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Christmas in July for Kids: Activities And Traditions To Enjoy!

A really fun way to make summer memories together is by having Christmas in July! These ideas will get you started. Just add twinkling lights and your own fun traditions to spark some wonder and imagination!

My children and I have long loved celebrating Christmas in July. By July, the days are heavy with humidity and there are often pesky mosquitoes. So, planning something fun indoors that turns our thoughts to cooler days is just the sort of celebration we need!

Some years we have gone all out Christmas in July. Other years, we simply put on the Christmas music, added some sprinkles to store-bought cookies, and pulled out the chalk pastels.

I hope you find some inspiration for your family’s Christmas in July time!

Fun Ideas for Making Family Memories with Christmas in July

Here are some easy ideas to get you started.

  • Play Christmas music – all your favorites!
  • Bake cookies
  • String up some lights or a red and green construction paper chain
  • Pull out your stack of Christmas books
  • AND paint favorite Christmas scenes!
Christmas hymns study can be an enjoyable part of your Christmas School homeschool day. A beautiful opportunity for the family to learn and worship together.

Homeschool Music and Art Activities for Christmas in July

Just one or two notes of a favorite Christmas song can transport you to the festive season!

Christmas in July activities

Bake Christmas Treats for Afternoon Tea Time

Nana shares her favorite, homemade cut-out Christmas cookies recipe for kids at Your Best Homeschool. All the sprinkles! Of course, you can also pick up your favorite ready-bake cookies at the store. You might prefer to make one or more of the following from Nana’s cookbook:

A really fun way to make summer memories together is by having Christmas in July! These ideas will get you started! Just add twinkling lights and your own fun traditions to spark some wonder and imagination!

Homeschool Books (and Movies!) for Christmas in July

Hooray for Christmas books! Here are some of our favorites. Many include Nana’s art lessons, too.

It is always fun to read The Grinch then turn on the classic Grinch movie! Follow it up with Nana’s Grinch art lesson.

Christmas Book to Movie Homeschool Activities Your Kids Will Love! I like to slow down, read lots of holiday books, watch loads of Christmas movies, and drink lots of hot cocoa!

Christmas in July books

Choose from these Christmas books too:

Online Homeschool Art Lessons for Christmas in July

Stay cool inside and let Nana lead you in an art lesson. For our family, art has been the most special of Christmas homeschool activities. Here are some really fun ways to celebrate Christmas in July:

The Ultimate List of Christmas Art Lessons – Enjoy this ultimate list of Christmas Homeschool Art Lessons! Christmas homeschooling allows us to focus on the real reason for the season. And you can do that in so many ways. We will give many resources to choose from and help you customize your perfect Christmas school day, week, or month.

Draw Your Way Through the Christmas Story – You can draw your way through the story of Christmas from the angels announcing Messiah’s birth to the manger scene.

Joyful Christmas Activities for Your Homeschool – These fun and easy chalk pastel tutorials help bring joy and celebration to the holidays.

December Art Activities Perfect for Holiday Homeschooling – even more inspiration (you can pretend there is snow out your window!)

Free Homeschool Christmas Art Lesson Online

Kick off your Christmas in July with Nana’s Christmas Wreath art lesson she shared with her grandchildren around Tricia’s kitchen table!

More Christmas Homeschool Inspiration

And for even more really fun summer inspiration, check out Nana’s Online Summer Art Camp Perfect for All Ages!

You ARE an ARTiST Complete Clubhouse Christmas and Homeschool Art Lessons for the Whole Year Through!

Nana and I invite you to join us in the Clubhouse for over 800 online art lessons. There are lessons for literature, history, science, famous artists, music, maps, nature study, preschool to high school and more. There is even a daily art calendar with ideas to match the lovely learning in your homeschool.

Growing a love of art at You ARE an ARTiST is a multi-generational passion! Tricia is Nana’s daughter and a mama of five children. Nana shared her first chalk pastel art lessons with her grandchildren around Tricia’s kitchen table. Homeschooling since 2000, Tricia has seen the fruits of home education with three homeschool grads so far! She shares the art and heart of homeschooling at Your Best Homeschool and is author of the book, Help! I’m Homeschooling! She and her husband, Steve, are also owners of sister sites Homeschool Nature Study and The Curriculum Choice.

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Engaging Art Classes For Your Homeschool Co-Op

Some of the best times you can have with your homeschool group or co-op include art. Art is a crowd-pleasing subject that is extremely versatile. All ages and skill levels can participate in the fun, which can often be harder to manage with other subjects. Not to mention, art is entirely flexible when it comes to planning educational lessons. Here are some easy and engaging art classes for your homeschool co-op.

