When I received the Spears Art Studio art curriculum, at first I was really “blah” and didn’t really give it a chance. As an artsy craftsy person I thought it wouldn’t have a lot to offer me. When I finally gave it a chance I was really impressed! For only $40 you can receive the complete teachers manual for K-8 on cd. (High school is also available) The whole thing is well arranged, and in PDF format. Included in the curriculum is 9 months of art lessons, arranged with one theme per week. Each weeks lesson includes ideas for various grades and skill levels. One thing I love is that the theme is the same, so if you are homeschooling a range of kids they can all create the same item, but at their skill level!
For example, the first week of January is Winter and Snow. First there is a page with the objectives, thoughts on the theme, and recommended images (old painting and drawings to look for that go with the theme.) Then since it is a Christian curriculum it also includes bible verses and a religious inspiration for the theme. If you aren’t religious, have no fear, I think the religious aspect could be overlooked easily and you’d still get a great curriculum for $40! The next page is the art for kindergarten, draw a snowman and add paper accents (mixed media,) then first grade draw a daytime snow scene (teaches drawing dimension.) Second graders draw a nighttime snow scene, and third graders draw a monochromatic snow scene (using ink!) Fourth graders punch holes in paper with a pin to depict a snow scene, and fifth graders draw a monochromatic scene with coffee! See what I mean? Each child creates somewhat of the same item, and they could all be done at one table, but each child is expanding his skills!
Even as an adult craftsy type this curriculum gave me projects I wanted to do, or techniques I never learned!
Really I was just truly impressed! This one CD is simply SO jam packed with great info and ideas! She rounds off each lesson really well, complete with vocabulary words, and is so detailed in the steps! Each individual lesson, every grade, includes a picture of a finished example. Anytime she mentions something specific (a handhold for a pencil, a certain way to fold paper, etc) a diagram is right there to help you!
If you’re worried about finding the supplies, don’t be! Most are readily available, but she also has a section of her site to easily order through a major art supply retailer. She really simplified the whole process!
Once again you can buy grade K-8 (wow!) on one cd for $40, or high school for $30. She also offers a printed edition, arranged in a notebook, for a higher cost. I really recommend it! Check it out for yourself (including free sample lessons) at Spears Art Studio!
