Posted on

The Beauty Of Combining Poetry and Art In Your Homeschool

Combining poetry and art in your homeschool is a wonderful way to help your child learn. Enjoy these tips for getting started and a free worksheet!

art and poetry

I believe poetry paints beautiful pictures. Poems are descriptive. Emotional. Word art for the ears. But if your student isn’t an auditory learner, poetry can be heavy, confusing, and just a bunch of jumbled metaphors. This is why I believe it’s wise to start combining poetry and art in your homeschool!

My oldest son needed to “see” everything. He is a visual learner. I decided to let him practice listening by sketching what was being read. Of course we had to incorporate some rules – no superhero drawings. After he got a few good Batman sketches out of his system, we finally hit our poetry and art stride. Some days he sketched the literal words, some days the metaphors. Some poetry left him feeling like drawing a wildfire of colors. While other poems lead to science lessons and nature walks. But that’s homeschooling. Exhausting a subject and learning all the things!


The Value Of Combining Poetry And Art In Your Homeschool

You might feel overwhelmed trying to combine art and poetry. I’m not a fan of sketching any of Edgar Allan Poe’s poor victims. But a clock or raven isn’t too intimidating. My husband asked me the other day …

Q. What happens when Edgar Allan Poe paints his rhymes?
A. He makes Poe-ART-Ry.


Maybe we should just stick to drawing. If you’re wondering how we paired Nana’s great tutorials with poetry, it’s easy! You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse Members can head to their dashboard and use the SEARCH function. If you’re reading about nature, seasons, animals, etc. you can search all the tutorials by topic! Here are a few of our favorites:

Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost & Fall Aspen Tree

Robert Frost wrote Nothing Gold Can Stay in 1923. Did you know Robert Frost never graduated college, but received over 40 honorary degrees?

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Out in Colorado, gold is the aspen tree in fall. It’s a beautiful sight. One worth chalking as you read Robert Frost. If you’re studying this great American poet, be sure to read Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening Tea Time

Hope by Emily Dickinson and Hummingbirds

I am a huge Emily Dickinson fan. The fact that she hid her poetry away in a trunk because she didn’t think it was any good … I think as moms we can all relate to doubting ourselves. Am I good enough to homeschool these children? Are we doing the right thing? Yes sweet mama, you’re doing an amazing job! Thankfully shortly after Emily’s death her sister found 1,800 poems and had them published. Hope is my very favorite poem. It is believed to have been written in 1861.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale
is heard -And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest Sea
Yet – never – in Extremity
It asked a crumb – of me.

Did you know hummingbirds migrate in the winter? They are the only birds that fly backwards and have no sense of smell. Things you learn while reading poetry.

The Mountain & The Squirrel by Emerson and a Squirrel

The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter
“Little prig.”
Bun replied,
“You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I’m not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry:
I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut.”

Our favorite Emerson line has become our family motto: Live in the sunshine. Swim the Sea. Drink the Wild Air.

The Beauty Of Combining Poetry and Art

Poetry is much more than reading some ridiculous rhyming words. Unless you’re Dr. Seuss and then it’s just cool. The poets behind these stories have stories of their own! You ARE an ARTiST Complete Clubhouse Members will find Poet Biography Pages (20 total, plus a blank page and the My Favorite Poem Worksheet) in their membership dashboard. These pages give your students an opportunity to learn more about the people behind the prose.

Poet Pack includes:

  • Mark Twain
  • Sara Teasadale
  • Christina Rossetti
  • Emily Bronte
  • Sarojini Naidu
  • Elizabeth Barrett Browning
  • Maya Angelou
  • Emily Dickinson
  • Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • Henry David Thoreau
  • Lord Byron
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
  • T.S. Eliot,
  • John Keats
  • Langston Hughes
  • William Shakespeare
  • William Butler Yeats
  • William Wordsworth
  • ee cummings
  • Edgar Allan Poe
  • and Robert Frost.

Free Favorite Poem Worksheet

You can download this free Favorite Poem pdf now. Sometimes we (maybe just me?) harp on the reading and memorization of poetry. But we forget one of the most important questions: why do you like this poem. How does this make you feel? Which line is your favorite?

Memorizing dozens of lines can be a lot for a student. Rather than memorizing the entire poem, ask them to memorize their favorite lines. Full disclosure, I only have the first 4 lines of Hope memorized. And I’m okay with that.

Get Your Free Favorite Poem Worksheet!

Subscribe to get your free Favorite Poem Worksheet.

    We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Maybe you have a student like mine who hates poetry. He is a bit more logical and didn’t appreciate all the metaphors. Go ahead and cross out “Like” and write “Dislike”. Those opinions are valid too!

    adding art to literature

    Poetry and Art Inspiration

    Looking for inspiration for all those nature focused poems? Read this: How to Make Your Backyard a Natural Habitat for Wildlife from Outdoor Hour Challenge.

    The Curriculum Choice has a round up of poetry resources in The Poetry Homeschool.

    Then explore these poetry and literature ideas:

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    Homeschool Fine Arts Q&A: How Real Families Make It Work


    Chalk Pastel Art started sharing art tutorials online in 2010. Nana has become like family to many of us who have brought her into our homes over the years to our tables and gotten our fingers dirty together. The You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse Membership has been an incredible resource to artsy and non-artsy types around the globe!

    Interested in the Homeschool Fine Arts curriculum? We asked our members to help answer some common questions.

    Nana continues to add to the 800+ library of art tutorials Chalk Members can access, while just this past year a new product has hit the proverbial “store room shelves”. In 2021, You ARE an ARTiST took over and edited Fine Arts Curriculum. This art and music curriculum is slightly different from the tutorials we’ve grown so familiar with Nana!

    The first difference you will immediately notice, Nana is skipping school!! Actually, she is busy creating more video tutorials for Chalk Members! The Fine Arts Curriculum is Nana-less. It’s also not chalk project based. So if your students weren’t fans of the “messy” chalk art, (gasp, didn’t we tell you about wet wipes?!) they just might enjoy this program more of looking at masterpieces and listening to melodies.

    Fine Arts Curriculum is an instant pdf download with helpful notebooking pages, links to resources, and an opportunity to earn High School credit!

    Art Credit For High School

    We have received many questions, comments, and praise regarding the Homeschool Fine Arts curriculum. But you know what it’s like buying homeschool curriculum! Us homeschool moms value word of mouth endorsements from our closest friends. Well we pulled together some of our Members (aka close online friends) for a little help answering questions. We hope these homeschool friends can shed some more light on the Fine Arts Curriculum and how it fits in their homeschool! So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the Q&A session.

    The You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse membership for homeschool families.

    Homeschool Fine Arts Q&A with Chalk Members

    Don’t take our word for it – take our members’ words for it! We sent out a few repeat questions we’ve been answering around social media. Here are their answers …


    Question: Is this just another thing I have to struggle to add to the school schedule?
    Sandy: I’m not an artsy person so the idea of teaching my kids “fine arts” was intimidating to me until I started using this curriculum. Each lesson has several ideas for picture study and resources to review so it was easy to implement. My kids look forward to fine arts Friday every week! ~ @Homeschooling.SuperHeroes

    Question: Can the whole family participate or is this just high school focused?
    Jamie: We have children with age ranges from pre-K – 14 (and a toddler). As we study the artwork of famous artists, it’s a family affair. Even someone as young as three can observe fine art with or without word usage. While studying artwork in unison, we tailor the given notebooking pages to each child’s writing level. We have a few who can’t write yet, however, they can discuss the painting. This opens up wonderful conversations for everyone. 
    ~ @TreasuringtheTinyMoments

    Interested in the Homeschool Fine Arts curriculum? We asked our members to help answer some common questions.
    Photo by Erin Vincent



    Question: Will it flow with other subjects?
    Tricia: We love to use one fine arts title for the whole family. This makes things easy because, for example, we can say that Wednesday afternoons are our designated homeschool fine arts time. It is open and go. Older ones have notebooking pages, younger ones can simply listen in and/or view the art piece of the week. Because we are a fine arts family – with piano lessons and, in the past, drama troupe and choir, we choose the title that matches our history studies. It all complements so well and adds such BEAUTY – and joy to our homeschool! ~ @YourBestHomeschool

    Question: We only need half a credit, can we shorten the curriculum?
    Stef: I appreciated the go-at-your-own-pace approach to this curriculum. My high school son picked from the list of artists and composers who he wanted to study. We only needed half a credit because he also played an instrument. This curriculum was the perfect way to fill the other half credit he needed. Plus he tried out playing some pieces from the works we listened to together. Printing the planners were a great help organizing the when and who was being studied. Easy fun (half) credit! ~ @LaytonAdventures

    Question: We are already Chalk Members, is this another Membership to buy?
    Amy: I am glad Chalk Members get 50% off Fine Arts. We didn’t want to cancel our membership just for Fine Arts. We still enjoy all of Nana’s new tutorials and live events.

