by Sarah Major, M.Ed

Just like a tiny seed grows into a mature tree, one hardly noticeable trait, if encouraged, can flourish into a character quality that will ensure a child's success as an adult: imagination. I know that when I was the mother of young children, I frequently passed over the little things, waiting for the day when my children were older and what I did with them would “really count.” It took seeing them grow to adulthood for me to learn firsthand how important those little things are!

by Dave Coates

The visual arts provide a wonderful opportunity for children to freely express themselves, and the holiday season offers many ways to engage children in artful displays. Even very young children relish the chance to take part in holiday decorating, dining, and merry-making. Children also benefit from creating art, because it helps relieve stress through a healthy outlet.

Spruce of your holiday table

by Dave Coates

One of the simplest ways to make art a family affair is to visit an art museum. The museum doesn’t have to be as grand as The National Gallery of Art. It can be a small museum or gallery in town. Take an afternoon and walk around the museum with your children, talking about what you see. Try to spend a short time in each section to get an overall view of what the museum has to offer. Watch your children and observe how they perceive different types of art.

by Dave Coates

Art for kids doesn’t need to involve crayons and paper. Helping children connect to their own sense of style can be loads of fun in so many daily activities that we may take for granted. We all appreciate an artfully presented dinner plate. Meal time can offer your child an opportunity for creative expression. You can engage your child in creating the menu and presentation of your next family meal. Perhaps you are planning to have chicken as a main course.

by Robert Zondag

On the surface, it would appear to be the easiest of any art projects—using items found in your home to create a composition.  However, this type of art has intrigued artists for centuries and the technique has produced some of the greatest and most recognizable works of art in history.

by Robert Zondag

Crayons aren’t just for preschoolers anymore!  Why not use that box of old broken crayons to create beautiful works of art.  More and more artists are using the medium to discover its versatility and ease-of-use.  And so can your home school students.  Best of all, it’s easy on a limited budget.

by Dave Coates

As you continue the education of your children, don’t forget about a key component: the arts. Because most arts education is specialized, it is sometimes difficult to find quality art programs.  As a result, your child may not be receiving the quality arts education he or she deserves.

by Dave Coates

You can give your child a marvelous art education experience that can take your child on a journey of creative discovery. Your child does not have to visit an unusual location in order to illustrate his or her vision of it. An adult can lead this imagination-boosting activity.

by Robert Zondag

An inexpensive, however, wonderfully expressive art form to explore with your students is an altered book.  What is an altered book you might ask?

According to the International Society of Altered Book Artists, an organization dedicated to promoting the art form, an altered book “is any book, old or new that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be ... rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned . . .”

by Dave Coates

Art is best explored freely. How does your child typically approach art at home: mostly using coloring books, or does he/she enjoy more open-ended creative play? When children are placed in an environment that encourages exploration, creativity soars. Where possible, find ways for your child to discover his or her own style by exploring with a variety of creativity materials with no set goal or expectation.