Random Tips on Teaching Art and Art History

It seems that we homeschoolers know the importance of a well rounded education. In fact, I have often said I feel like if I didn’t homeschool, my kids would miss out on all the wonderful opportunities sitting under our noses here in New York City. However, art, P.E. and sometimes music education are lacking in many homeschools. Either we don’t know how to do it or what to do. I know for me, art is not my thing. My stick figures are barely discernable. Yet somehow, I’ve managed to school fairly artistic children. A friend recently asked me how I … Continue reading →

Music Instruction and the Homeschooler

Earlier today, I talked about Art requirements for Homeschoolers. I mentioned that art should be an integral part of your homeschooling. I feel the same way about music. It is a known fact that music stimulates the brain, and wires it to understand mathematics and science. Recent research also shows that singing improves spatial. For these reasons, I had began supplementing my children’s education with music instruction long before we started homeschooling. Then once we began homeschooling, I insisted that music practice was done first each day, right after breakfast. With so many things to learn in a homeschool environment, … Continue reading →

Fulfilling Homeschool Art “Requirements”

Like Physical Education, few states have requirements for Art. That does not mean art should not be an integral part of your child’s education. One of my favorite homeschool guides “What Your ___ Grader Needs to Know by E.D. Hirsch, has a chapter on what your homeschooler should cover in applied art and art history each year. This is a good place to start. There are also numerous Art curriculums that you will find in the Homeschool Curriculum Glossary. Meanwhile, I want to give you some ideas of showing that your child has met his or her Art requirements (whether … Continue reading →

The Homeschooler’s Advent Calendar: Crafty Activities at Families.com

Do you tour this website? I have to admit that I check out a few blogs regularly, but if I’m searching for something I often go to the forums to get people’s opinions. However, when I was thinking about today’s Advent calendar topic, I thought I’d take a good look around at what Families.com has to offer. Obviously the blogger in fun or kid’s crafts doesn’t blog in homeschooling–but which of us homeschoolers doesn’t like to get out the craft boxes every so often? In reality, I found many ideas that I can use for our Christmas celebrations during homeschool. … Continue reading →

The Homeschooler’s Advent Calendar: Handel’s Messiah

At the risk of offending, I do not consider anyone truly culturally literate unless they are familiar with Handel’s Messiah. (There are several other classical pieces about which I could say this too–but hey, it’s Christmas time!) I am always extra thankful to live in New York City at this time of year. There are a wealth of venues at which to go see this performed. May I suggest that if you’ve never seen it–take your kids and go. It is nothing short of awe inspiring in my opinion–especially if it’s done very well. Besides going to hear the Messiah … Continue reading →