Enriching Homeschool Education with Art

Charlotte Mason was an influential educational reformer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who believed in a holistic approach to education that emphasized the importance of developing a child’s mind, body, and spirit. One of the key components of Mason’s educational philosophy was her emphasis on art instruction, which she believed was essential for cultivating a child’s imagination, creativity, and aesthetic sense.

Mason believed that art instruction should be both enjoyable and rigorous, and that it should focus on developing a child’s appreciation for beauty and their ability to express themselves through artistic creation. She emphasized the importance of exposing children to great works of art from a young age and of encouraging them to develop their own artistic skills through regular practice and experimentation.

Classic Art Ideas for teaching Children

In line with these principles, homeschooling parents can incorporate a range of classic art teaching methods into their instruction. Some of these methods include:

1. Drawing and sketching: Mason believed that drawing and sketching were fundamental skills that should be developed from a young age. Parents can encourage their children to practice these skills by providing them with a variety of drawing materials and encouraging them to experiment with different techniques and styles.
2. Copywork: Mason also believed that children should be exposed to great works of art and encouraged to copy them as a way of developing their own artistic skills. Parents can provide their children with copies of famous paintings or sculptures and encourage them to study the original work and then create their own interpretation of it.
3. Art history: Mason believed that art instruction should be grounded in a knowledge and appreciation of the history of art. Parents can incorporate art history lessons into their instruction by introducing their children to different artistic periods and movements, as well as to the lives and works of famous artists.
4. Nature study: Mason believed that art instruction should be closely connected to the natural world, and that children should be encouraged to observe and sketch the natural beauty around them. Parents can incorporate nature study into their art instruction by encouraging their children to draw or paint the flora and fauna they observe on nature walks or in their own backyard.

History of Children’s Art

In addition to these classic art teaching methods, it is also important to understand the history of children’s art and how it has evolved over time. Prior to the 18th century, children’s art was largely limited to crude, folk-style drawings and paintings. However, with the advent of the Romantic movement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was a growing interest in the imaginative and expressive potential of children’s art.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of influential educational reformers, including Charlotte Mason, advocated for the importance of art instruction in schools and encouraged the development of children’s artistic skills. This led to the creation of art education programs in schools and a greater emphasis on the importance of creativity and artistic expression in child development.

Today, homeschooling parents can draw on this rich history of art instruction to develop their own art curriculum for their children. By incorporating classic art teaching methods and an appreciation for the history of children’s art, parents can provide their children with a rich and rewarding education that emphasizes the importance of creativity, imagination, and aesthetic appreciation.

In our own homeschooling, I’m always searching for ways to incorporate art. We use Ambleside Online for our curriculum lists and schedules. Replicating paintings through dress up and photography is one way we’ve enjoyed playing with famous artists through pictures study.

I hope you have a few new ideas and some inspiration for enriching your children’s art education! Thanks for stopping by!