Art curriculum: Modeling

I think it is important for children to model and make things with their hands. In kindergarten, play-dough is vital for little sausages and they love it. We then move on to beeswax for modelling, and then in about grade 5 to clay.

Learning About the World Through Modeling
by Arthur Auer

• This you can order at www.christopherushomeshool.org.

This is an excellent book on modeling using different mediums.

Art curriculum: Drawing

I have looked at many drawing books before and have found two books that we suggest.

1. Drawing on the Right side of the Brain
by Betty Edwards.

This book is good and I suggest that everyone interested in drawing should get it.
Look for it at www.loot.co.za or www.bookdepository.com. The exchange rate will determine which is cheaper. There is no postal cost at Book Depository. If you spend more than R200.00 at loot there is no postal cost either.

2. Drawing from the Book of Nature
by Dennis Klocek.

This book is excellent! When I wanted to buy it, I read the write up about it at Loot and was really turned off of it. It took me another six months and fifteen recommendations before I bought it! This you can order through www.christopherushomeschool.org. Loot has it listed but they never get it in.

Art curriculum: Colouring with Block Crayons

Now for my next art suggestion. I am sure most of you have never heard of block crayon drawing. Well, it is a beautiful way of drawing and the kids love it.

Coloring with Block Crayons
by Sleilinde de Francesca.
A DVD set or a book.

• Order at www.alittlegardenflower.com.

I bought the DVD set as I am a visual learner. She demonstrates on the DVD how to use the block crayons for drawing landscapes, trees, animals, and people. You will find that the children will do better at it than you.

Art curriculum: Form Drawing

For our family, art is very important. My husband is an artist and I am a crafter. I found that there are not many art curricula out there.

I then started looking at the Waldorf curriculum. I am able to teach my kids using any curriculum, if I don't agree with some of the teachings I don't teach them. I say this because most Christian homeschoolers hear Waldorf mentioned and they automatically turn off. Please do not do this as there are so many fantastic art resources available through the Waldorf curriculum suppliers.

Form Drawing
By Melisa Nielson

• www.alittlegardenflower.com

This DVD set covers grade 1 to grade 5.

It is very good for getting children ready to write in grade 1, and it helps with getting handwriting neat. When doing forms the children cross the midline which is needed to develop the child's fine motor skills, allowing the brain to develop correctly according to society.

My children enjoy form drawing and practice often even when I haven't asked them too. Melisa's A Journey Through Waldorf Geometry follows after the form drawing nicely. You can order this at the same place as the form drawing.