When opting for homeschooling, besides covering the fundamental three Rs, there’s an opportunity to delve into a wide array of subjects that might not receive as much attention in traditional schooling.
Often, public schools face resource constraints, limiting the depth of exploration into subjects that truly captivate students. This is where homeschooling shines for many families.
Do you have a child with a penchant for creative pursuits? Or perhaps you aim to cultivate an appreciation for art, music, and culture in your children? Either way, incorporating art into your homeschooling curriculum through a unit study can be immensely rewarding.
Here are 8 ideas to craft an engaging art unit study suitable for children of all ages:
- Explore Renowned Artists: Dive into the lives and works of celebrated artists throughout history. Similar to studying composers in music, delving into artist biographies and their masterpieces offers rich insights. You can find ready-made artist studies tailored for various age groups on curriculum websites if you prefer.
- Visit an Art Museum: Nothing compares to experiencing art firsthand. A visit to an art museum provides a tangible connection to the subject being studied. If a museum visit isn’t feasible, consider checking with local high schools or universities for exhibitions showcasing student artwork.
- Replicate Famous Artworks: Immersion in art often involves hands-on creation. Replicating famous artworks allows students to engage deeply with artistic techniques and styles. Choose an iconic piece to study and recreate your interpretation, fostering creativity and appreciation.
- Experiment with Various Art Mediums: Explore a spectrum of art mediums to discover new creative outlets. From oil paints to watercolors, charcoal to pastels, experimenting with different materials adds depth to the learning experience. For younger children, simpler materials like pom poms, glitter, and colored paper can spark creativity.
- Utilize Google Arts & Culture: The Google Arts & Culture platform offers a wealth of resources for art enthusiasts. From virtual museum tours to interactive games and artist profiles, it’s a treasure trove of artistic exploration accessible for free.
- Enroll in Art Classes: Online and community-based art classes provide structured learning opportunities. Platforms like Outschool connect students with skilled art instructors globally. For those on a budget, YouTube tutorials and local library programs offer valuable alternatives.
- Watch Art Documentaries: Engage students with captivating art documentaries that bring the subject to life. With an abundance of quality content available online, movie sessions become educational and entertaining.
- Visit the Local Library: A trip to the library complements any unit study. Explore picture books, biographies of artists, art history texts, and more. Librarians can offer guidance, and online catalogs often allow for convenient curbside pickup.
Crafting your own unit study can be a delightful journey with the right resources at hand. Implement these ideas to create an enriching art curriculum tailored to your children’s interests and let us know about your experiences! We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