Art is flexible when it comes to planning educational lessons. Here are some easy art workshops for your homeschool group with Nana of You ARE an Artist.

Why Chalk Pastels Are Perfect For Your Homeschool Art Class

Chalk pastels are perfect for group art projects. Chalk pastels are affordable and reusable. The supplies you will need for a chalk pastel art workshop are minimal. All you NEED to complete multiple chalk pastel art projects are only the chalk pastels themselves and construction paper.

No mess. Chalk pastels are not messy like paint, for example. Which makes them easy to pack, use, and clean up. A damp cloth or baby wipe will easily wipe away any residue left behind.

Hands-on. All kids love using chalk pastels. Chalk pastels are easy to manipulate with their hands, and children love the hands-on sensory-like experience of drawing and creating with chalk pastels.

Art is flexible when it comes to planning educational lessons. Here are some easy art workshops for your homeschool group with Nana of You ARE an Artist.

Easy And Engaging Art Classes For Your Homeschool Co-op

Choosing an Art Lesson

Depending on the age level and objective of your group, you can choose from a range of seasonal, holiday, or educational art projects.

Luckily, You Are An Artist makes it simple for you to choose a project that everyone will love. With everything from preschool art lessons, historical options, seasonal, holiday, STEM, inventors, and so much more – you are sure to find something for your group.

With seasonal lessons, you can tie in nature study, poetry, and botany, for example. Choose the seasonal lesson you want to use, and plan to read poems from that season as well. You can add in some nature study fun outdoors before or after your art lessons too!

Plan something fun like eating pumpkin pie after you create a slice of yummy pumpkin pie from the fall lessons, or set up a fun hot chocolate bar to have a holiday party after drawing a mug of hot cocoa with Nana.

If you want to design a workshop with more of an educational aspect, you have a ton of lessons to choose from at You Are An Artist. With the “I Drew It And I Knew It” series, you can select a historical period and enjoy multiple art lessons all from that time.

Better yet, if you have studied a period of history, the perfect way to end your semester or course is by having an art workshop! Invite your students to all dress up from that time, bring snacks, and have an art party to celebrate everything they learned.

You Are An Artist makes our jobs as homeschool group and co-op leaders easier. With the curriculum match up printable, you can find art lessons to accompany just about anything you may be studying at co-op. (The curriculum match up is totally FREE by the way, go snag it now!) You can incorporate lessons throughout your studies or celebrate the completion of specific topics with an art workshop. Either way, add some art because your students will love it.

Top Tips For Setting Up A Chalk Pastel Art Workshop For Your Group Or Co-op

Secure a Venue

If you don’t have a permanent space, you will want to secure a venue complete with tables, chairs, and a visual screen big enough for your students to all see.

A great place to look for space could be your local church, community centers, or your local library. If you have a small group, this would also work at the dining room table with a laptop.

Plan Ahead

For the best turn out make sure you give your group plenty of time to RVSP. At least three weeks to a month gives everyone time to plan accordingly, and time for you to plan the event. Send emails or post on social media a few times leading up to your event to remind students that they can join. If you need a headcount, give your group a cut off date, so they know when they need to respond by.

Collect Money

If you are a co-op, you may already have the means necessary to fund an art workshop. However, if you are a homeschool group that does not have an annual budget, you may need to collect everyone’s payment ahead of time. The need to collect payments is another good reason to promote your event at least 30 days in advance, so your families have time to budget appropriately.

Pack Up

In all my years of leading a homeschool group, the chalk pastel art workshops were by far the easiest to pack and plan for.

Make sure you have the right color construction paper for each project you plan to complete (you can find this in each video lesson) and plenty of it.

Pack up your chalk pastels, I recommend baby wipes for easy cleanup, and butcher paper to line the tables with. The butcher paper and baby wipes will make for the most effortless clean up ever.

Make sure you bookmark the link to your chosen chalk pastel video lessons for easy set-up and don’t forget an HDMI cord. The HDMI cord is for connecting your laptop to the screen/TV you plan to use. (Or whatever necessary equipment you need to connect.) You may want to check with your venue in advance for access to the wi-fi as well. You will also need your laptop.

Art is flexible when it comes to planning educational lessons. Here are some easy art workshops for your homeschool group with Nana of You ARE an Artist.

Set-Up

I recommend arriving at the venue early to connect your computer and set up the room.

Check your wi-fi connection, test the audio, and pause the first art video lesson until you are ready to begin.

