How to Add Art to Your Homeschool Curriculum

Art is often seen as a fun "extra" in homeschooling, a break from the more "serious" subjects. But that’s not true – there’s so much more to art and it can and should be a regular part of your child’s homeschool education.

Art fosters creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. It can be woven into your homeschooling day in meaningful ways, becoming a vibrant and enriching core subject.

Art Belongs in Your Child’s Curriculum

Art is a fundamental part of your child’s education and development. Learning about art and creating it helps your child in multiple facets of life – from STEM education to emotional development. When we start viewing art as an “extra,” we downplay the importance of what it teaches children.

Art helps make cross-curricular connections. Art can be seamlessly integrated with other subjects like history, science, literature, and even math.

Art supports skill development. Art helps children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial reasoning.

Art fosters emotional expression. Art provides a healthy outlet for emotions, allowing children to express themselves in unique ways.

Art boosts creativity. Art encourages kids to think outside the box, experiment, and try new things. Creativity is a lifelong journey and isn’t just reserved for “artsy” people!

5 Ways to Integrate Art as a Subject

Art deserves its own time on the schedule and it can be present in other parts of your child’s day as well.

• Embrace Online Resources: The internet is a treasure trove of art lesson plans and project ideas. Websites and platforms offer age-appropriate art lessons, step-by-step tutorials, and even virtual field trips to art museums. You can find projects that align with your other subjects or focus on specific art techniques. Outside the Box Creation also has a library of digital art lessons that your child can access anytime.
• Spend Time in Nature: Combine art and nature study to create a multi-sensory learning experience. Head outdoors with your child to sketch landscapes, collect natural materials for art projects, or create nature-inspired sculptures. The changing seasons provide endless inspiration!
• Explore the Lives of Artists: Connect art and history by learning about famous artists. Tie this into your history studies and read biographies of artists from different time periods and cultures.
• Make Art Supplies Accessible: Encourage a love for art by having a dedicated art space with a variety of materials readily available. Let children experiment freely with different mediums outside of scheduled school hours, fostering independent creativity. For example, encourage your student to spend time in their art space after they’ve finished other lessons. A monthly subscription keeps your child’s art space stocked.
• Plan Artistic Field Trips: Visit your local library and art museum, which will have special exhibitions, programs, or workshops for children. You might also consider visiting art fairs, studios, galleries, or even art supply stores to see the tools of the trade up close.

Get Free Homeschool Art Curriculum

Did you know your child can receive free homeschool art curriculum? Through Outside the Box Creation, you can order a monthly art box using your state’s grant funds. Our boxes are designed by a professional artist, contain high-quality and eco-friendly art supplies, and include a detailed project guide with step-by-step instructions. Your child will also receive accompanying books and stories that connect to the theme of the box, supporting fundamental literacy skills.

We’re an approved vendor with grant programs across the country, so you can get started today to receive supplies and lessons for your homeschool classroom! By incorporating art into your child’s education, you’ll watch them blossom into lifelong art lovers and learners.

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