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A fun side of homeschooling can be the introduction of arts and crafts and music into the homeschooling day. This can include art appreciation and music appreciation as well as learning to construct art and play music oneself. In addition to those options readily available in many communities to all children, some homeschooling curricula provide easy instruction to the fine art in the home.
Crafts are something fun that parents often provide for their children in younger years. However, parents (myself included!) find less time for fine arts as our children get older. What can you do to encourage the fine arts in your homeschool? Some of these (mostly) secular homeschool curricula ideas may help.
Learning to recognize and appreciate fine art is something to consider adding to homeschool to properly provide a well-rounded humanities education.
Some parents may want to include art appreciation as they learn about various cultures and history, thus making this an add-on to social studies. Others may want to make fine art appreciation a part of field trips, as families attend museums or art galleries.
Yet others may want to teach art skills in your homeschool but you, like me, lack artistic skills. Younger children often have an interest in arts and crafts, which provide good fine motor practice. Older kids should experience the chance for this type of creativity too.
Here are some online- and video-based resources I’ve found for homeschoolers or anyone wanting to improve art skills and appreciation.
- Atelier (ages 4-16). I reviewed the Atelier art program in depth a few months ago. I did a 6- to 10-year-old program, and there are altogether eight different levels of video-based art instruction, thus making this a great choice for a homeschooling family to investigate.
- Artistic Pursuits (K through high school). This program teaches parents and students observation skills and art skills through textbooks at various levels up to high school. They also offer some elementary art classes online now as well!
- Beyond the Stick Figure (2-adult). This program provides an independent study online subscription program for learning art concepts at home as well.
- Masterpiece Society. Art lesson subscription services as well as artist studies.
- You are an Artist Clubhouse. Art lessons subscription as well as fine art appreciation lessons.
- Art History for Kids sets. Modern artists to learn.
- Mark Kistler.com Live online art lessons.
- Art History at Khan Academy. This free online class is video- and text-based.
Furthermore, learning to play an instrument teaches discipline and patience. It’s not usually cheap or free and learning an instrument is very dififcult, so children (and parents) really have to want to do it! Thankfully, there are some less expensive options for those who want music in their homes.
- Preschool Songs Kids Should Know online class, with printables, from Music in Our Homeschool
- Meet the Instruments/ Meet the Composers from SQUILT Music Appreciation
- World Music Appreciation for Elementary (class) from Music in Our Homeschool
- Charlotte Mason-Inspired Fine Arts for High School from Music in Our Homeschool
- Homeschool Classical Musical Guides from Maestro Classics. These free guides correlate to the Maestro Classics CDs.
- Homeschool Piano. Online video piano lessons for one person or the whole family!
- Hoffman Academy. Online video piano lessons. Offers a free option in addition to a premium option.
- Guitar 360 Method. Online video guitar lessons.
More in This Series
The fine arts may not seem as crucial to your homeschool as the three 3Rs: reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic. But incorporating art and music into your homeschool can be quite rewarding! Want some more tips on getting started homeschooling? Check out the rest of this series.
- Get Started Homeschooling: Keep it Legal
- Get Started Homeschooling: Plan Your Homeschool Year
- Get Started Homeschooling: Schedule Your Day
- Get Started Homeschooling: All-in-One Curriculum Options
- Get Started Homeschooling: Teach Language Arts
- Get Started Homeschooling: Teach Math
- Get Started Homeschooling: Science in Your Homeschool
- Get Started Homeschooling: Teach Social Studies in Your Homeschool
- Get Started Homeschooling: Add in Arts and Music
- Get Started Homeschooling: Teach Physical Development and Health
- Get Started Homeschooling: Including Foreign Languages and Life Skills in Your Homeschool
Have another “how to homeschool” question? Contact me and I’ll write about it too. Send me an email if you have specific questions, or ask me directly on my Facebook page.