Incorporating Art into Your Homeschool Curriculum

Wet plaster, dipping leaves into beeswax, drawing with feather quills, recreating artifacts in polymer clay, printing coins and found keys, painting on fabric, needle-felting favorite characters and animals: what do these have to do with homeschool art? Art is more than just a subject; it is a vital part of education and an important part of the world that nurtures creativity and develops critical thinking skills. For homeschooling families, incorporating art into your curriculum can enhance learning experiences and offer kids a unique way to express themselves. Make it fun! In this post, we will explore various methods to include art in your homeschool curriculum effectively and creatively. Read more to find out how YOU can do all this and why you should.

The Importance of Homeschool Art

Art is a significant component of a well-rounded curriculum. Studies show that students engaged in arts education perform better academically. This improvement extends beyond just art-related subjects; children learn to think creatively, solve problems, and communicate their ideas effectively. If you have kids who are kinesthetic learners and like to touch and experience things, using art really helps to bring the subjects home for them. When I homeschooled, I added art and design to almost every facet of the learning experience.

In homeschooling, you have the freedom to design your art curriculum. This flexibility allows you to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, from painting and sculpture to photography and digital arts. Incorporating art provides children with the chance to express their feelings and thoughts, enabling them to form a deeper connection to their studies. While studying history, consider creating an art project that applies a historical version of art. For instance, fresco painting, the technique of applying pigment to wet plaster, has a long history and was particularly prominent in the Italian Renaissance and beyond. In the past, I used joint compound in an art lesson at the Free Range Art Studio for my homeschool students to learn about fresco and to paint with "wet plaster".

A colorful assortment of art supplies in a creative setting

Different Art Forms to Explore in Your Homeschooling

When it comes to integrating art into your homeschool curriculum, consider exploring various forms. Here are some engaging suggestions:

Painting

Painting is an obvious, versatile medium that allows kids to explore color, texture, and composition. You can introduce different techniques like watercolor, acrylics, or even finger painting. Set up a dedicated space for painting, or go outside and encourage children to express themselves freely without the pressure of perfection. In our studio, we like to explore "process art," which allows kids to basically play with materials along the way. We might explore plants in the wild and see diagrams of their structure, but then I set them free with a variety of inks, paints, and tools to re-create versions of the plants that they see. We often use feather quills, or sticks, to apply India inks, and we use dropper bottles to create backgrounds with acrylic inks on canvas, and talk about the color mixing and how the colors form new colors and values. Each piece of art will turn out unique and beautiful!

Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic

Sculpture

Sculpting with clay or other materials can be an enriching experience. Kids can build three-dimensional creations, which helps develop spatial awareness and fine motor skills. Incorporate lessons about different sculptors and styles, and encourage kids to create their sculptures inspired by their knowledge. One of our favorite choices in clay at our studio is polymer clay. Polymer clay is a little pricier than other clays, but allows the child to create durable, lasting projects without cracking (like air-dry clay) and without the need for a kiln. During one of our homeschool art classes last year, a parent asked us to incorporate Jewish art into their child's class. Coincidentally, these students loved working with clay, so we learned about a recent archaeological find that they could recreate in their own version - in polymer clay! The world is filled with examples of art which can be then tied into lessons.

Small Trinket Dish in Polymer Clay Made by Young Student

Photography

Digital photography is an excellent way for kids to engage with technology while developing an eye for detail. Teach them about composition, lighting, and editing. A photo scavenger hunt can make this process fun, encouraging them to capture specific themes or objects, turning everyday moments into art. A great way to study photography is to lean into the artists of Instagram. Study a specific artist's style, learn from their examples, and connect it to a culture or even a much more historical photography trend. Kids LOVE photography, and you can even print photos and decoupage printed photos onto a recycled box, or print them onto fabric to make a lasting piece of functional art. Rather than leaving photos flat and printed, if you incorporate them into your child's world, it could open up the door to empowering them to make lasting items that THEY value and are proud to show off.

Printmaking

Printmaking is a unique technique that combines art and craft. Simple printmaking methods using items like vegetables or stamps can introduce children to this art form. It allows young learners to explore patterns and repetition while enjoying diverse textures. In our studio in Thornton, PA, we LOVE printmaking with styrofoam for all ages. Often, we will start by having the kids take photos of objects they would like to print. They make an image and a photocopy and then lay the image onto a styrofoam sheet and trace their image onto the styrofoam below by pressing with a pen over the outlines they want to mark. Using a brayer, they roll on printing ink to the styrofoam and flip the styrofoam over and make prints. Easy peasy and so rewarding! You can also use washable markers with younger kids on the styrofoam and wet a piece of paper and when you flip over the styrofoam, the wet paper activates the marker and makes a print. Another favorite is gel plate printing. SO many options with gel plates!

