Teaching Art: From Crafts to Fine Art – Courtney Sanford (Homeschooling Every Subject)
"Art is a way to reflect who we are as God's creation." ~ Courtney Sanford
Yvette Hampton sits down with Courtney Sanford from the Delightful Art Company to discuss how to seamlessly integrate art into your homeschool routine. Learn the difference between art and crafts, discover the best art supplies to get started, and hear practical advice on making art a meaningful and enjoyable part of your child’s education. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned homeschoolers, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips!
Recommended Resources:
The Art of Ancient History, by Courtney Sanford
Reflections on Art History, by Courtney Sanford
Draw Your Way Into the Woods, by Courtney Sanford
Christian Worldview Film Festival
Recommended Art Supplies:
48 PCS Sketch Drawing Tools, 20 Blending Stumps Set
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Tube 12-Piece Set
1 inch Flat Paint Brushes for Acrylic Painting
Mixed Media Art Journal Sketchbook (Hardcover)
Mixed Media Art Journal Sketchbook (Spiral Bound)
Podcast Recommendations:
Homeschooling Every Subject Series
Homeschooling Through the Years Series
Schoolhouse Rocked Series and Topic Directory
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Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit!
Discussion Questions:
Art in Homeschool: What are some key takeaways on why Courtney believes integrating art into other subjects can make learning more meaningful? Can you think of an example from your own life or teaching experience?
Definition of Art vs. Craft: How does Courtney differentiate between art and craft? Do you agree with her definitions? Why or why not?
Incorporating Senses: Courtney mentions involving all the senses in learning (e.g., making bread pudding while learning about the painting "The Milkmaid"). How do you think this multisensory approach enhances the learning experience?
Tools and Techniques: What are some beginner tools and techniques Courtney suggests for teaching children to draw? Have you or your children used any of these tools or methods before?
Art Mediums: Discuss the different art mediums mentioned (pencils, colored pencils, markers, watercolors, acrylics). Which medium do you prefer working with, and why?
Importance of Quality: Courtney touches on the importance of quality in art supplies, particularly paints. How much do you think the quality of materials affects the outcome of art projects?
Art and History: Reflect on Courtney’s approach to teaching art history, where she combines learning about historical art with creating art. Do you think this method aids in retention and understanding of historical periods? Why or why not?
Yvette Hampton shared a humorous story about her younger daughter's initial disinterest in art changing over time. How can parents identify and nurture hidden talents in their children?
Courtney Sanford mentioned that the ability to draw or paint can be developed through practice. Do you agree that artistic skills are learned rather than innate? Why or why not?
Courtney mentioned the use of Sculpey Clay as a less messy alternative for sculpture projects. What are some other art materials or techniques you've found that can help mitigate mess in a homeschool setting, while still providing a rich learning experience?
The episode briefly discusses the role of fathers in homeschooling, particularly the contribution of Courtney's husband through reading aloud. What are some other ways dad's can be more involved in homeschooling, while still managing their work and family responsibilities?
Courtney Sanford shared her husband's involvement in teaching practical skills like building a trebuchet or fixing cars. How important do you think hands-on projects are in a homeschool environment, particularly for subjects like art and science?
Courtney Sanford emphasized the role of practice and constant refinement in becoming proficient at art. How can this principle be applied to other areas of learning in homeschool?
The episode highlighted several art-related extracurricular activities, from theater to sculpting. How can parents balance structured academic learning with these creative pursuits in their homeschooling and family schedules?
Exploration of Art Genres:
What are the seven primary genres of art mentioned by Yvette in the episode, and why might understanding these genres be beneficial in homeschooling?
Teaching Methods in Homeschooling:
Courtney Sanford talks about using blank art journals for various subjects. How can incorporating art journals improve engagement and retention of information in children, especially in subjects like science?
Avoiding Worksheets:
After Courtney's negative experience with workbook-based education in private school, she decided to avoid worksheets. How do you balance between structured workbook learning and more open-ended, creative forms of learning in homeschooling?
Linking Science and Art:
Courtney described how her son used to draw animals from the Animal Encyclopedia. How can drawing enhance learning in scientific subjects, and what are some other ways to integrate art into science lessons?
Art as Historical Context:
How does using art as a timeline marker, as Courtney suggests, help in understanding and retaining historical events and periods?
Famous Artists and Techniques:
Courtney mentions several famous artists and their distinct styles. How important do you think it is to expose children to the works and techniques of famous artists, and what impact can it have on their own artistic development?
Art and Personal Expression:
How does Courtney's approach of letting children create their own books on subjects reflect the importance of personal expression in learning? Have you tried similar methods in your homeschool, and what were the results?
Art Mediums and Tools:
Courtney discusses using mixed media art journals and different types of materials like watercolor and acrylics. How does the choice of medium affect the teaching and learning of art in homeschooling?
Incorporating Play in Learning:
How can the element of play be effectively incorporated into other subjects beyond science and art?
Art Reflecting Personal and Cultural Narratives:
Art often tells a story of an artist's personal experiences and cultural background, as mentioned with artists like Michelangelo and Matisse. How can students' understanding of their own culture and personal story be enriched through creating and studying art?
Sponsors:
Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.
BJU Press Homeschool is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation
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The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.