The most efficient way I have found to quickly set-up the room is to cover each table with butcher paper. Make sure the tables are all close enough to the tv or monitor screen so that each student can see the videos in full view if you can. Place one package of baby wipes in the center of each table. The kids will want to wipe their fingers in-between projects. Place the construction paper on each table and the chalk pastels. You can put the chalk pastels that they will need for the day on paper plates in the center of the tables, as well.

Art Workshop Time

If you have a wide range of ages, start with the preschool or the less challenging projects first.

The attention span of the younger kiddos will run out sooner, so that allows time for them to participate and then leave the tables to go play or read nearby. Then the older children can work on slightly more skilled projects.

Invite parents to join in too! There is no age limit to who can and will enjoy art with chalk pastels.

We hope this gives you some new fresh ideas for how you can add some art to your homeschool group or co-ops. Your students will be begging to do it again! For more information on how you can use You Are An Artist with your homeschool group or co-op click here.

Courtney

www.gracegrowedify.com

Courtney is a Jesus-pursuing, native Texan, homeschool mom of three, who believes homeschooling can be a peaceful and productive rhythm. At Grace, Grow & Edify she helps families create peaceful homeschooling atmospheres through faith, organizational strategies, and cultivating strong roots at home.

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Creative Mother’s And Father’s Day Art Activities for Kids

Thinking on your childhood days, what brought you joy on Mother’s and Father’s Day? Was it the heartfelt smile on mother’s face while you fluffed the pillows to prepare her for a hearty breakfast in bed? Was it father’s proud expression as you watched him close his eyes, make a wish, then blow on the puffy dandelion you handpicked, just for him? These Mother’s and Father’s Day art activities are perfect for making lasting memories.

Mother’s and Father’s Day is such a special time for children and parents. Moms and dads are honored for the daily sacrifices they make for their children. Children have the opportunity to give thanks, and share how much they appreciate their parents. The joy given and received on this wonderful day is a life-giving experience.

Mother’s And Father’s Day Art Activities

Here at You Are an Artist, we offer creative ways to make this day special. Master Artist, Nana, has created bundles of praiseworthy lessons that will stir love, a lot of laughter, and bring color to your next Mother’s and Father’s Day.

Mother’s Day Activities For Kids

“It is woman who rocks the cradle of the world and holds the first affections of mankind. She possesses a power beyond that of a king on his throne.”

~ Mable Hale, Beautiful Girlhood

A mother’s unconditional love has impacted our world from generation to generation. Mothers have a strength that shine through their unwavering faith, sacrifices, and devotion to their children. Let’s bring her honor by using our creativity. All you need is a few art supplies and a whole lot of love!

Paint Mother’s Day mailboxes with Nana! Fold your paper in half to create a fun card! You can even leave a little handwritten note inside. Green construction paper and a few chalk pastels is all you need. Watch for mother’s smiles as she opens this handmade card with joy!

Mother’s Day Gifts in a Mailbox

Does Mother love flowers? Nana paints fresh blooms mom will surely treasure. Add a favorite Bible verse or a letter on the back of your painting. Mother will cherish it forever!

Geranium Flower Art Lesson

Discover Nana’s family member whose favorite flower is the Geranium! Create buds and blossoms with beautiful red hues, browns, and greens.

Give a Hydrangea Garden Flower Gift

You will need those purple and blue pastels for this one! I love the twin like flowers standing so graciously side by side.

Queen Anne’s Lace and a Virtual Flower Bouquet

The Queen Anne’s Lace is a very detailed painting. Paint four blooms and learn the term “under painting” with Nana. These glorious lace like flowers make a charming painting and gift for mother.

Are you interested in more beautiful blooms for Mother’s Day? Check out Nana’s gorgeous Georgia O’Keiffe painting. The lily and it’s delicate white petals will surely brightens mom’s day!

Does mother need a refreshing? Erin’s sweet post shares the ways she recharges her spirit through the gift of art.

How to Paint Acrylic Art Lessons to Give as Gifts

Did you know Nana offers lessons using acrylic paint? My children adore her acrylic lessons. They also make stunning gifts perfect for Mother’s Day.

Summer Tree Acrylic

This is a pleasant painting called “Pavement Ends”. It’s bursting with green pastures and healthy trees. Looking upon the serene countryside brings peaceful thoughts of running barefoot in the green fields or taking a nice summer nap under a still tree. This is one of my favorites.

Sunflower Acrylic

Join Nana and her beloved paintbrush to paint this simple, yet bright yellow sunflower with a darling little ladybug. All you need is three simple colors and a tiny spec of black.

