How To Get Kids Excited About Art History
Engaging Young Minds: How to Make Art History Exciting for Kids
Introducing art history to children can be a fun and enriching experience, and with the right approach, it can become a fascinating adventure. Homeschooling moms have a unique opportunity to introduce their kids to the wonders of art history, specifically through focused artist study programs like the one on Claude Monet. Start by exploring his enchanting world, a pioneering artist known for his impressionist masterpieces that captivate with their light and color (download the Monet’s unit study below).
Connect Art to Their World
Start by making personal connections. Discuss aspects of Monet’s life, such as his early love for nature and how he captured his surroundings. Relate these experiences to your child's world. Explain his fascination with gardens, water lilies, and light.
Hands-On Art Activities
Engage your children with hands-on activities that are included in this unit study and are inspired by Monet. Encourage them to paint outside, focusing on natural elements like trees, water, and flowers. Share the story of how Monet painted the same scenes at various times to capture changing light and moods and how colors and shadows change throughout the day allowing them to experiment with colors and techniques.
Create a Gallery at Home
Dedicate a space in your home to display their art. Rotate pieces, explaining how galleries change exhibits. This encourages pride and a deeper personal connection to their artistic efforts.
Encourage Exploration and Questions
Foster an environment where questioning is encouraged. Discuss why Monet chose impressionism and how it differed from other styles. Field their questions and explore answers together, developing critical thinking. Dive deeper into his biography to learn more (included in this unit study).
Plan Field Trips
Visit local museums virtually or physically, discussing what stories and emotions each piece evokes. This hands-on engagement can cultivate a lifelong appreciation for art, helping them see history through vibrant and dynamic lenses. If possible, visit local art museums or gardens. Even a walk in the park to observe nature can be a rich experience. Encourage them to view the world through an artist’s lens—observing light, color, and form.
By incorporating practical activities, storytelling, and technological resources, you transform art history from a static subject into a vibrant, interactive experience. This holistic approach not only educates but inspires lifelong appreciation and curiosity about art and culture.
“We learned about Claude Monet and impressionist painting today. Penelope really loved looking at all the different paintings, and we talked about how all the pictures we printed out used a lot of blues, greens, and yellows and focused on nature We then tried our hand at painting our own Claude Monet inspired pictures Painting is always a big hit in our house-I even enjoyed painting alongside of them!.”
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