Often, we homeschool moms make things harder than we have to, often acting as if everything we do has to be a grand production. This can be especially true — for me, anyway — when it comes to art and music. Sometimes simpler is better. Keep these tips in mind:
Chose one artist and/or composer for the month so that you can take your time without feeling rushed.
Select a biography or a historical fiction about the artist or composer to enjoy during the month.
Provide accessibility. Listen to a CD of the composer’s music while you do schoolwork or during meals. Obtain library books, postcards, even calendars featuring the artist’s work and place them in a prominent location so that your family sees it often.
Make observations about the work. How does the music or colors make you feel? What do you think the composer or artist was trying to achieve with this piece? Was it created for a certain event? What is the subject? What instruments do you hear?
Try your hand at creating. Try to play a bit of the composer’s music. Emulate an artist’s style or technique. Experiment with your feature artist’s favorite medium.
Be sure to include modern artists and composers in your study. Kids get a big kick out of listening to the music of John Williams, for example, because they recognize it.
Take field trips. Visit an art museum or a symphony orchestra performance.
What simple techniques have you found successful in studying art and music?
Kris is the sweet tea drinking, classically eclectic, slightly Charlotte Mason, homeschooling mom to her three Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
Photo by freeparking
Loading ...
Really great tips, Kris! I am emailing this post to myself, because I have really been meaning for us to start some artist/composer studies. I appreciate you making it so easy. It gives me the freedom to not have to do something huge.
I hope you're planning to add this to the Charlotte Mason Carnival that I'm hosting in a couple of weeks. Pretty please!
)
Thank you! It came through just fine.
)
Simple is always best. I love the painting in this entry…lovely colors and feel.
Thanks for sharing this with the carnival.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
This is great for me because we have yet to add this to our homeschool. I just feel clueless as to what to do. Even now I don't feel equipped. What are some of the best books for looking at artists books? Any suggestions? Thank you!
I don't do nearly enough artist study because I make it too complicated. I need to simplify. Great ideas here.