Fall Tree Reflection Acrylic

Sweeping leaves, a forest, and quiet waters speak softly of the reflections of fall.

Goldfinch Acrylic

This is the most adorable Goldfinch! Another simple painting using simple colors. Great for beginners.

Backyard Birds Nuthatch

A squirrel hole, spots of snow, and “tiny birds with a big personality” take the heart of this painting. Nana not only does a wondrous job of teaching this lesson, but also describing the Nuthatch and their personalities.

My children either hand wrote a Bible verse, quote, or  poem on the back of the acrylic paintings. Then they signed and dated it. What an absolute delight!

Bible Verse Ideas for Mother’s Day:

Proverbs 1:8-9 “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction; don’t neglect your mother’s teaching; for they are a graceful wreath on your head, and beads for your neck.”

Proverbs 31:25-28 “Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future. Her mouth is full if wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue. She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn’t eat the food of laziness. Her children bless her; her husband praises her: ‘Many women act competently, but you surpass them all!'”

Proverbs 31:31 Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city gates.”

Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”

Father’s Day Art Activities For Kids

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in society.”

~ Billy Graham

Fathers are incredibly important to the family unit. A man’s willingness to provide for his family, love his wife, and train up his children in godly principles is worthy of honor. His desire to walk closely with Christ and lead his family deserves praise.  Let’s show our dads just how much they are respected and appreciated!

Do you have a dad that is simply incredible? Nana created a Mr. Incredible lesson perfect for Father’s Day! My children wrote “You are INCREDIBLE!” on the back of the painting and signed their names. We used 9×12 construction paper for this one.

Is Dad into nature, hiking, or hunting? Chalk Pastel Art offers many art lessons that reflect scenic country sides and peaceful wildlife. All of the chalk pastel paintings listed below make charming cards. Simply fold your paper in half and follow Nana’s art lesson. We chose a couple to make into cards and created haiku poetry to place inside. The rest of the paintings served as memorable Father’s Day gifts.

Draw a Winter Forest with Chalk Pastels

Do you see the proud buck standing tall among a wintry forest. Share this one with Dad on Father’s Day and ask him about his hunting experiences. I bet he will love to share his stories!

Bob Ross Art Lesson for Your Homeschool

Learn about one of Nana’s favorite artist, Bob Ross. We found it interesting he used to be a drill sergeant in the military. Paint this grand mountain scene with Nana and watch the “happy little trees” come to life. You can also listen to Nana’s Bob Ross podcast.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone Park Art Lessons

This is an American Landmark painting found in your Clubhouse membership. This is only one of many other amazing landmarks lessons that are available. Grab the colors of the sunset and set off with Nana to the Yellowstone Falls in Wyoming. Nana describes the falls “thundering down the mountain pass” and a wondrous place called Artist Point. A stunning painting!

Winter Tree Reflections Acrylic

Paint a night time wintry scene with freezing cold water and a tree dressed in snowy white layers. This is a similar painting to the Fall Tree Reflection. Our little artist wrote Psalm 1:1-3 on the back of his canvas just for Dad!

Bible Verse Ideas for Father’s Day:

“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

In the very heart of your house,

Your children like olive plants

All around your table.

Behold, thus shall the man be blessed

Who fears the Lord. Psalm 128:3-4

As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13

Make a Hobbit Themed Breakfast for Father’s Day

Is Dad a J.R.R Tolkein fan? You know hobbits love to eat…even up to seven meals a day! Make a Hobbit themed breakfast for dad, invite a few hairy footed halflings, and present your Lord of the Rings chalk pastel art with his favorite Tolkein quotes written on the back!

The Hobbit Art Lesson

Go on an adventure with Nana and visit a halfling’s home. Paint luscious green grass, and a hobbit home among the meadows…and maybe you’ll make it time for Elevenses or an Afternoon Tea! More on this favorite Homeschool Hobbit Art Lesson.

Going on a Lord of the Rings Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure with the Fellowship? Paint silhouettes of prominent characters and watch mighty Gandalf lead the way as they trudge through the snow among icy mountains.

The Ring, My Precious!

Nana sure has a love of reading and loves to visit many places through books! Join Nana on a long journey as you paint the renowned Ring and a vintage map.

Father’s Day Gifts for Star Wars Fans

“I am your FATHER!”…..does Dad love all the old Star Wars movies? Nana shares a colorful Darth Vader Abstract that dad would love for Father’s Day! That’s not all! Chalk Pastel Art offers even more Star Wars themed art!