    Interested in the Homeschool Fine Arts curriculum? We asked our members to help answer some common questions.

    Help Getting Started with Fine Arts Curriculum

    We hope these insights into other homeschool rooms have helped you make the decision to try Fine Arts Curriculum! Here are a few more helpful posts that might answer any other questions you have about the curriculum.

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    December Art Activities Perfect For Holiday Homeschooling

    The holidays are a beautiful time of year, and the perfect time to change up the homeschool schedule or enjoy a lighter seasonal study. Make memories with these December art activities for homeschooling!

    These December art activities have everything you need for holiday homeschooling. Includes online lessons and extension activities.

    Homeschooling Through The Holidays

    In this season, we might turn cookie exchanges into science and math lessons. We spend more time with grandma and grandpa listening for a history lesson one will never find in a textbook. Or maybe we laminate maps for the car ride to Aunt Alice’s house and knock out geography on the way. That’s the beauty of homeschooling! We can enjoy a slower pace, more cookies, and feel reassured our children are always learning. And reminding Jake to say “thank you” after he opens the crochet socks he was certain was an Xbox … well, that falls into a new subject we like to call Etiquette.

    These December art activities have everything you need for holiday homeschooling. Includes online lessons and extension activities.

    December Art Activities Perfect For Holiday Homeschooling

    Kick off December loudly with all the carols and Charles Dickens – A Christmas Carol Homeschool Activities followed by The Nutcracker A Holidays Homeschool Study. Don’t forget to add the Laytons’ absolute favorite Christmas story, The Grinch! Nana and I agree, these lessons are not stink, stank, stunk!

    Draw Your Way Through The Story of Christmas

    Draw Your Way Through the Story of Christmas – Add these Advent art activities to your Christmas Homeschool plans! You can draw your way through the story of Christmas from the angels announcing Messiah’s birth to the manger scene.

    If You Take a Mouse to the Movies: Hands on Homeschooling – When the nights turn chilly and darker, there are fewer places to go outdoors as a family. We usually see the return of “Family Movie Night” on Fridays in the fall and winter as a result. Our family loves watching movies based on books. Add a few hands-on homeschool activities, and everyone is ready for both learning and fun.

    These December art activities have everything you need for holiday homeschooling. Includes online lessons and extension activities.

    Free Christmas Lessons! Christmas Tree for the Animals

    Speaking of December art activities for homeschooling… Sign up to enjoy these Christmas lessons any time during the holiday season. Includes nature study with our sister site Homeschool Nature Study, an art lesson with Nana, a craft plus a hymn and composer study too! SIGN UP HERE!

    Celebrate December Word Weavers with Literature Art Lessons

    Grab your pens and journals along with chalk supplies as we celebrate these writers, poets, and creative story tellers. We believe in the Power of Adding Art to Literature Studies!

    • December 6, 1886 American poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer was born in New Jersey. He is best known for his poem Trees, published in 1913. Be sure to chalk Seasonal Trees and enjoy Winter Tree Silhouettes from Homeschool Nature Study.
    • December 9, 1608 British poet John Milton was born in London. He is best known for Paradise Lost.
    • December 10, 1830 Poet Emily Dickinson was born in Massachusetts. Over 2,000 poems were discovered after her death in 1886 and gradually published starting in 1890. My favorite is Hope.
    • December 10,1851 American librarian Melvil Dewey was born in Adams Center, New York. He created the Dewey Decimal System.
    • December 12 1821 French author Gustave Flaubert was born in France. He is best known for the novel Madame Bovary.
    • December 16, 1775 British novelist Jane Austen was born in Hampshire, England. High schoolers are loving our Jane Austen Art Lessons.
    • December 19, 1732 – Benjamin Franklin first published Poor Richard’s Almanac  containing weather predictions, humor, proverbs and epigrams.
    • December 30 1865 British writer Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India. He wrote The Jungle Book.
    These December art activities have everything you need for holiday homeschooling. Includes online lessons and extension activities.

    December Artists and Animators

    December 2, 1859 French painter Georges Seurat was born in Paris. He was a leader in the neo-impressionist movement of the late 19th Century.

    • December 3, 1755 American portrait painter Charles Stuart was born in Rhode Island. He is best known for his portraits of George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson.
    • December 5, 1901 Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois. 
    • December 23, 1888 – Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh cut off his left ear during a fit of depression.

    December Musicians, Composers, and Singers

    • December 5, 1791 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died a pauper at age 35 in Vienna, Austria. He had created over 600 works.
    • December 8 1980 Former Beatlemusician John Lennon was assassinated in New York City.
    • December 13 1835 American clergyman and composer Phillips Brooks was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is best known for the Christmas Carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem.
    • December 16, 1770 Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany. 
    • December 22, 1858 Italian composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, Tuscany. 
    • December 29 1876 Cellist Pablo Casals was born in Venrdell, Spain. 

    December Inventors & Engineers

    • December 8 1765 Cotton gin inventor Eli Whitney was born in Westboro, Massachusetts.
    • December 15, 1832 French engineer Alexandre Eiffel was born in Dijon, France. Along with the Eiffel Tower he also helped design the Statue of Liberty.

    (If you’re traveling this winter holiday be sure to paint famous landmarks you see along the way!)


    December Historical Events & Leaders

    • December 1 1955, the modern American civil rights movement occurred as Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat to a white man and move to the back section of a municipal bus.
    • December 2, 1804 – Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of France by Pope Pius VII in Paris. One year later, 1805 – Napoleon defeated Russia and Austria in the Battle of Austerlitz.
    • December 6, 1865 – The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified abolishing slavery.



    December 7 1941 The U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by nearly 200 Japanese aircraft. One day later the United States and Britain declared war on Japan. We have combined many history and art lessons for the Your Modern History Buff.

    December 16, 1773 – The Boston Tea Party occurred as colonial activists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded British ships anchored in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 containers of expensive tea into the water.

    • December 20, 1860 – South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union in a prelude to the American Civil War. 
    • December 21, 1879 Soviet Russia leader Josef Stalin was born in the village of Gori in Georgia, Russia.
    • December 25, 1066 – William the Conqueror was crowned King of England after he had invaded England from France.
    • December 25, 1776 – During the American Revolution, George Washington took 2,400 of his men across the Delaware River. 

    December Space Study: It’s Out Of This World!

    These December art activities have everything you need for holiday homeschooling. Includes online lessons and extension activities.

    December 14, 1502 French physician Nostradamus was born in St. Remy, Provence, France. He made astrological predictions believed by many to tell the future.

    Nana predicts you will love learning about astronomy alongside painting the cosmos with chalk pastels!

    • December 14, 1962 – The Mariner II space probe sent back information from the planet Venus, the first information ever received from another planet.
    • December 27, 1571 German astronomer Johannes Kepler was born in Wurttemberg, Germany. He is considered the father of astronomy.

