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.
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.
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.
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