Textile Arts

Exploring textile arts, such as sewing, weaving, or embroidery, can greatly boost creativity and fine motor skills. Children can make their fabric art projects, expanding their understanding of materials. You can even incorporate the history of textiles and learn about textile artists from various cultures. Since I hold my college degree in fashion design, I have a particular interest in fabrics and their various uses and history. Along with sewing, stitching, crochet, knitting, and other fiber arts, one of our favorites in the studio is needle felting. Kids of all ages can needle felt. We often create little animals or even felted landscapes. Seeing how soft wool fibers can be turned into actual 3D items or portray a flat image in textures is eye-opening for many children! If you have never felted before, there are small kits available online and many intructional videos available from artists on channels like youtube.

Photo courtesy of our visiting fiber artist, Farren Maille from Whimsical Wooliess

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A creative textile art project showcasing vibrant fabrics and patterns

Connecting Art to Other Subjects

One of the excellent benefits of homeschooling is the ability to connect various subjects seamlessly. Here are some ways to integrate art with other subjects:

Art and Science

Integrate creativity with science by exploring natural patterns, such as symmetry and fractals. Encourage kids to illustrate their scientific observations, like drawing and painting plants or animals, which enhances learning through visualization.

Art and History

Link art to history by studying different periods of art and how they reflect societal values and events. Have children recreate art styles from different cultures or time periods to understand their historical context better.

Art and Language Arts

Combine art with language arts by having children create visual representations of their stories or poems. This exercise enhances comprehension and encourages creative writing, making literature more engaging. Consider making the poetry a part of the art by using outdoor Mod Podge to add printed poetry to a wooden piece to make into a garden sculpture. Or, make a "Poet-Tree" by hanging poetry written by your child on a tree outdoors where others will see it and enjoy it. This can be done by writing it on metal shapes with a paint marker like a posca brand marker.

Art and Mathematics

Mathematics and art intersect beautifully. Use concepts like geometry and symmetry in art projects. Encourage kids to create geometric designs, boosting their understanding of mathematical principles through creativity. Futher enhance their interest with spirograph art and nail/string art, creating patterns that are visually pleasing to the child. Explain the mathermatics behind the art.

By connecting art to other subjects, you not only enrich the learning experience but also help children discover the interrelatedness of knowledge.

Resources for Homeschool Art Classes

If you’re considering structured support for your art education, look into The Free Range Art Studio. Quality programs can provide guidance and resources that can greatly enhance your art curriculum. The Free Range Art Studio is located in Thornton, PA, and offers in-person homeschool art enrichment classes for ages 5+. Beyond formal classes, make use of the wealth of online resources available. Websites, instructional videos, and social media platforms can provide inspiration and creative ideas.

Encouraging an Artist's Mindset

Fostering an artist's mindset requires patience and encouragement. Here are ways to promote a love for art:

1. Display Art: Showcase your child's artwork at home or in public spaces. Celebrate their creativity and accomplishments to boost their self-esteem.

   
   

2. Receive Feedback Positively: Teach children how to provide constructive feedback and accept criticism gracefully. Emphasize the learning process over a final product.

   
   

3. Promote Collaboration: Allow kids to work together on art projects. Collaborative work can foster social skills and help them learn different techniques from peers.

   
   

4. Visit Art Exhibitions: Take field trips to local galleries or museums. Experiencing art in different forms can inspire children and introduce new ideas.

   
   

5. Art Challenges: Set fun art challenges, such as "create an artwork in 10 minutes" or "make art using found objects", or "draw an image with your eyes closed", or "use your non-dominant hand to paint a picture". These activities can spur creativity and add an element of excitement!

   
   

Final Thoughts on Homeschooling with Art

Incorporating art into your homeschool curriculum fosters creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. By exploring different forms of art and connecting them to other subjects, you enrich your child’s educational experience. Through dedicated resources, encouragement, and an artist's mindset, you nurture future generations of creators who can engage with the world around them more profoundly.

In this journey of homeschooling, remember that art is not just an addition but an integral part of your child's learning experience. Whether you explore painting, sculpture, photography, or any other form, let creativity guide your child's learning and transform their educational experience! Most of all...DO have fun with it!