    December Science: The Human Body

    • December 21, 1846 – Anesthesia was used for the first time in Britain during an operation at University College Hospital in London performed by Robert Liston who amputated a leg.
    • December 25, 1821 American nurse and philanthropist Clara Barton was born in Oxford, Massachusetts. 
    • December 27, 1822 French chemist-bacteriologist Louis Pasteur was born in Dole, France. He developed the pasteurization process to kill harmful bacteria.

    Learn more about the Human Body with Nana’ new Science Art Diagrams and chalk tutorials: Small But Mighty Cell Activities, Microscopic World Study, Human Anatomy Study: Diagram the Ear and Human Heart Activity for Kids: Hands-On Science.

    Winter Equinox Art Lessons

    How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon? ~ Dr. Seuss


    Have fun painting all things winter on December 21st, the Winter Equinox in North American.

    December Holidays

    • December 18th-26th, Hanukkah. Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, when Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
    • December 25th, Christmas. The day Christians celebrate the Birth of Christ.
    These December art activities have everything you need for holiday homeschooling. Includes online lessons and extension activities.
    • December 26th Boxing Day. In Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand servants, tradespeople, and the poor were presented with gifts. Today it is known as a shopping and sporting events day.
    • December 26th- Jan 1st, Kwanza. African American families celebrate a harvest festival. Kwanzaa means “first fruit” in Swahili.
    These December art activities have everything you need for holiday homeschooling. Includes online lessons and extension activities.

    December Ultimate Holiday Lists For Homeschoolers

    Art Activities for Every Month of the Year

    Look ahead to ALL the art activities for homeschooling you can enjoy every month of the year:

    Homeschool mama, I encourage you to enjoy this season. It’s your holiday too! Find a family to serve, a cause to donate to, but most importantly a sweet child to cuddle up with before a fireplace. Take it from one who has graduated a homeschooler – the time does fly and boy do I miss reading The Grinch aloud. Enjoy the movie marathon, the Gingerbread House construction, Elmer Fudd’s Blue Christmas on repeat. I promise you’ll get back to filling in the homeschool blanks all too soon because sweet friend – you’re not “falling behind”.

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    November Learning Activities For Your Homeschool: art, history, geography and more!

    As November rolls around my mind immediately wanders to my long Thanksgiving grocery list. Every homeschool lesson feels like it revolves around pilgrims, Native Americans, turkey, and gratitude. Maybe you’ve created enough Tom the Turkey disguises every November he is now officially missing in action. Grab your chalk pastels, maps, some hot chocolate, your favorite stories, and find new inspiration with these November learning activities!

    As November rolls around my mind immediately wanders to my long Thanksgiving grocery list. Every homeschool lesson feels like it revolves around pilgrims, Native Americans, turkey, and gratitude. Maybe you've created enough Tom the Turkey disguises every November he is now officially missing in action.  Grab your chalk pastels, maps, some hot chocolate, your favorite stories,  and find new inspiration with these November learning activities!
    Looking for Thanksgiving art lessons and Draw Your Way Through the Thanksgiving Story? Find it all at the end of this post!

    November Learning In Your Homeschool

    Before your eyes glaze over with the joy of second third helpings of stuffing – who is counting? – there are many interesting historical dates besides the Mayflower, mapping opportunities other than Massachusetts, and writer’s birthdays to celebrate in the month of November.

    November Exploration and Geography Study

    100 years before the Pilgrims stepped on the Mayflower these navigators and discoveries were being documented. Grab a map and chalk these continents.

    • November 8, 1519 – Cortes conquered Mexico. After landing on the Yucatan Peninsula in April, Cortes and his troops had marched into the interior of Mexico to the Aztec capital and captured Aztec Emperor Montezuma.
    • November 19, 1493 – Puerto Rico was discovered by Columbus during his second voyage to the New World.
    • November 22, 1497 – Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama became the first to sail round the Cape of Good Hope, while searching for a sea route to India.
    • November 28, 1520 – Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan passed through the strait (of Magellan) located at the southern tip of South America, thus crossing from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific.

    November for Religious Freedoms

    November 10th 1483 – Reformation founder Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Saxony. You don’t need any nails to add more Bible Crafts for Kids into your morning quiet time!

    November in the Early Modern Era

    • November 3, 1534 – King Henry VIII became Supreme Head of the Church of England following the passage of the Act of Supremacy by Parliament.
    • November 17, 1558 – Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne of England at the age of 25, reigning until 1603 when she was 69.

    Learn About and Paint the 44 Countries in Europe

    • November 19th 1600 Charles I, King of Scotland and England was born. He ruled from 1625-49.
    • November 5th 1605 – Guy Fawkes Day in Britain, for the anniversary of the failed “Gunpowder Plot” to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I.
    • November 8th 1656 Astronomer and mathematician Edmund Halley was born in London. He sighted the Great Comet of 1682 (known now as Halley’s Comet) and foretold its reappearance in 1758.

    Houston to Nana, can you hear us Nana? Draw your own comet and astronomy learning with Space Art Lessons.

    • November 26th 1694: – French author and philosopher Voltaire was born in Paris (as Francois-Marie Arouet). He was an advocate of human rights who published the Philosophical Letters in 1734. Other writings include; Zadig, The Century of Louis XIV, The Russian Empire under Peter the Great, The Philosophical Dictionary, and Essay on Morals.
    • November 26, 1607- Harvard College founder John Harvard was born in London.
    • November 1, 1700 – Charles II of Spain died and was succeeded by Philip V, resulting in the War of Spanish Succession.

    November in Modern History

    November 2 1734 American frontiersman Daniel Boone was born in Berks County, near Reading, Pennsylvania.

    Daniel Boone’s birthday and Mapping Skills this month inspires us to learn more about early American history and the changes of the Unites States map. It’s also a great time to read about Lewis & Clark as well as the Oregon Trail.

    November 10, 1775 – The U.S. Marine Corps was established as part of the U.S. Navy. It became a separate unit on July 11, 1789. We celebrate Veteran’s Day on November 11th.

    Discover these Veterans Day Homeschool Activities

    • November 14th 1765 – Steamboat inventor Robert Fulton was born in rural Pennsylvania.
    • November 15, 1777 – The Articles of Confederation were adopted by Continental Congress.

    American History Homeschool Lessons

    • Here are 7 American History Homeschool Lessons you’re students will enjoy.
    • November 17 1789 Photography inventor Louis Daguerre was born in Cormeilles, near Paris. In 1839 he announced his daguerreotype process, the first practical photographic process that produced lasting pictures.
    • November 17 1790 – German mathematician August Mobius was born in Schulpforte, Germany. He worked in the area of analytic geometry.
    • November 18th 1786German composer Carl Maria von Weber was born in Eutin, Germany. He founded the German romantic style of music. Best known for his operas including Der Freischutz.
    • November 21, 1783 The first free balloon flight took place in Paris as Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Marquis Francois Laurent d’Arlandes ascended in a Montgolfier hot air balloon. The flight lasted 25 minutes and carried them nearly six miles at a height of about 300 feet over Paris.
    • November 22, 1718 – Blackbeard the pirate was killed off the coast of North Carolina after a prosperous “career”.
    • It’s never too late to enjoy the Talk Like a Pirate activities.
    • November 27, 1701 – Anders Celsius was born in Sweden. He invented the centigrade (Celsius) temperature scale commonly used in Europe.

    Lively November Art Activities For Your Homeschool

    November Art in Modern History

    November 6, 1860 – Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th U.S. President and the first Republican. He received 180 of 303 possible electoral votes and 40 percent of the popular vote.
    Learn more about the Presidents of the United States.



    November 6th Birthdays:
    1854: American conductor John Philip Sousa known for his rousing marches including: The Stars and Stripes Forever, Semper Fidelis, and El Capitan, was born in Washington, D.C.

    • 1860: Polish composer, pianist and patriot, Ignace Paderewski was born in Kurylowka, Podolia, Poland.
    • 1861: James Naismith, who invented the game of basketball, was born in Almonte, Ontario, Canada.

    Are you homeschooling an athlete? Add the Games Clubhouse to your art lessons!

