Art and Music in the Homeschool

Many of us spend a lot of time and energy helping those we love recognize the gifts God has given them. Do we take the time to help them develop all skills, whether or not they start out with a natural gift? Even if your children may not go on to become performance musicians or earn a living from the arts, it is important to provide opportunities for them to explore the gifts of art and music. 

I have always wanted to draw, to sit down and put on paper the ideas and images swirling through my mind and heart. For years as I was growing up, I tried to learn to draw. I traced skillfully drawn figures. I carefully studied books. I even asked my uncle, who could sketch realistic portraits faster than I could decide what to draw, to teach me. I got a book that promised to teach me how to draw dogs. I showed my uncle the book, which illustrated how each step was supposed to come together. He flipped to the final image and sketched it before my eyes. He couldn't break it down, and he couldn't follow the instructions. He simply drew, and he drew beautifully. My uncle was a natural artist, but not a teacher of the skill. A step-by-step process is required for children to learn and what a wonderful opportunity we have to help guide them! Whether children become expert artists, musicians, or writers--where I discovered my passion--isn't up to simply natural skill. It takes children working hard, in tandem with their family's encouragement and the gifts God has placed in their hearts, to achieve excellence. 

I remember regularly feeling embarrassed in art class by my meager creations, and I don't even want to talk about choir practice! Homeschooling provides a safe environment for your children to explore art, music, and the other interests that swirl through their minds. 

Encourage your children to pursue many skills and excellence in art and music. If they discover natural gifts along the way--fantastic--but remember each of us has been given the ability to learn and improve by our Master Creator's design. Discover art and music as great outlets to express appreciation for God's many gifts! The companies below have fantastic resources for art and music--check them out.

Bonnie Rose Hudson

Bonnie Rose lives in central Pennsylvania. Along with spending time with her family and writing, making kids smile is her favorite thing to do. Her heart's desire is for every child to feel the love of God and to know how special they are to Him. She loves creating curriculum for SchoolhouseTeachers.com and working for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine as an editorial assistant. She would love for you to stop by and meet the star of her children's series at Exploring with Jake.

Take a look below at this month's resources for additional ideas. Be sure to let us know how you schedule art and music activities in your homeschool. Email Paul and Gena Suarez and share your story. We'd love to hear about it!

May Spotlight on Art & Music!