Art is often considered an "extra" in education, but it can be an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum for homeschooling families. Including art in your homeschool nurtures creativity and enhances critical thinking, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. Here’s why I believe art deserves a place in your child’s education along with some suggestions and resources on how to easily integrate it into your homeschooling routine.

Why Art Matters in Homeschooling

Art is more than just drawing and painting; it's a gateway to understanding history, culture, and the human experience. When children engage with art, they develop skills that transcend the classroom. They learn to observe closely, think critically, and express themselves creatively. Art also offers a unique gateway to explore history, as it often reflects the values, struggles, and achievements of different cultures.

Five Suggestions to Integrate Art into Your Homeschool

1. Start with the Basics Begin by introducing your children to the basic elements of art—line, shape, color, texture, and form. Simple exercises like sketching household objects or experimenting with colors can help them understand these concepts. This foundational knowledge will serve as a building block for more complex projects.

2. Incorporate Art History Art history is a rich subject that can be easily integrated into your homeschool curriculum. Use resources like the Apprentice Art Studio’s Art and History Companion Guide, which offers an excellent introduction to ancient art. This guide provides detailed lessons that explore the art of ancient civilizations, making it a perfect starting point for teaching art history at home.

3. Make Art a Regular Activity Dedicate specific times during the week and a space to work in for art activities. Whether it's a daily sketchbook exercise or a weekly painting session, consistency will help your children develop their skills and creativity. You can integrate art projects to other subjects, such as creating visual representations of historical events or scientific concepts. Take a look at these Nature Field Guides.

4. Use a Variety of Materials Encourage your children to experiment with different art materials—paints, clay, pastels, or even digital tools. This not only keeps things interesting but also helps them discover their preferred mediums. Mixing materials can lead to exciting, innovative projects that push the boundaries of their creativity.

5. Visit Museums and Galleries—Virtually or In-Person Art appreciation is an important aspect of art education. Take your children to local museums or explore virtual tours of famous galleries around the world. This is a great resource for virtual museums along with this resource for museum etiquette. Discuss the different art pieces, their historical context, and the techniques used. This will enhance their understanding of art and its role in history and society.

Teaching Art at Home: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to teaching art at home, resources and techniques are key. The Apprentice Art Studio’s A Guide for Kid’s Art Lessons is an excellent resource that supports all your art lessons including art history. This guide provides a planning structure, so you can easily build easy-to-follow lessons that align with your homeschool schedule and educational goals. The guide covers a broad range of topics to help you out including, a sample schedule, a 3-step lesson “recipe”, reproducible worksheets, art vocabulary, preliminary design worksheets, book resources, and more. It was created and is designed to make art lessons accessible and engaging for students of all ages. I hope that it gives you the boost you need, “ you’ve got this!”

Embrace the Journey

Incorporating art into your homeschool curriculum is a rewarding endeavor that enriches your child’s education and broadens their understanding of the world. With a solid plan, the right resources, and a commitment to exploring creativity, you can provide a comprehensive art education that will benefit your children for years to come. Start with the basics explore art, and don’t be afraid to let your child’s creativity lead the way.