Spears Art Curriculum

The Lord was so good, y'all, when I was accepted as a participant in The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. There were a number of subjects (namely art and science) that I just could not decide which method or curricula I wanted to use. I was sent the K-8 Christan Art Curriculum CD by Diane Shields Spears and I know this was God's hand in our lives as I really love this program.

I honestly do not like to have to read material on my computer and I prefer it in hand, so it a little awkward at first to try and figure out the curriculum. That is not the case for everyone and I know that many people love having an electrical version. Call me old fashioned. I did figure it out eventually and I really appreciated what I saw. You can buy it in print form, just so you know.

Laid out to be used thematically based on seasons, Dr. Spears has designed a curriculum that strives to teach children art from a Biblical worldview. Art projects are made to coincide with holidays, weather, and whatever else may be going on in any particular month. Each project is geared towards a certain grade level, thus you will not have young kindergarteners or 1st graders trying to paint masterpieces.

You will find in your teacher's manual a scope and sequence which helped me get a broad overview of what I would be teaching. General rules for presenting lessons are also included as well as a glossary that defines artistic terms. A supply list at the back is given, though it is rather difficult to use as you have to search through each lesson to ascertain which supplies are needed.

Each week is laid out as follows:

• Objectives
• Scripture verse
• Vocabulary
• Motivation and Focus
• List of materials needed for that week
• Activity(ies)

I especially appreciate the focus on Scripture. Your child will learn artistic values and methods through the way God intended. No humanistic garbage is thrown in. I did find that I would add another scripture verse or replace one she included because I thought it would better explain the concept she was trying to convey, but that did not happen often.

My daughter loves the hands-on activities. She especially loved learning about the primary and secondary colors and filling out the color wheel delighted her to no end. My other children were also able to get involved to a degree.

One thing that I just absolutely must rave about is the fact that because each week is based on a theme, children of all ages can be included and you can do this together as a family. Instead of different themes for each different child, which may result in a very harried mother, everyone can focus on a common concept. This simplifies learning and does not make it more burdensome than necessary.

You can view some sample art lessons here (scroll down to almost the middle of the page.) Prices are:

$39.95 for the K-8 teacher's manual on CD-Rom in PDF (full color pages in PDF booklets)

or

A combo of hard copy in black and white on a three ring binder and CD-Rom for $134.95

These prices include shipping.

She also has a CD-Rom special going on where you can purchase the K-8 and older grade level CD-Roms and receive a free Beginning Calligraphy Workbook CD-Rom for $69.90.

I could go on and on about this program, but I'll end for now. If you would like to know more, please email me at mamarussell at gmail dot com .

Visit Spears Art Studio curriculum here.