The Gift of Art will forever sprinkle our hearts with joy. Some of the most cherished gifts are handmade with thought and love. Through Nana’s artistry, your child has an opportunity to create and give in a meaningful way. We hope we have given you wonderful ideas to make Mother’s and Father’s Day special for you and your dear children.

Don’t miss Nana’s video showing you how to preserve  and frame your chalk pastel artwork. This is perfect for gifting art for special occasions.

Would you like more DIY gift ideas or gift someone with a You Are AN Artist membership? Courtney shares wonderful gift ideas for homeschool moms and children!

More Creative Resources For Kids

More than just Mother’s And Father’s Day Art Activities, Chalk Pastel Art offers many creative resources just for your children of all ages! From Preschool learning to Summer Camp to Shark Week, and Hymn Studies! Check it out!

Jamie Gault

Jamie is the author of A Brown Bear’s Language Arts Study, a literature-inspired homeschool mom of eight, and a former educator. She enjoys a bookshelf bursting with colorful picture books  and children’s stories of all genres. Indulging in a read aloud with all of her children around her is one of Jamie’s favorite moments of her days. Be sure to find Jamie on Instagram and visit her blog, Treasuring the Tiny Moments Homeschool, to be encouraged by all her learning adventures with her wonderful family.

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An Online Summer Art Camp Perfect For All Ages

Are you looking for a summer art camp for your kiddo this year? How about an online summer art camp chocked full of artful activities? With just a little bit of planning you can create an online summer camp right from the comfort of your own home!

Are you looking for a summer art camp for your kiddo this year? How about an online summer art camp chocked full of artful activities? With just a little bit of planning you can create an online summer camp right from the comfort of your own home!

Online Summer Art Camp for Kids

Even if you can’t get your children to a “real” summer art camp this year, I want to encourage you to explore an online camp. With the wonders of technology at our fingertips, this can be an amazing option for many families to choose from. Plus, art camp can be an easy way for kids to learn to express themselves this summer. That’s because art gives children the chance to be creative, carefree, and engaged. Your child will gain self-confidence as they develop the skills and techniques to bring their creations to fruition. No artistic talent needed. Just an openness to creative expression!

Even if you can’t get your children to a “real” summer art camp this year, I want to encourage you to explore an online camp. With the wonders of technology at our fingertips, this can be an amazing option for many families to choose from. Plus, art camp can be an easy way for kids to learn to express themselves this summer. That’s because art gives children the chance to be creative, carefree, and engaged. Your child will gain self-confidence as they develop the skills and techniques to bring their creations to fruition. No artistic talent needed. Just an openness to creative expression!

Summer Art Camp For All Ages

The first step in creating a fantastic online summer art camp to decide how long you want your summer art camp to be. Maybe you want to do one artistic thing with your kiddos per day for a whole week, or maybe you would prefer to have multiple lessons on only a single day. Do what works for you and your kids!

Next, gather your art supplies! We adore Chalk Pastels! They are so easy to use that preschoolers through adults can enjoy this wonderful art medium. Chalk Pastels make gathering needed art supplies easy. All you need is a set of chalk pastels, construction paper and the You Are An Artist Clubhouse Membership!

Looking for a summer art camp for your kiddo? This online summer art camp is chocked full of artful activities yo can enjoy from the comfort of your home!

With the You Are An Artist Clubhouse Membership, you have access to a bank of art lessons for all ages, a wonderful art community; plus new art lessons from “Nana”, including themed art events throughout the year! You don’t have to worry about being the teacher, “Nana” has got your covered!

Another aspect that brings my children joy is that they get to choose which art video lessons they want to explore. The Complete You Are An Artist Clubhouse Membership offers you endless access to the ENTIRE Chalk Pastel library of courses!

Let Kids Choose Their Own Lessons

My kid’s love “Nana” and her videos! She is such a wonderful art teacher and with every lesson she always reminds us that, “You Are An Artist!”

Another aspect that brings my children joy is that they get to choose which art video lessons they want to explore. The Complete You Are An Artist Clubhouse Membership offers you endless access to the ENTIRE Chalk Pastel library of courses! Clubhouse members enjoy a monthly curated calendar with lessons chosen for you, should you choose to access it. Members also receive exclusive, new Summer Art Camp lessons.

