However, for the home educator, charged with the challenging task of designing and teaching subjects that provide core foundational skills, art education can prove a sometimes-overwhelming course, especially if the individual does not consider him or herself an artist. (Or worse, even incapable of creativity!) Home educators are acutely aware of the importance of art curriculum, but are often apprehensive or question their ability to design an effective program. Here are some ideas on how to approach your child's art education with confidence.
1. If you appreciate art, you can teach art basics. Remember the first step to effective teaching is sharing your interest in a subject with your students. The whole of art is its ability to transcend cultural and socio-economic barriers, so regardless of your background or education; you will be able to find types of art or artists that pique your interest. Approach your art program with same questions and passions that made you choose home schooling.
2. Create a supportive environment in which to learn and pursue art. Just like other subjects, it is important to have a strategy for success: long range planning, written objectives, and weekly or monthly course schedules. Art history, art critique, and visual art foundation skills require the same dedication and planning that other subjects demand.
3. Take advantage of free resources. Remember the basics-take a trip to your city's museum, arrange for a docent tour or visit a regional art show. Your local library has a wealth of art books available for you and your child to explore. Even on the worst winter day, you can visit many of the world's great museums online. (Online links available below)
4. Teaching art is different than being an artist. Art education is about allowing your student to explore their own experience, whether creating his or her masterpiece or learning about how the American War of Independence influenced British artists; your role is to guide the student through the process.
5. Understand the important difference between teaching art history and art appreciation vs. teaching drawing or painting. As a home educator you are often faced with the task of deciding what to teach yourself and when to outsource the subject to another. It may be easier to incorporate art history and appreciation into your school year while having students attend a drawing course for foundational proficiency. Allowing yourself this distinction may relieve some of the anxiety of teaching a skill for which you yourself may have had little or no training.
Although art education may seem overwhelming, once you understand how to approach the subject, incorporating this curriculum will be an immense asset to your child. Unlike many other subjects, it affords both of you the chance to explore together. No other curriculum offers greater cultural context, historical perspective or personal expression. Happy teaching!
A small sample of museums to visit online:
Art Institute of Chicago - learning tools
Boston Children's Museum - virtual tour
The Louvre - virtual tour
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - hop on the time machine
The National Gallery -virtual tours
The National Gallery of Art - virtual tour
Uffizi Gallery -virtual tour
Van Gogh Museum - virtual tour
Robert H. Zondag has turned his passion into teaching children and adults to both create and enjoy the visual arts. Robert works with various districts, community education programs, private institutions, and home educators to incorporate successful drawing courses into schools, early education programs, and summer enrichment sessions.
