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How to Use This Curriculum
Each lesson in this guide follows the same simple rhythm: meet the artist, look at their work, make something inspired by them.
You don't need an art background to lead these studies, you just need curiosity and a willingness to explore alongside your child.
Start by reading the artist introduction together and looking up a few of their works online or in a library book. I also provide video introductions whenever possible. Pull up images on a screen or print a few to lay out on the table. Before moving on, spend a few minutes just looking and talking. Ask your child what they notice: colors, shapes, materials, mood. Ask what surprises them, or what questions they have. There are no wrong answers during this part, and some of the best conversations happen when you simply slow down and look together.
When it's time to make, read through the project instructions in advance so you have supplies ready to go. The projects are designed to be inspired by the artist rather than copying their work exactly, so encourage your child to make their own choices along the way. The goal is creative thinking, not a perfect replica.
Once the project is finished, take a moment to reflect. Ask your child what they learned about the artist, what was challenging, and what they're most proud of in their own piece. If you're using an "About the Artist" research sheet, this is a great time to complete it together while everything is fresh. Over the course of the curriculum, these sheets and finished projects become a portfolio, a record of your child's growing eye for art.
Artist Research Sheet
One of the ways to help children engage deeply with an artist is to give them a simple framework for noticing and recording what they learn. The "About the Artist" sheets do exactly that. They help guide learners through observing the artist's background, materials, themes, and artwork before they ever pick up a brush.
There are two versions available: a shorter sheet designed for younger learners or for quicker study, and a longer sheet for learners with more room for reflection and detail.
Use these sheets as an optional component for each artist lesson. Learners can work through them during your artist study, keep them in a portfolio, or use them to review before starting their project. Over time, they become a wonderful record of every artist your child has explored.
You don't need an art background to lead these studies, you just need curiosity and a willingness to explore alongside your child.
Start by reading the artist introduction together and looking up a few of their works online or in a library book. I also provide video introductions whenever possible. Pull up images on a screen or print a few to lay out on the table. Before moving on, spend a few minutes just looking and talking. Ask your child what they notice: colors, shapes, materials, mood. Ask what surprises them, or what questions they have. There are no wrong answers during this part, and some of the best conversations happen when you simply slow down and look together.
When it's time to make, read through the project instructions in advance so you have supplies ready to go. The projects are designed to be inspired by the artist rather than copying their work exactly, so encourage your child to make their own choices along the way. The goal is creative thinking, not a perfect replica.
Once the project is finished, take a moment to reflect. Ask your child what they learned about the artist, what was challenging, and what they're most proud of in their own piece. If you're using an "About the Artist" research sheet, this is a great time to complete it together while everything is fresh. Over the course of the curriculum, these sheets and finished projects become a portfolio, a record of your child's growing eye for art.
One of the ways to help children engage deeply with an artist is to give them a simple framework for noticing and recording what they learn. The "About the Artist" sheets do exactly that. They help guide learners through observing the artist's background, materials, themes, and artwork before they ever pick up a brush.
There are two versions available: a shorter sheet designed for younger learners or for quicker study, and a longer sheet for learners with more room for reflection and detail.
Use these sheets as an optional component for each artist lesson. Learners can work through them during your artist study, keep them in a portfolio, or use them to review before starting their project. Over time, they become a wonderful record of every artist your child has explored.