    • November 7th 1867 – Polish chemist Marie Curie was born in Warsaw, Poland. In 1903, she and her husband received the Nobel Prize for physics for their discovery of the element Radium.
    • November 8, 1895 – X-rays (electromagnetic rays) were discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen at the University of Wuerzburg in Germany.

    Learn more about Inventors I Drew It Then I Knew It!

    • November 9, 1872 – The Great Boston Fire started in a dry-goods warehouse then spread rapidly destroying nearly 800 buildings.
    • November 10, 1871 – Explorer Henry M. Stanley found missionary David Livingstone at Ujiji, Africa.

    Learn all 54 Countries in Africa by Painting the Map of The African Continent with Nana

    • November 12th 1840 French sculptor Auguste Rodin was born in Paris. Best known for his statues St. John the Baptist Preaching, Eve, The Age of Bronze and The Thinker.
    • November 14th, 1840 – Claude Monet was born in Rue Laffitte, Paris, France. Monet was the initiator and leading painter of the Impressionist style.


    Listen to Nana’s Podcast, A Hands-On Homeschool Study Of Famous Artist Claude Monet

    November 15, 1864 During the American Civil War, Union troops under General William T. Sherman burned Atlanta.

    Find interesting art lessons in Civil War Hands On Homeschool Art Lessons and Workbook.

    November 15, 1889Brazil became a republic.

    Learn About and Paint the 12 Countries in South America


    November 17, 1800 The U.S. Congress met for the first time in the new capital at Washington, D.C. President John Adams then became the first occupant of the Executive Mansion, later renamed the White House.

    • November 19, 1863President Abraham Lincoln delivered the 2 minute Gettysburg Address during ceremonies dedicating 17 acres of the Gettysburg Battlefield as a National Cemetery.

    November 18th Birthdays:

    • 1836 Sir William Gilbert was born in London. He wrote the verses for the famed Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas which poked fun at the British establishment. Among their operas; H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, The Mikado and The Yeoman of the Guard.

    The You ARE an ARTiST Homeschool Fine Arts Grade Five: for this level cover the instruments of the orchestra. Each week will have a specific instrument or composer to listen to and learn about.

    • 1860Polish pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski was born in Kurylowka in southwestern Russia. He achieved world fame for his interpretations of Schubert and Chopin.
    • November 20th 1889American astronomer Edwin Hubble was born in Marshfield, Missouri. He pioneered the concept of an expanding universe. The Hubble Space Telescope was named in his honor. Sketch the Hubble Telescope in the Space Exploration Clubhouse!
    • November 26, 1832The first horse-drawn streetcar carried passengers in New York City along Fourth Avenue between Prince Street and 14th Street.
    • November 26th 1832 American physician and women’s rights leader, Mary Edwards Walker was born in Oswego, New York. She was the first female surgeon in U.S. Army, serving during the Civil War. She was captured and spent four months in a Confederate prison. In 1865, she became the first and only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor.
    • November 1874 BirthdayWinston Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, England. His inspirational speeches, combined with his political skills and military strategy carried Britain through the war, and helped the Allies overcome the Nazi onslaught and defeat Hitler. This great British statesman found a source of delight and a relief from the stress of his career. He proudly painted in oils and pastel chalks, producing over 550 paintings, helping him to hone his powers of observation, memory and visual acuity.

    November in the 1900’s


    November 4, 1922 British archaeologist Howard Carter and his workmen discover a step leading to the tomb of King Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

    In November we chat a lot about American History, but take some time to Explore Ancient Egypt with Chalk Pastels!

    • November 7, 1944 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented fourth term, defeating Thomas E. Dewey. Roosevelt died less than a year later on April 12, 1945.
    • November 7, 1990 – Mary Robinson became Ireland’s first female president.
    • November 7, 1918 – Christian evangelist Billy Graham was born near Charlotte, North Carolina.
    • November 7 1922 Pioneering heart surgeon Christiaan Barnard was born in Beaufort West, Cape of Good Hope Province, South Africa. He headed the surgical team that achieved the first-ever human heart transplant in 1967.

    Learn more about anatomy with Nana’s Heart Diagram

    • November 9, 1989 – The Berlin Wall was opened up after standing for 28 years as a symbol of the Cold War. The 27.9 mile wall had been constructed in 1961.
    • November 10, 1928 – Hirohito was crowned Emperor of Japan. He was Imperial Japan’s Emperor during World War II.

    Learn all 48 countries in Asia by chalking them!

    November 13, 1927 – The Holland Tunnel was opened to traffic. The tunnel runs under the Hudson River between New York City and Jersey City and was the first underwater tunnel built in the U.S.

    • November 13, 1956 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.
    • November 14th 1900 – American composer Aaron Copland was born in Brooklyn, New York. He created a quintessential American music style in his ballets, film scores, and orchestral works including Fanfare for the Common Man, Rodeo, and Appalachian Spring for which he won a Pulitzer Prize.
    • Celebrate the ballet with a beautiful scene from the Nutcracker. (Did you know Nana has a series of Nutcracker lessons plus a Nutcracker I Drew It Then I Knew It Guide?)
    • November 19-20, 1990 The Cold War came to an end during a summit in Paris as leaders of NATO and the Warsaw Pact signed a Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe.
    • November 22, 1963 In downtown Dallas, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
    • November 22 1913British composer Benjamin Britten was born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England. Best known for his operas including Peter Grimes, A Ceremony of Carols, and War Requiem.

    November 29, 1929American explorer Richard Byrd and Bernt Balchen completed the first airplane flight to the South Pole. Paint a Map of Antarctica.

    November Writers’ Birthdays

    November is packed full of wonderful authors’ birthdays. We believe in the Power of Adding Art to Literature Studies.
    November 8 1847Dracula author Bram Stoker was born in Dublin, Ireland.

    Chalk these Halloween Homeschool Spooky Art Activities and be sure to check out the Homeschool Nature Study’s Bat Nature Study.

    • November 11th 1821 – Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky was born in Moscow. Best known for The Brothers Karamazov, Crime and Punishment and The Idiot.
    • November 13th 1850 – Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Best known for Treasure Island, Kidnapped and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Create a Treasure Island masterpiece from the Talk Like a Pirate Day post.
    • November 28th 1757 – British artist and poet William Blake was born in London.
    • November 29th 1832 – Little Women author Louisa May Alcott was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    Is Little Women a favorite read in your home? Read this Little Women Unit Study for Your Homeschool .

    November 29th 1898 British author C.S. Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland (as Clive Staples Lewis). He wrote books on Christian teachings including The Pilgrim’s Regress, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, and The Screwtape Letters.

    I am in my mid 40’s and I’ll never forget my third grade teacher reading the Narnia books to class every morning. I loved reading the books to my boys. Add art to these lovely stories with The Chronicles of Narnia: A Homeschool Art Adventure.

    • November 30th 1835American author Samuel Clemens (1835-1910) was born in Florida, Missouri. He wrote books under the pen name Mark Twain including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Prince and the Pauper.
    • November 7th 1900Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell was born in Atlanta, Georgia.
    Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Art Activities

    Additional Seasonal Art Activities and November Learning Activities

    Are we at the mashed potatoes and gravy part yet?!? Here are a few awesome Thanksgiving art tutorials you can share with the kiddos while you peel potatoes and stuff the bird. What a fun way to share Chalk Pastel Art with visiting relatives this holiday.

    • Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving – How would you like to visit with famous artist Norman Rockwell, known as “America’s Artist” while he paints one of his most iconic scenes from the “Four Freedoms” series: Freedom from Want! Yep, you will sit at a festive Thanksgiving table, set with the best china, the best dinner guests and have a happy time? Come on, that turkey leg looks like it is all yours!
    • Thanksgiving Hymn Favorites: Learning Activities for Your Homeschool – A season of thankfulness and gratitude would not be complete without sharing thanks to God for all of our blessings. One of our favorite ways to celebrate during this time of Thanksgiving is with hymn studies. Many songs help us to remember our gifts and sing our gratitude to God. Here, I’ve included Thanksgiving hymn favorites for you to enjoy, along with learning activities for your homeschool.
    • Thanksgiving Day Parade – Nana has a really fun way to paint your favorite, giant Thanksgiving float in her Thanksgiving Clubhouse series.
    • The Ultimate Guide to Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Your Homeschool – Enjoy this ultimate guide to fun Thanksgiving activities for your homeschool with wonderful homeschool tools for celebrating Thanksgiving and teaching gratitude. Includes art activities, history, Thanksgiving recipes and more!