 That means your kiddos could choose:

  • Summer Camp Video Art Lessons which include camping, camp tree house, bubbles, canoes, hammocks, and pools!
  • Nature courses such as Sharks, Seashore, Forest Nature, Spring, Garden Nature, Backyard Nature, Pond Nature, and more! Many of these Nature lessons contain everything kids love about summer – lightning bugs, beach vacations, bullfrogs, dragonflies, flowers, and dandelions.
  • Famous Artists series explores Michelangelo, da Vinci, Monet, and Rembrandt.
  • American Landmarks Lessons include the Liberty Bell, Washington Monument, Niagara Falls, and loads more landmarks you’d only see on summer road trips.
  • Plus, so much more!!!
I like to include the poetry teatime aspect to our art time by making it enjoyable with treats, beverages, and twinkle lights or candles. The ambiance and fun factor can change a child's perception of art! It doesn't matter what the art looks like. It doesn’t have to be perfect. All that matter is that your children are finding joy and making memories.

Making Summer Camp Special

So, how can you make your kiddo’s online summer art camp just a little bit extra special?

  • Set the table with a fun tablecloth or strip of fabric. I used an old top to a quilt that was never finished. The colorful squares just screamed summer picnic!
  • I added a vase of flowers to the table that I had picked earlier from our yard.
  • Light some candles, tealights, or string a few Christmas lights to give off that “campfire” glow.
  • Following the summer camp/picnic theme I let the children make their own S’mores in the microwave. If you’ve got the time and the day is nice and sunny, you could always let your kiddos make Solar Oven S’mores before getting started with their art.
  • Nothing says summertime like S’mores and Root Beer Floats; however, any treat and favorite beverage will do. It doesn’t have to be fancy!
Ocean Exploration for Online Summer Art Camp

Tailoring Summer Art Camp to Your Child’s Interests

Besides the ideas above, you and your children can choose to focus on a specific area of Summer Art Camp with Nana!

Choose from:

You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse members enjoy a calendar filled with summer camp art lessons for an entire month. Plus, a fabulous Summer Camp Guide FULL of fun ideas: themed days for each day of the week, detective work, planners, a certificate of completion to print out for each week and more! There is even a special prompts list from Nana!

Nothing says summertime like S’mores and Root Beer Floats; however, any treat and favorite beverage will do. It doesn’t have to be fancy!

Summer Art Camp Fun

I like to include the poetry teatime aspect to our art time by making it enjoyable with treats, beverages, and twinkle lights or candles. The ambiance and fun factor can change a child’s perception of art! It doesn’t matter what the art looks like. It doesn’t have to be perfect. All that matters is that your children are finding joy and making memories. I always quote Miss Frizzle to my kids, “get messy, make mistakes!”

But keep a roll of moistened paper towels nearby.

Summertime is the perfect time for kids to explore and get excited about art! With endless chalk pastel lessons to choose from, your kiddos are going to love celebrating these lazy months in new creative ways.

Easy Online Summer Art Camp

Summertime is the perfect time for kids to explore and get excited about art! With endless chalk pastel lessons to choose from, your kiddos are going to love celebrating these lazy months in new creative ways.

An art camp is perfect for kids this summer as it provides a wonderful artistic outlet!

So, call the kids in from the heat and watch as they learn, explore, and grow their imaginative talents! Your children are going to enjoy traversing the world of chalk pastels.

So, call the kids in from the heat and watch as they learn, explore, and grow their imaginative talents! Your children are going to enjoy traversing the world of chalk pastels. There is so much to discover about color, technique, and self-expression with an online summer art camp! Additionally, at the end of each lesson they will always be reminded that they ARE an artist!

Online summer art camp is one of the MANY benefits of You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse membership. Our Clubhouse members enjoy special events and new art lessons!

There is so much to discover about color, technique, and self-expression with an online summer art camp! Additionally, at the end of each lesson they will always be reminded that they ARE an artist!

Enjoy a Sample Online Summer Art Camp Lesson – Treehouse

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

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Erin is a writer, blogger, and homeschooler to two intense kids. Her blog is filled with information to help you explore a child led education while making meaningful connections with your children. Discover favorite read alouds, seasonal books, games, art projects, hands-on activities, and learn to just breathe through the ups and downs of life. She loves nature, farm life, good books, knitting, new pens, and hot coffee. Erin is a contributing writer for Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers. Her work has also been featured on Simple Homeschool and Book Shark.  

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Fun Activities For History Class In Your Homeschool

Did you know that history doesn’t have to be boring? That’s right; you can bring fun activities for history class into your homeschool with these chalk pastel lessons.

Did you know that history doesn't have to be boring? That's right; you can bring fun activities for history class into your homeschool with these chalk pastel lessons.


