I have always loved teaching a Leonardo da Vinci unit study. It quickly covers almost every academic subject, from the Renaissance to various science topics like inventions, simple machines, and the human body. History, science, and art combine with research-based learning and good books for a fabulous learning adventure! Leonardo da Vinci Unit Study Taking…
Imagine an activity where your child explores creativity, practices art, and enjoys nature—without fear of mistakes. That’s the magic of how nature journaling builds artistic skills in a fun, pressure-free way! This simple practice blends observation, creativity, and self-expression in a relaxed and fun way. Whether your child loves art or feels unsure, nature journaling…
I am so excited to share this unique nature study freebie with you! You’ll love using autumn play dough mats in your elementary homeschool for all sorts of meaningful fun and learning. Play dough mats provide various benefits. At the most basic level, molding and sculpting dough helps to exercise fine motor skills. This is…
Time and again, research and anecdotal evidence have proven that creativity is as vital a trait as resilience or wit. Often creativity can be considered a skill, but it’s such a broad concept that it’s difficult to explain just how to practice such a skill. This list of art and handicraft gifts will help! Creativity…
Having a home full of the best art supplies for kids will help foster your children’s ability to express themselves. Art keeps them busy doing something far more constructive than using electronics or watching TV. And that comes in handy… especially during the winter months. Being cooped up inside can make everyone go a little…
Your elementary homeschool children will love these spring nature study play dough mats. Playing with dough is more meaningful than you might think! Sculpting with play dough sounds like a preschool activity, but older children can benefit, too. You’ll be amazed at the ease of practicing important science and artistic skills through a motivating hands-on…
Who doesn’t love a painting grandma? This Grandma Moses artist study will help you get to know the sweet lady who didn’t begin painting until she was 77 years old. What an inspiration! In our homeschool, we study one artist for a month at a time, typically working on it one day per week during…
(This post contains affiliate links.) Analyzing the Themes from Amos Fortune I have a young man who would be perfectly content if he never had to read or write another day in his homeschooling life. Much to his dismay, he still has to read and write quite often. Occasionally, to dull the horrendous pain he…
This post contains affiliate links. Read my entire disclosure policy here. Artist Study of the Month Since Michelangelo’s birthday is coming up on March 6th, we’re gearing up to focus on him again during this month’s artist study. We studied his work once before (several years ago) as part of a mini-unit about Renaissance artists. …
Art and Literature Connection Have You Seen Birds? by Barbara Reid is a fantastic book from which to pull an art lesson. Full of lovely clay collage illustrations created by Joanne Oppenheim, children can dabble in an art medium (and style) often neglected – clay collage. The illustrations in the book are detailed,…
Enjoy this easy symmetry art activity that doubles as a math lesson! An art lesson that promotes mathematical thinking – oh joy. With the main focus being on the art concept of positive and negative space, throwing symmetry into the mix gave a nice extra punch to the lesson. Positive space is the area on…
I {heart} Pinterest! Seriously. It may very well be the greatest invention on the planet. Okay, the greatest recent invention. Through Pinterest, I found (and archived) some fun leafy art lessons to go along with our botany studies this autumn. While we didn’t get to all the wonderful ideas – this autumn – we found…