    Art Activities for Every Month of the Year

    Look ahead to ALL the art activities for homeschooling you can enjoy every month of the year:

    These November learning activities make education come alive in your homeschool. Includes lessons with art, history geography and more!

    We are incredibly thankful for you!

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    October Science and Art Activities For Homeschool Learning and Fun

    Grab your calendar, chalk pastels, and science loving homeschoolers for these October Science and Art Activities! We’re learning about radio voice messages, telegrams, incandescent lamps, automobiles, space race, and sound barriers – just to name a few cool inventions. Be sure to read about these important dates, October birthdays, and interesting facts.

    But first, we couldn’t kick off October without the famous quote by Anne of Green Gables! And, we will end with classic pumpkins.

    “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

    Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
    Grab your calendar, chalks, and science loving homeschoolers for these October Science and Art Activities! We are learning about radio voice messages, telegrams, incandescent lamps, automobiles, space race, and sound barriers. Plus Halloween activities.

    October Fun Fact

    In America we celebrate Thanksgiving the last Thursday in November as the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians celebrated their first harvest in 1621. But it was over 200 years later when it was officially recognized as a national holiday! Better late than never? October 3, 1863 – President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation designating the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. Feel free to tuck that away now and pull out around the Thanksgiving table this year. In fact, you will want to make sure to come back to our Thanksgiving Homeschool Lessons: Draw Your Way Through the Story.

    Grab your calendar, chalks, and science loving homeschoolers for these October Science and Art Activities! We are learning about radio voice messages, telegrams, incandescent lamps, automobiles, space race, and sound barriers. Plus Halloween activities.

    October Science and Art Activities

    October Inventions and Art

    Can you hear me know?
    Trying to pair your science and art lessons? Look at our Science and Art Curriculum Match Up!

    Oct 6th Engineer and inventor George Westinghouse (1846-1914) was born in Central Bridge, New York.
    October 11, 1939 – Albert Einstein warned President Franklin D. Roosevelt that his theories could lead to Nazi Germany’s development of an atomic bomb. Einstein suggested the U.S. develop its own bomb. This resulted in the top secret “Manhattan Project.”
    October 21, 1879Thomas Edison successfully tested an electric incandescent lamp with a carbonized filament at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, keeping it lit for over 13 hours.
    October 21, 1915 – The first transatlantic radio voice message was made by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company from Virginia to Paris.
    October 24, 1861 – The first transcontinental telegram in America was sent from San Francisco to Washington, addressed to President Abraham Lincoln from the Chief Justice of California.

    Not sure how to combine art & science? You will find tips and help in our post Why Art is Essential in Science.

    Grab your calendar, chalks, and science loving homeschoolers for these October Science and Art Activities! We are learning about radio voice messages, telegrams, incandescent lamps, automobiles, space race, and sound barriers. Plus Halloween activities.

    October Transportation and Art

    Everyone is always ready, until it’s time to get in the car. Hopefully folks back in the day were eager to get moving learning about these exciting transportation historic dates.

    October 1, 1908 – Henry Ford’s Model T went on sale for the first time.
    Inventors STEAM Video Art Lessons
    October 4, 1957 – The Space Age began. Russians launched the first satellite Sputnik I into orbit.
    This Homeschool Moon Unit Study Is Out Of This World
    Oct 8th American fighter pilot Ace Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973) was born in Columbus, Ohio. He commanded the first U.S. aero unit to take part in World War I and was credited with 26 victories, becoming America’s leading Ace.
    Modern History Video Art Lessons
    October 9th Nordic communities worldwide will celebrate Leif Erikson Day – remembering the explorer credited with bringing the first Nordic people to America around the year 1000.
    The Ultimate Guide to Medieval History Lessons For Your Homeschool and Medieval Times Homeschool Art


    October 13, 1775 – The United States Navy was born after the Second Continental Congress authorized the acquisition of a fleet of ships.
    October 14, 1947 – U.S. Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager became the first man to break the sound barrier, flying in a rocket-powered research aircraft. Take Flight With These Famous Aviators
    October 26, 1825The Erie Canal opened as the first major man-made waterway in America, linking Lake Erie with the Hudson River, bypassing the British-controlled lower St. Lawrence. The canal cost over $7 million and took eight years to complete.
    October 27, 1904The New York City subway began operating, running from City Hall to West 145th Street, the first underground and underwater rail system in the world.
    October 27th British navigator James Cook (1728-1779) was born in Yorkshire, England.
    October 30, 1990 – For the first time since the Ice Age, Great Britain was connected with the European continent, via a new rail tunnel under the English Channel. Great Britain Themed Chalk Pastel Art (including a map of the British Isles)

    Why STEAM Learning Matters in Your Homeschool

    October Science and Art Activities: STEAM In Your Homeschool

    I thought part of being a “fun homeschool mom” included cleaning up after a Rube Goldberg machine. I wish I would have stuck to chalk art instead. I’m still missing a deck of cards, half the dominoes, and a 5 gallon bucket. Science and Art make a beautiful partnership, read: Why STEAM Learning Matters In Your Homeschool

    October in New York

    October 24, 1945 – The United Nations was founded.
    Oct 27th Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) the 26th U.S. President was born in New York City.
    The Best Presidents Day Art Projects For Your Homeschool
    October 28, 1886 – The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor.
    A Homeschool Lesson on Artist Steve Penley’s Statue of Liberty.
    Oct 28th Dr. Jonas Salk (1914-1995) was born in New York City. In 1952, he developed a vaccine for the dreaded childhood disease Polio.
    A Microscopic World Study For Homeschool Science and the Modern Medical Advancements lesson in Nana’s Modern History series.
    October 29, 1929 – The stock market crashed as over 16 million shares were dumped amid tumbling prices. The Great Depression followed in America, lasting until the outbreak of World War II.
    Homeschool Art Lessons for Your Modern History Buff

    October Strong Women and Art

    We always loved adding faces to historical dates. The Who Was Series was incredibly helpful bringing history to life in our homeschool. Read as many biographies together or with unit studies and then paint famous historical people with your chalk pastels.

    Happy October Birthday to a handful of First Ladies and an American Hero!

    Oct 4th Eliza Johnson (1810 – 1876). She was the wife of President Andrew Johnson.
    Oct 11th Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was born in New York City. She was the wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President.
    Oct 13th Molly Pitcher (1754-1832) was born near Trenton, New Jersey (as Mary Ludwig). She was a water carrier at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778 during the American Revolution. After her husband, artilleryman John Hays, collapsed, she took his place at his cannon.
    Oct 15th Edith Wilson (1872 – 1961). She was the wife of President Woodrow Wilson.
    Oct 26th Hillary Rodham Clinton was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, October 26, 1947.

    Add these 7 American History Homeschool Lessons Your Kids Will Love to this year’s curriculum!

    7 American History Homeschool Lessons your child will love

    October Artists Birthdays

    Happy Birthday to the artists, poets, writers, musicians, and creative types who have added color to our world!

    Do you have a favorite artist born in October? We enjoy sharing these monthly art projects. Find your favorite artist in this Exploring Famous Artists with Chalk Pastels post or celebrate the October birthdays below.

