way to teach fine art to children. A new way to spark a love for art with a hands on method that will bring out the artist in your child and perhaps provide you a new painting to hang on the wall. Master Kitz is a unique art kit that contains all the supplies to recreate a masterpiece. In addition, the kit contains a historical overview of the artist who painted the masterpiece along with background on the artistic method. We did an art study on Van Gogh and The Starry Night Master Kitz was … Continue reading →

Paper dolls are a lovely way to celebrate a rainy day! With a book or a stash of paper dolls and their clothes, small children can have hours of fun doing pretend play and making clothes and houses for their dolls. Since paper dolls and doll books are very much a part of centuries gone by, sometimes they can be difficult to find in stores. Look online or explore these paper doll books. Where can you find paper dolls? Paper dolls can be found in the oddest of places! Check the library to see if there are books of paper … Continue reading →

All right, so fall doesn’t really seem to be the season of flowers. Spring has that reputation. But fall can be glorious, and what better thing to do with falling petals than to make crafts with them? Experiment with flower dyes. For younger children – and all right, for older ones too – pounding flower petals is not only a great way to burn energy and relieve stress, it’s also a good way to discover how well flower colors can dye fabrics and paper. Get some sturdy uncoated cardboard and gently mash flower petals onto the white card, squishing them … Continue reading →

I have been looking for an art curriculum for my 5th and 7th grader. At that age you want to find something that beyond making a puppet out of a paper bag but not as advanced as painting a replica of the Mona Lisa. I had long considered signing them up for a drawing class at our local art museum since I thought drawing would be of interest to both kids and help them explore the world of art on their own terms. But what do I know; I can barely draw a straight line with a ruler. I needed … Continue reading →

Is your homelearner in love with art? A craft wizard? If you have a child who just adores creating things, then he may eventually want to show or sell some of this art. Just as a working adult artist uses shows, web sites, and other media to show off his work, your homelearner may wish to do the same. Luckily, the internet has opened up venues for everyone to share what they can create and even offer it up for sale. Etsy is the well-loved pocketbook drainer of the internet. It’s a site for all things homemade, including crafts, visual … Continue reading →

Are you looking for a way to introduce your child to fine arts? Maestro Classics will not only introduce your child to classical music it will make your child fall in love with it. I never thought I would hear myself saying “Turn off the Tchaikovsky and go to bed!” Maestro Classics gives a magical retelling of The Story of Swan Lake performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Simon and narrated by Yadu (Konrad Czynski). The music is simply beautiful and the narration engaging. The Story of Swan Lake is magical and grabs the attention of whoever … Continue reading →

The Tortoise and the Hare is a well known and beloved story. Now that it is coupled with Maestro Classics your child will not only learn about this Aesop Fable but classical music. The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Stephen Simon and narrated by Yadu will delight you and your children with this classic tale. I was so excited to receive my review copy in the mail. The year before my children studied ancient history and many of Aesop’s Fables. Of course a study of Aesop’s Fable is not complete without The Tortoise and the Hare. Not only does this … Continue reading →

I previously introduced you to Artistic Pursuits for the K-3rd crowd. Now I would like to introduce you to Artistic Pursuits for the Junior High crowd. Artistic Pursuits will be highly appreciated by those who teach from a Charlotte Mason or Classical method. However, this art curriculum will enhance any homeschool. The focus in Book One is on World Art. The student will gain an understanding of how different cultures impacted the world in different ways through their art. The book places equal emphasis on art history, art appreciation and techniques making this a complete art course for your junior … Continue reading →

I am an excellent artist. . .of stick figures. But I decided this to be good blog fodder because I think in essence, it begs a deeper question: how can you teach anything that you’re not naturally good at? My Philosophy on the “Specials” Really, you can teach your child anything you want–at least at the most basic level. I remember when my youngest daughter was four or five, she decided that she wanted to play violin. Everyone assumed that we would sign her up for lessons, but instead, I decided to teach her on my own. I don’t play … Continue reading →

In my last blog, I said I would talk about ideas for when you go to visit the art museum, and a few of my favorite things to teach art. A Few More Things I Like for Art I’ve already written a about some of my favorite picks for art and some suggestions for teaching. Of course, I think for every homeschooler, as our needs change or even just our course work, so do our ‘favorites’. Usborne Internet Linked Book of Art This book is definitely for the older child as it is more about art appreciation and viewing fine … Continue reading →