How to Learn Teach Children Art like a Homeschooler

In my previous article on thinking like a homeschooler , I addressed how to take charge of your child's education. In this article on how to teach children art like a homeschooler, I will give some tips on teaching art in the absence of school programs.

Homeschoolers learn art by doing, and beginning at a young age. We don't really carve out a time for art, but instead, make sure we have plenty of supplies on hand for when inspiration hits. Personally, I believe children should have access to crayons, markers, pencils, sidewalk chalk, and all kinds of paints and brushes. I am not above making a batch of paint for paper mache, and and home-made fingerpaint.

Learning art like a homeschooler can be messy. First, children may want to create spontaneously, but it is most like to happen if the parent spends some time creating themselves. You don't have to fancy yourself an artist, but you do have to explore your creative side and show them how it's done. Get out crayons and coloring books and work together with your child. Play a game of Pictionary. Pull out watercolors or acrylics on a lazy rainy day. Inspire them to do the same.

Once the child has shown some talent or even an interest in art, then it is time to get them lessons. Check out your local arts and craft stores for classes. Check the community Parks and Recreation classes, call the children's museum to find out about workshops. This is a good way to begin directing a student to explore different meduims and finding out what their favorite area is. Continue to help them grow in their medium with books and more classes.

Finally, get them to enter into competitions to help them grow and stretch in the arts. The local county fair gives plenty of opportunities to display their work, and they may even win a few ribbons. They can earn scholarships and large sums of money from other online competitions. Keep your eyes open for opportunities for your kids to stretch themselves in the visual arts.