    Oct 9 John Lennon of the rock band The Beatles was born (1940-1980) in Liverpool, England.
    Oct 10 Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was born in Le Roncole, Italy. His 26 operas include; Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, La Traviata and Aida, and are among the most popular of all classical music performed today.
    Oct 16th American teacher and journalist Noah Webster (1758-1843) was born in West Hartford, Connecticut.
    Oct 16th Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was born in Dublin, Ireland.
    Oct 16th American playwright Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953) was born in New York City. He wrote more than 35 plays including: Beyond the Horizon, The Iceman Cometh, The Emperor Jones and Long Day’s Journey into Night.
    Oct 21st Jazz great Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) was born in Cheraw, South Carolina


    Oct 22nd Hungarian composer Franz Liszt (1811-1886) was born in Raiding, Hungary.
    Oct 25 Artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was born in Malaga, Spain.

    Learn more about Picasso with our Famous Artist Pablo Picasso Homeschool Study.

    Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. Pablo Picasso quote, art lesson and podcast.

    October Sports and Art

    baseball art lesson for the World Series

    Take me out to the ball game or just buy me Cracker Jacks, please. Cracker Jacks! The World Series starts October 28th-Nov 5th. Nana added this fun baseball chalk art to go with her Atlanta Braves foam finger. But more importantly for The Games Clubhouse Membership.

    Pumpkin Art and Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin for Homeschool

    Just in time for fall,  these fun and engaging art projects are perfect for your homeschool! Take a look at all the different options available as you create your own homeschool pumpkin themed study. Pumpkin Art Lessons Perfect for Fall Homeschooling and Easy Acrylic Painting with Nana.

    Happy Chalk Art Halloween

    Halloween and Anatomy really do complement each other very well. Skeletons and bones. Vampires and circulatory system. So I might take the spook out of it all by getting “educational”, but I couldn’t resist adding an Ancient Egypt lesson to the mummy dogs lunch.

    Call me a scaredy cat, or just paint Nana’s NEW black cat and bat masterpieces from the Animals Clubhouse. Erin shares more in her Halloween Homeschooling: Fun, Not Scary Art Activities for Halloween.

    Art Activities for Every Month of the Year

    Look ahead to ALL the art activities for homeschooling you can enjoy every month of the year:

    homeschool bat resources, art lesson and nature study

    More October Homeschool Learning

    You might also like:

    A special live premiere science lesson is coming for members in October! Be sure to join our email list so you won’t miss the news!

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    Fantastic Fall Art Lessons For Kids

    Grab a slice of apple pie, some warm socks, bury your homeschooler in a pile of leaves or enjoy these fantastic fall art lessons together! Have we got a fall bucket list for you!

    “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall. F. Scott Fitzgerald

    Fantastic Fall Art Lessons For Kids

    Fall speaks to each of us in different ways. When we lived in Florida we were only aware it was “fall” because Pumpkin Spice arrived at Starbucks. However in Colorado, the air just feels and smells crisp, the trees change colors, and we start baking an indecent amount of banana bread. If you live in an area that experiences the four seasons or none at all incorporate these Fall Art Lessons.

    Homeschool pro tip: laminate special creations and give as Christmas gifts to grandparents.

    Seasonal Tree Study For Fall

    “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” – Emily Brontë

    What better way to enjoy a fall tree than A Year Round Seasonal Tree Study For Your Homeschool or the Fall Hygge Homeschool Art Lessons. Turn these beautiful chalk art trees into a nature study – with all the ideas in The Ultimate Guide to Fall Nature Study in Your Own Backyard.

    Fall Art: One-On-One Time With Kids

    Looking for something on the smaller side? Try a pinecone or acorn art tutorial. Let your student decide with help from our Fall Art One on One Time with Kids or Mommy and Me Time with Art.

    Photo by Erin Vincent

    S’Mores Me ! Art Lesson

    Are you ready for Roasting Marshmallows and all the dessert joy? I was a Girl Scout for ten years. So I’m definitely the resident S’Mores maker in our home. Every marshmallow turns out perfectly golden brown. But my boys still loved letting them catch on fire.

    Campfire roasting marshmallows smores fall art

    I’ve only made S’Mores with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. Until we moved to Colorado and one camping angel offered the mind blowing suggestion of switching out chocolate bars for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Oh. My. S’More. Campfire Game Changer!! Switch up your chocolate bar of choice, I’ve heard Kit Kats are the perfect shape, but we’ve yet to try them.
    October is National Fire Safety Month. It’s a great time to go over fire safety in your home.

    Incorporate these Fantastic Fall Art Lessons and your entire family will enjoy the change of seasons in your homeschool day.

    Apple Art With Chalk Pastels

    Johnny Appleseed Day is September 26th. We honor the man who made apple (and pear) trees grow all across most of this country. Or you just have another reason to bake and eat apple pie. I’ll take it!! Check out Apple Chalk Pastel Art Lessons and serve up a plate of Nana’s Apple Pie with it! (Includes How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World art lesson and ideas!)

    Incorporate these Fantastic Fall Art Lessons and your entire family will enjoy the change of seasons in your homeschool day.
    Apples to Oregon makes a fun A Hands-On Oregon Trail Unit Study perfect for fall geography and history studies!

    Animals in Fall Study For Your Homeschool

    We always loved cutting out construction paper fall leaves, taping them to windows, and adding little gratitude comments all season. I wish I would have added some adorable fall animals among the leaves. If you’re observing the birds, rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks busy in your yard maybe decorate a Fall Wall in your homeschool room with chalk animals!

    We loved Nana’s Deer in the Fall Clubhouse. We decided to make our own cartoonish deer with big sweet “puppy dog” eyes.

    Homeschool Pro Tip: during these more enjoyable fall days try your chalk tutorials outside on your sidewalks and driveways. DO NOT use chalk pastels on concrete. Stick to cheap sidewalk chalk!

    More Fall Homeschool Art Fun

    You will also have fun with these fall art lessons:

    Incorporate these Fantastic Fall Art Lessons and your entire family will enjoy the change of seasons in your homeschool day.

    Members Fall Bucket List

    Don’t forget! Members can create a Fall Fun Bucket List! Personally, I’m hoping to drink as much apple cider and enjoy those S’Mores. Check and check. Happy Fall Y’all !

    Incorporate these Fantastic Fall Art Lessons and your entire family will enjoy the change of seasons in your homeschool day.
    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    September Adventure Homeschool Art Activities

    Talk Like A Pirate Day Homeschool Art

    The start of a homeschool year has always been an exciting time in our home and the perfect chance to add new art Activities. Kick off the new shool year with the replay of our Fabulously Funny Folk Tales with Art!

    Start of the Homeschool Year

    Traditionally, we started the new school year with “First Day of School Cinnamon Rolls” because nothing is sweeter than sleeping in long after the buses leave the neighborhood. Then wrapping up our homeschool week with Fine Arts Friday. Below are a few historical dates and famous birthdays to study while adding new art activities.

    These September Homeschool Art Activities add adventure to your learning. Ideas for history, science, and literature lessons.

    September Homeschool Art Activities

    September’s name comes from the Latin word septem, meaning “seven.” This month had originally been the seventh month of the early Roman calendar.

    September Royal Birthdays

    September 7, 1533, Queen Elizabeth I and September 8, 1157, Richard the Lionheart.

    Grab your swords, tiaras, and tea for these two royal birthdays. Learn about Great Britain, Richard the Lion Heart, and Queen Elizabeth I by heading over “the ditch” for Great Britain Themed Art as well as The I Drew It and I Knew It Knights and Crusades lessons in the Clubhouse Membership.

    Talk Like A Pirate Day Homeschool Activities

    Ahoy Landlubber! Get Ye Art Supplies Ready.

    September 19th: International Talk Like a Pirate Day

    Pirate Art Activities

    My scalawags loved skipping math to dress up, throw around a few fun phrases, and play goofy golf. You don’t have to dust off your putters to make this day fun. Join Captain Nana with these Talk Like a Pirate Homeschool Art Lessons.

    Homeschool Explorers Study

    Navigate the waters of Exploration!

    Mark these seafaring dates on your homeschool calendar:

    1. September 4, 1609 – Explorer-navigator Henry Hudson is the first European to discover the island of Manhattan.
    2. September 16, 1620 – The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, England.
    3. September 24, 1493 – With a fleet of 17 ships, Christopher Columbus sets sail on his second expedition to the New World.
    4. September 25, 1513 – Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean.