Bring History To Life With Engaging Activities


Adding hands-on activities to any history lesson creates an immersive and engaging learning environment. This means that kids comprehend and thus retain more of their learning. Art can bring any textbook to life or enhance living history books with a multi-sensory approach! You’ll need a simple set of chalk pastels, a pack of construction paper, and Nana’s video art lessons! Then watch the learning begin.

Fun Activities For History Class In Your Homeschool

Fun Activities For History Class In Your Homeschool

We’ve covered many different timelines over the years, and our You ARE An Artist Complete Clubhouse Membership ensures that there is almost always a corresponding art lesson. My kids have loved painting the pyramids of Giza, medieval castles, mapping the Louisiana Purchase, and so much more!

You, too, can expand your history studies with Nana’s chalk pastel homeschool art lessons because art is the perfect way to encourage hands-on learning and exploration through historical timelines. Engage your children with color, lines, and form as they recreate these periods of the past. Did you know Nana has courses for:

You can check out more of the individual lessons available below.

Ancient History

The Ancient History Video Art Lessons include:

  • Greek philosopher
  • Chinese Emperor
  • Ancient Buddha under Bodhi tree
  • Alexander the Great: helmet
  • Ancient Rome: Coliseum
  • Peloponnesian Wars: Spartan & Athenian soldiers
  • The Roman Empire: Caesar
  • The Life of Jesus: Sermon on the Mount

You ARE an ARTiST Complete Clubhouse Members also enjoy:

  • Pyramids
  • King Tut
  • Hieroglyphics
  • Ancient Egypt/Nile Map

You can also add in the corresponding Old Testament Bible Lessons:

  • Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors
  • Moses and the Parting of the Red Sea
Fun Activities For History Class In Your Homeschool

Middle Ages

  • Dragon
  • Stained glass
  • Cathedral
  • Viking ship
  • Viking helmet
  • Castle
  • Catapult
  • Lute
  • Jester
  • Crown
  • Court dress
  • Illuminated letter
  • Medieval garden
  • Crusade banner
  • Robin Hood
  • Knight
  • Banquet table
  • Shield
  • Falconer-Hawk
  • Excalibur in the stone
  • Festival tent
  • War of roses
  • Joan of Arc
Fun Activities For History Class In Your Homeschool

American History

Early American history art lessons? Nana’s got you covered!

  • Revolutionary War uniforms – Continental soldier and British soldier
  • Boston Tea Party
  • Early colonists
  • White House
  • The Constitution
  • Women in War
  • Paul Revere
  • Lewis and Clark
  • Native Americans – Midwestern Tribes Headdresses
  • Napoleon
  • French Flag
  • War of 1812
  • Columbus
  • Harriet Tubman
  • 13 Colonies

You ARE an ARTiST Complete Clubhouse Members also enjoy:

  • Three Branches of Government
  • Alexander Hamilton
  • King George, III
  • Presidents continuing series
  • American Landmarks
  • Maps continuing series
  • Famous Artists and Composers continuing series
  • Literature continuing series

7 American History Homeschool Lessons Your Kids will Love and Hamilton The Musical Homeschool Study has been among our favorite American History studies thus far.

Fun Activities For History Class In Your Homeschool

Modern History

My son is also obsessed with World War II and Modern History. I’m so grateful that Nana has video art lessons to help explore this time period as well:

  • Queen Victoria’s Empire
  • Theodore Roosevelt
  • WWI & II War Helmets
  • Broadcasting
  • Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Space Exploration
  • Women’s Suffrage
  • Medical Advancements
  • Modern Literature
  • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

You ARE an ARTiST Complete Clubhouse Members also enjoy:

  • Queen Elizabeth II
  • Winston Churchill
  • Big Ben and other World  + American Landmarks
  • Presidents series
  • Famous Artists and Composers continuing series
  • Literature continuing series
  • Maps continuing series


Fun Activities For Science, Literature, and More In Your Homeschool


Nana has loads of homeschool science resources to keep the learning going beyond history. When you have a You ARE an Artist Clubhouse Membership; you’ll have access to over 800 video art lessons. Or you can find all the science and literature lessons in the I Drew It Then I Knew It series!

Homeschool Anatomy & Biology

Homeschool Chemistry & Physics

  • Inventors Clubhouse (includes the following)
  • Fulton steamboat
  • Henry Ford automobile
  • Nikola Tesla electricity
  • Wright brothers airplane
  • Light Prism – Sir Isaac Newton
  • Benjamin Franklin and electricity
  • Steam railroad engine
  • Samuel Morse telegraph
  • Thomas Edison’s light bulb
  • Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone

Homeschool Astronomy

Homeschool Botany

Literature Studies

Fun Activities For History Class In Your Homeschool

No matter what period of history your homeschool is immersed in, there are fun activities for history class to be enjoyed. Let Nana take you on a trek through the timelines of Ancient through to Modern times and everything in between!

