by Jodie the Mom | Feb 2, 2024 | Homeschool

How to Add Art For Homeschool Even If You Aren’t An Artist

Do you dread the thought of teaching art for homeschool? Are you feeling like you aren’t creative enough or you don’t have the skill? You can add art to your homeschool, even if you aren’t an artist.

We are homeschool moms, so we are supposed to be amazing at teaching our kids and giving them experiences. All while working from home. You’re a super mom.

Let’s face it. There are certain subjects that we just hate to teach. Chemistry and algebra get me every time. We know we want to give our kids the best, well-rounded education, but our own lack makes it feel impossible.

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When we may lack the knowledge or skill for certain subjects. This leads us to ignoring it or shying away from it. Yes, you can outsource these topics. I am always for adding classes like Skillshare. But this is not an option for everyone.

Why You Should Add Art for Homeschool

You want your kids to identify the paintings in the background on a random TV show. Then everyone will know that homeschooling is the best. That was a joke, but it is fun when they can.

There are so many benefits to creative pursuits—relaxation, self-improvement, pleasure, reduction of stress. Part of the reason we homeschool is to teach necessary life skills to our kids. These are necessary life skills as your kids become adults. Teach them now how to tap into their inner-creative, so they can better manage stress as they get older.

It is also a fun, sensory experience. Art is just fun. Trying different mediums opens up your creative mind. The first time I tried watercolor pencils, I wanted to know where they had been my whole life. Why did it take over 30 years for me to discover them? They are an amazing medium to work with. Especially with young kids. They aren’t messy either. Another perfect reason to try them.

It is a great way to connect the events of history. For example, Vermeer and Rembrandt wouldn’t have happened without Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.

Creativity draws on your entire brain. Being creative will cause you to use more of your brain. It fuels your imagination. Forming a habit of creativity will teach your kids how to think creatively. Which will make them more successful in adulthood. You can get creative by practicing it. The more you use it, the better you will get.

Creativity is not just for the special few who seem to be touched by God. It is for everyone and everyone can learn to think and be creative.

The more you paint, the more you’re able to visualize…you really can learn to be creative as you paint. It’s like everything else—it just takes a little practice.
Bob Ross

How to Add Art for Homeschool

You don’t need to be an artist to add art to your homeschool or to teach your kids to think creatively. You just need to introduce it.

1. Get Discover the Greatest Artists unit study

I am not an artist, and I’ve never claimed to be. But I love the creative process and how things are made. My husband tells me there is an inner creative in me dying to come out.

A few years ago, our homeschool co-op emailed requesting an art teacher for the upcoming semester. I replied I could do it. From that one email, I ended up teaching several semesters. And I created my own unit study.

I wanted to create an art for homeschool unit study that was easy to do, step-by-step instructions, and suggested art projects. You only need to get art supplies and the books to go along. It is that easy. It is truly a unit study designed with the non-artist in mind, and it is an easy way to add art for your homeschool.

2. Books

If you aren’t ready to dive into a unit study, then get Mike Venezia’s books Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists. These are the books that I use to accompany the unit study. They make great read alouds for kids of all ages.

Yes, you will learn a lot about the artist and the artwork from these stories. The best part is you can find them anywhere—library, eBay, curriculum groups.

I highly recommend these books. We almost have the entire series of artists, and the kids love them.

3. Online

I love online learning. It is a great way to outsource those subjects that you don’t want to teach. Whether you want to learn art history or art technique, there is something online for everyone.

My older kids get a lot out of Skillshare classes. Whether it is traditional art, crafts, or digital art. They learn a lot.

If you want hands-on crafts or learn a crafting skill, then check out Annies. They have kits you can purchase and free online classes.

ArtHubforKids is also another favorite for my younger crew. This is a great way to occupy active fingers, with few art supplies, and no mom time needed.