    This month offers many chances to chalk boats, map locations, and feel like an explorer. It’s one reason why we love to Add New Art Activities to Homeschool History Lessons.

    American History in September

    American History Art Activities
    1. September 4, 1886 – Apache Chief Geronimo surrenders ending the last U.S. – Indian war.
    2. September 11, 2001 – “Patriots Day”, Islamic Al-Qaeda militants flew planes into NYC’s twin World Trade Towers and the Pentagon
    3. September 17, 1787 – Constitution Day. This day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
    4. September 18, 1947 – U.S. Air Force is established.
    5. September 22, 1862 – President Abraham Lincoln declares the Emancipation Proclamation. Chalk the beautiful Lincoln Memorial from American Landmarks!
    1. September 25, 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female Supreme Court Justice.
    2. September 26, 1960 – The first televised Presidential debate occurs between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon.
    3. September 27, 1789 – The U.S. Postal Service was founded.

    American History isn’t just for July 4th. Check out all these great lessons and more in the Clubhouse Membership!

    Celebrate The Hobbit And Lord Of The Rings In Your Homeschool

    “I’m Going On An Adventure!”

    On September 21, 1933 – J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” was published in London.

    Grab second breakfast with your homeschoolers and head out on an adventure with the Chalk Pastels The Hobbit Art Lesson. Art your way through the entire Trilogy with the help from: The Lord of the Rings, A Homeschool Study to Rule Them All.

    Looking to bring a little more fun to all of your literature lessons? It’s possible! We know The Power of Adding Art to Literature Lessons.

    September Astronomy Study

    Fall in love with September Skies

    September 22nd Autumn Equinox in Northern Hemisphere. At this time, there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.
    September 23, 1846 – The planet Neptune was first discovered by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Golle.

    Happy Fall Y’all! One of my favorite autumn activates, besides eating as many maple donuts as possible, is sketching the Year Round Seasonal Tree Study. Living in Florida with little to absolutely no fall foliage kept us inside chalking all the beautiful colors instead!

    September weather is still nice enough to enjoy evening star gazing. This month’s full moon is called the Harvest Moon and appears bigger and brighter than any other full moon. Add a Homeschool Moon Unit Study to your science lessons.

    To infinity and beyond with these Buzz Lightyear Activities!

    Or blast off to infinity and beyond! Add these free Buzz Lightyear Activities to your next astronomy lesson.

    Classical Music All Month Long

    In 1994, President Bill Clinton designated September as Classical Music Month. The perfect time to introduce your children to great composers and classical music. How to Get Started with Classical Music in Your Homeschool shares great ideas! “Where words fail, music speaks.” ~ Hans Christian Andersen.

    Art Activities for Every Month of the Year

    Look ahead to ALL the art activities for homeschooling you can enjoy every month of the year:

    These September Homeschool Art Activities add adventure and fun to your learning. Happy Back To School!

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    5 Tips to Start Fine Arts Friday

    Who doesn’t love themed days? Certainly not Taco Tuesday!! I’m sharing 5 Tips to Start Fine Arts Friday without overwhelming your homeschool schedule.

    Fine Arts Friday is an easy way to incorporate the You ARE An ARTiST Fine Arts Curriculum. I know, you’ve already booked August and you’re doing ALL. THE. THINGS. I was right there with you signing up for every activity, co-ops, and sports. Trying to be a homeschool superhero. You don’t have to exhaust yourself (and your children) with one more monster size obligation.

    Fine Arts Friday Homeschool Art Lesson

    Nana shares a Fine Arts Friday Art Lesson, below.

    Suggested supplies: White construction paper and all the chalk pastel colors! Baby wipes or a slightly damp paper towel for easy clean up.

    You ARE An ARTiST now offers family style and grade level Fine Arts Curriculum. High school students can earn one full Fine Arts Credit. Which is super exciting! This curricula is much different than the traditional Chalk Art Lessons with Nana we have all come to love. While Nana is filming more art tutorials for Clubhouse Members, this curricula is an instant PDF download, so you can go at your own pace! Pick whichever grade you like, and if you’re anything like me with 1 child dipping toes in 3 different grades … friend, you’ve got yourself some options. Pick the topic / time period that matches up well with other core curriculum.
    Clubhouse Members can purchase Fine Arts at 1/2 price – must be logged in for discount.

    5 Tips to Start Fine Arts Friday

    My boys thrived with schedules and a little routine. Wait, they’re shaking their heads no. Okay, maybe I just did better managing ALL. THE. THINGS. with somewhat of a plan to fall back on when superhero costumes, guinea pigs, and junk food overwhelmed the table. I don’t know what the boys were doing but I was having a blast! Knowing every Friday we were going to spend a bit of time on art helped my youngest, with delayed fine motor skills, mentally prepare while also keeping my oldest, who has a library of sketch books, happy.

    Plan Art Field Trips

    What better way to study art than at a museum? Each fine arts curriculum lists the artist/composer and works covered so you can plan ahead – especially with traveling exhibits, ballet, opera, or family vacations. Be sure to check tickets for homeschool discounts! Read, listen, and art at home one Friday then get out to visit art the following Friday. Or take one big trip to Florence Italy while earning high school credit! Many museums now offer virtual tours. In fact, you can enjoy The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Art Museum Field Trips right here.

    Follow Chalk Pastel on Spotify

    Turn off your 90’s dance music and play that funky Classical music! Chalk Pastel is currently adding the Fine Arts music to their Spotify playlists. Using an app makes everything “cool”, right?! If you have a family account everyone can listen to the playlists on their own devices. Listen while finishing math or driving to the next co-op. Follow up with discussions, Which of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons do you like best? The answer is Winter. No Summer. All of them? We can’t decide.

    Fine Arts Scavenger Hunts

    Download info from the Fine Arts curriculum course content to your phone and head out on a Fine Arts Scavenger Hunt. Can I just say again how much I love that this curriculum is a PDF download?! Compare famous works of art in your surrounding area. Sunflowers, hack stacks, lighthouses, cypress trees, sailboats … see the influences of famous masterpieces in your own neighborhood! Listen to the restaurant music and whoever notices a familiar piece first gets to pick dessert. You’ll start noticing more and more classical music in movies now too. Or, play those songs and let family members guess the composer. I can only play the first 15 seconds of Bach’s Cello Suite No 1 in G Major – so guess quick kids!

    fine arts friday

    Choose Different Supplies

    Many of the Fine Arts Curricula offers black and white copies of the famous works of art. Use your favorite medium to color in the pages. My youngest son, who never really enjoyed chalk pastels (gasp) or paints, was thrilled to use colored pencils and markers. Go BIG or go home, my oldest son loved using sidewalk chalk and chalking ginormous pieces of art on our driveway. This turned into a side job, that’s What Raising An Artist Looks Like.

    Helpful Hints: When a coloring page was not provided we found them online and downloaded them, changed to black & white (change scale to lightest color), and printed from my phone. Also, black pastel chalk doesn’t like to come off the driveway, so if you don’t want to scrub concrete with a vegetable brush – use cheap sidewalk chalk!

    Incorporate Fine Arts into other Subjects

    Art doesn’t have to be a wall flower. It actually mixes amazingly well with other subjects like history, literature, and nature studies! Learning about astronomy? Add a Starry Night coloring page. Learning about the Elizabethan Era? William Byrd is your guy. With just a little planning your core curriculum will come alive with sprinkles of art.

    Extra Tip!

    Join your students. I noticed when I joined my boys we all enjoyed the lessons just a little bit more. Maybe because my boys are talented artistically and my masterpieces always looked like chicken scratch? Maybe because I offered a comedic narrative? Why couldn’t Johann Sebastian Bach buy a house? Because he was Baroque.
    Art provides a wonderful opportunity for moms to express their own creativity and lower stress. A few things we should be proactive about adding to our schedules this homeschool year.

