Teaching Art at Home
by Andrea Mulder-Slater
As a former homeschooling parent (I taught my daughter from the time she was in Kindergarten until she started grade 9), I know first hand about the unique role parents and homeschoolers play in fostering creativity and artistic expression in children.
Homeschoolers have the flexibility to tailor art lessons to their child’s interests, learning style, and developmental stage.
Below are some things to consider for parents and homeschoolers who want to share the joy of art with their children.
JUMP IN
Basic Art Techniques and Concepts:
First let’s get one thing straight. You do not need to be an artist in order to teach art to your children. However, parents should familiarize themselves with basic techniques and concepts, like color mixing for example. And remember, your skills can grow along with your child’s artistic development.
Child-Centered Learning:
Understanding your child’s learning style and their developmental stage can help you choose appropriate art projects. Younger children benefit from activities that develop fine motor skills (think playing with homemade play dough), while older kids might enjoy more complex techniques and multi-day projects (like drawing from nature).
Flexibility in Approach:
Parents can follow their child’s interests and adapt lessons accordingly. For example, a child who loves nature might enjoy drawing seed pods and fallen leaves, while a child who loves storytelling might explore comic art, or drawing pictures of their favorite storybook characters.
Encouragement and Patience:
Building a child’s confidence in their creative abilities requires consistent encouragement. Parents should focus on the process rather than the final product, fostering a growth mindset. Your role as an art teacher is to provide art materials, time, and space for your child to explore.
PHYSICAL SPACE AND MATERIALS
Setting Up an Art Area:
A designated space for art activities, such as a kitchen table is all you need. Use drop cloths or newspapers to protect surfaces and make cleanup easier.
Storage Solutions:
Compact and organized storage is essential in a home setting. Bins, shelves, or rolling carts can keep supplies accessible and tidy. Labeling containers can make it easier for kids to find what they need.
Basic Art Supplies:
Start with a versatile collection of materials…
Drawing: crayons, markers, colored pencils, and sketch pads.
Painting: washable paints (tempera, watercolors), brushes, and heavy paper.
Crafting: scissors, glue, construction paper, pompoms, and pipe cleaners.
Additional materials: modeling clay or play dough, beads, and ribbons for 3D projects.
Safety Considerations:
Use non-toxic and age-appropriate materials. Supervise younger children closely, especially when using scissors, glue guns, or other tools.
DON’T PANIC
Facilitating Creativity:
As a homeschooling parent, you can act as a guide rather than an instructor. What this means is you should relax, and encourage exploration, experimentation, and imaginative thinking. It’s not about perfection, or following a strict set of rules. In fact, the opposite is true! Allow for creative freedom and you will be amazed at the results.
Incorporating Art into Everyday Learning:
Art can be integrated into other subjects, such as:
Science: Sketching plants, animals, or the solar system.
History: Creating timelines or historical illustrations.
Math: Exploring patterns and symmetry.
Encouraging Independence:
Teach children to set up their workspace, use materials properly, and clean up afterwards. This fosters responsibility and organizational skills.
Adapting Projects:
Be open to modifying activities based on time, interests, or resources. For instance, if painting isn’t an option because of space or mess factor, that’s ok – use drawing tools like crayons or markers instead. Or, try some collage activities with paper and glue sticks.
Celebrating Effort:
Displaying artwork or creating a “gallery” wall in your home shows children that their efforts are valued. The fridge door is a great place to display artwork!
BENEFITS OF TEACHING ART AT HOME
Emotional Expression:
Art helps children process emotions and build self-awareness. It’s particularly useful for children who may struggle to express themselves verbally.
Family Bonding:
Art projects provide an opportunity for quality time and collaboration. Parents and children can work on joint projects or explore new techniques together.
Freedom to Explore:
At home, children have the freedom to experiment and take creative risks. Parents can encourage this exploration without fear of grades or peer judgment.
Parents and homeschoolers have a unique opportunity to nurture their children’s creativity in a personalized, flexible environment.
By providing the right tools, space, and encouragement, they can foster a lifelong love of art and self-expression.
With an emphasis on exploration and process over perfection, art at home can be a joyful and enriching experience for both children and their families.
MAKE ART AN EASY AND ENRICHING PART OF YOUR HOMESCHOOL
You don’t have to be an artist to confidently teach art at home.
Our KinderArt Club was created with homeschooling families in mind – families who want to offer quality art instruction without the overwhelm. (Fun fact: I homeschooled my daughter from the age of 4 to 14).
Each lesson bundle includes themed projects with clear, simple instructions, supply lists, and visual examples that walk you through every step.
Whether you’re looking for a full-year art curriculum or creative activities to complement other subjects, our bundles are flexible enough to suit your needs.
Tips for Success:
Build a routine: Choose one bundle per month and plan a weekly “Art Day.” This can be done at home, or in a homeschool co-op. With several lessons per bundle, you can easily fit art into a four-week schedule.
Teach across ages: Each project is designed for a range of skill levels, so your 6-year-old and 11-year-old can work on the same theme at their own pace.
Link to other subjects: Art can reinforce what you’re already teaching, which is why we include curriculum connections in our art lesson plans.
Low-prep options: Short on time or supplies? We have lots of lessons that require only basic materials like paper, markers, or watercolor paints.
Display and reflect: Celebrate the end of each bundle by hosting a mini art show at home. Invite grandparents over, or do a video call to celebrate your child’s creativity and boost their confidence.
Your homeschool doesn’t need to be missing the joy of art. Let us help you make it doable, meaningful, and fun.