    Extra Tip #2!

    Meet #FineArtsFriday Friends!

    Hi my name is Stef and I love fine arts. It’s funny how an Instagram challenge can help us stick to something. Now that you’re ready to start Fine Arts, join the community of #FineArtsFriday friends on IG. Tag @ChalkPastelArt and #YouAreAnArtist so we can all de-stress and become more cultured together.

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.

    Posted on

    Wonderful Learning With August Art Activities for Your Homeschool

    Here are some wonderful homeschool learning ideas with August art activities to help you stay cool! Are you enjoying the the dog days of summer? Maybe you’re looking for some boredom busters? Or you’re hoping for one more week of Summer Art Camp. These ideas will inspire fun and easy learning!

    Here are some wonderful homeschool learning ideas with August art activities to help you stay cool! Are you enjoying the the dog days of summer? Maybe you're looking for some boredom busters? Or you're hoping for one more week of Summer Art Camp.  These ideas will inspire fun and easy learning!

    August Evenings are for Homeschool Astronomy

    August is a great month to learn about astronomy by pulling out your chalk pastels and painting what you see! Get ready early in the month to celebrate astronaut Neil Armstrong’s birthday on August 5th (1930). Keep the telescopes out to enjoy The Perseids Meteor Shower August 11th-12th.


    Everything You Need for a Homeschool Moon Mission Unit Study, will get you started! Decide if you chalk the Summer Night Sky by flashlight or wait until morning?

    Make a Homemade Book

    If you have a child ready to read why not make a homemade learn to read book? A book created especially for your young reader is sure to spark interest. You can design your book in just a few simple steps and choose your child’s favorite topic! Nana leads the way with a fun, backyard story. New this month for You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse members.

    August Historical Events for Your Homeschool Studies

    Did you know, “August”, the name of the month was originally a Latin word, Sextilis? In 8th century BC, during the early Medieval period, the month was renamed to August in honor of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor. August is filled with great opportunities to study Ancient Rome!


    On Aug 24, 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted. Nana loves Geography. Join her and Map Italy. Looking to have a blast? Chalk an Erupting Volcano!

    Keep your toga party going and celebrate these famous Roman birthdays on August 31st – Caligula (12 AD) & Commodus (161 AD). It’s always fun to paint Roman soldiers and their beautiful galea (that’s fancy for helmet).

    Learn Homeschool History With Art!


    We believe combining art with history is one of the best ways to teach. Here is Why Adding Art to History Makes All the Difference.

    Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492


    We have all sung the cute rhyme. Did you know, he sailed on August 3, 1492. Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, with three ships, Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Chalk the epic voyage with Nana and create your own ship for the journey. Don’t forget to name it!

    Homeschool History War Studies

    Do you have a homeschool student who is interested in war studies? Mark your calendar for these August “war time” historical events and spend time mapping Europe, chalk different styles of war helmets from Modern History Clubhouse, and get spiffy with Napoleon’s uniform from American History Clubhouse.

    August 1, 1944 – Anne Frank penned her last entry into her diary.
    August 6, 1945 – The first Atomic Bomb was dropped over the center of Hiroshima
    Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthday August 15, 1769

    Let’s Hear It For the Girls With These Homeschool Women’s Studies!

    August 18, 1920 – The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.
    Celebrate this momentous event by Nana’s Women’s Suffrage and The Constitution art lessons. Vote who is going to clean up after dinner.

    One special woman’s birthday to honor this month, Mother Theresa August 26th, (1910). There have been more companion guides added to the Disciples Unit Study. Be sure to incorporate these valuable lessons into your daily morning time. You can find valuable tips and resources in: How to Plan an Awesome Home Bible Study for Kids.

    Celebrate Famous August Birthdays

    Learn about America’s early Presidents in the American Presidents Video Art Lessons.

    Presidents Day Art Projects

    Celebrate two former presidents’ birthdays Barack Obama August 4th (1961) & Bill Clinton August 19th (1946). July Homeschool Art Activities offered numerous opportunities to chalk America’s birthday. If you missed it, consider chalking those same beautiful patriotic creations for the presidents’ birthdays!

    Early American Legends with August Art Activities

    Mid-month celebrate famous legends Annie Oakley August 13th (1860), Doc Holliday August 14th (1851), and Davy Crockett August 17th (1786) by chalking a Western Landscape.

    Davy Crockett is known as a hero of the Alamo. It is rumored he was also a bear hunter. We prefer to respect these beautiful mammals by chalking them! Learn more Bears: An Art and Book Study for Your Homeschool.

    August Art Activities Honoring Inventors!

    August is Inventors Month. Be sure to discover all the great inventions in the Inventors Clubhouse. From Galileo to magnets – your STEM lovers will enjoy it.

    Celebrate Orville Wright’s birthday on August 19th, (1871) with an aviation joke.

    Why did the librarian get kicked off the plane?

    It was overbooked!

    Literature and Fine Arts for Your Homeschool

    You ARE An Artist is thrilled to offer Fine Arts Curriculum for the Family and Fine Arts for High School Credit. If you are looking for an art elective be sure to look into these amazing resources!

    Celebrate August writers, poets, and film makers: Francis Scott Key August 1st (1779), Alfred Hitchcock August 13th (1899), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe August 28th (1749) & Mary Shelley August 30th (1797).

    Homeschool Science Art Activities

    Chalk Pastel Art Members can now enjoy the new Science Clubhouse. Videos are continually being added. This is a great opportunity to dive deeper into your science lessons by adding these to your August art activities.

    Celebrate philosopher and physician John Locke’s birthday on August 29th (1632). Dipping your toes into STEAM? Here is a Homeschool Science and Art Curriculum Match Up. You will also enjoy:

    Tooth Diagram Homeschool Art Lesson!

    Not to mention that Nana has a brand new tooth diagram lesson for your homeschool anatomy! Back to homeschool time is a perfect time to learn to brush your teeth, round and round, circles small, gums and all…Available in I Drew It Then I Knew It Science! Find out more in A Tooth Diagram Activity for Homeschool Science That Will Make You Smile!

    Vacation Landmark Memories

    As summer winds down and suitcases are put away, wrap-up your trip by preserving your memories the famous landmarks you visited. Clubhouse Members can pick from American and World Landmarks. Keep these treasures as homemade post cards. Or create a “bucket list” of places you want to visit.

    cicada art lesson at You ARE an ARTiST

    Learn About Cicadas with Nature Art Lessons

    Cicadas make a distinctive sound during the summer months. What fun to paint a cicada with Nana! Find this membership exclusive lesson in the Backyard Nature course in membership.

    Art Activities for Every Month of the Year

    Look ahead to ALL the art activities for homeschooling you can enjoy every month of the year:

    Here are some wonderful homeschool learning ideas with August art activities to help you stay cool! Are you enjoying the the dog days of summer? Maybe you're looking for some boredom busters? Or you're hoping for one more week of Summer Art Camp.  These ideas will inspire fun and easy learning!

    Using Art for Memorization in Your Homeschool

    “Chalk pastels are truly one of the easiest mediums to use – even for the perfectionists in our family! And if you’re intimidated by the idea of arting with your children, there’s no need to fear! Nana at Chalk Pastel can walk your children through simple art projects, step by step.” Don’t miss A Hundred Acre Woods‘ recent review, Using Art for Remembering for so much inspiration for your homeschool.

    If you’re wondering if the Clubhouse Membership is right for you this homeschool year or if you are curious about what it all includes, be sure to read Brandy’s review! You never know if a blue ribbon is in your student’s future.

    Stef Layton

    Stef started homeschooling her boys in 2008. She quickly adopted a hands-on learning homeschool style and graduated her oldest tactile learner in 2021. Stef started the Hands-On Learning column in Homeschooling Today magazine. The Laytons currently reside in the foothills of Colorado where Stef also teaches yoga. The family loves to hike trails, stand-up paddle board, and chase sunsets. Stef shares travel and homeschool tips on IG at @LaytonAdventures.