Erin is a writer, blogger, and homeschooler to two intense kids. Her blog is filled with information to help you explore a child led education while making meaningful connections with your children. Discover favorite read alouds, seasonal books, games, art projects, hands-on activities, and learn to just breathe through the ups and downs of life. She loves nature, farm life, good books, knitting, new pens, and hot coffee. Erin is a contributing writer for Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers. Her work has also been featured on Simple Homeschool and Book Shark.

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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.

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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.

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The Beauty of Literature, Art and Nature in Your Homeschool

Make your homeschool a little more beautiful with literature, art and nature study! Explore the beloved picture book, Miss Rumphius, with Sarah, Nana and Tricia. What a FUN way to celebrate Sarah’s new book together!

Make your homeschool a little more beautiful with literature, art and nature study! Explore the beloved picture book, Miss Rumphius, with Sarah, Nana and Tricia. What a FUN way to kick off your homeschool year!

Make Your Homeschool a Little More Beautiful – A Free Event!

YOU are invited to the replay of this event!

Sign Up For Access to the Replay and For Your Free Resources

When you sign up you will receive: access to the replay of the event

You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse, Homeschool Nature Study and Read Aloud Revival members receive:

  • Access for as long as you are a member (Read Aloud Revival, You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse and Homeschool Nature Study)
  • Your Read Aloud Revival Family Book Club Guide on Miss Rumphius
  • A Homeschool Nature Study lupine Outdoor Hour Challenge

Please note: A replay will only be available to those who sign up. Be sure to fill out the form, below!

Sign Up To Participate

Get your free resources + info on the Live Event!

Make Your Homeschool Year a Little More Beautiful

    What is included in Make Your Homeschool a Little More Beautiful Event?

    • A fun Miss Rumphius literary ‘hunt’ with Sarah Mackenzie of Read Aloud Revival
    • A peek at Sarah’s NEW picture book, A Little More Beautiful
    Find out ALL about Sarah’s NEW A Little More Beautiful book HERE!
    • A wildflower nature study with Tricia of Homeschool Nature Study
    • Nana’s art lesson in the style of Miss Rumphius and A Little More Beautiful
    Miss Rumphius picture book.

    Here’s How to Be Ready for the Event

    For your literature time with Sarah, reserve or pick up your copy of Miss Rumphius at your local library or order online today!

    For your art time with Nana, you will just need a very few suggested supplies, below:

    • a starter set of chalk pastels (Our favorites are here).
    • construction paper (Nana suggests white construction paper for this lesson)
    • baby wipes or damp paper towel for easy clean up

    For your nature study time with Tricia, have your lupine download on hand.

    Remember to sign up, above!

    Share On Social Media!

    Be sure to share your Make Your Homeschool A Little More Beautiful time on social media and tag @readaloudrevival @outdoorhourchallenge and @chalkpastelart – We can’t wait to see you participating and to see your paintings!

    And please invite your friends! Share this post with them!

    Sarah Mackenzie quote about Nana and chalk pastels.

    What a FUN way to incorporate literature, art and nature into your homeschool routine!

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    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.

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    The Ultimate Guide To Fun Art Projects For Your Homeschool

    There are so many ways to integrate art into your homeschool! Use this guide to fun art projects to add a beautiful layer of learning and joy to your homeschool.

    There are so many ways to integrate art into your homeschool! Use this guide to fun art projects to add a beautiful layer of learning and joy to your homeschool.

    Art Projects by Grade Level

    First Grade Art and Music Curriculum for Your Homeschool – Creating a love for beautiful art and music in your homeschool can start from birth. It doesn’t take much effort to surround your family with the great artists and classical composers from the very start of a child’s life. Weave experiences into your everyday routine by using our Homeschool Fine Arts first grade art and music plans as a framework.

    Online Art Lessons Perfect for Grades K-3 – Art is an essential part of our elementary learners’ development. Online art lessons are a great option for grades K-3 and are easily incorporated into any homeschool lesson plan.

    There are so many ways to integrate art into your homeschool! Use this guide to fun art projects to add a beautiful layer of learning and joy to your homeschool.

    Homeschool Art Lessons Perfect for Grades 4-6 – Studies have shown, time and time again, that adding art to learning adds value across academic subjects. This educational approach is appropriate and helpful across all grade levels, including the late elementary grades 4-6.

    Why Homeschooling Middle School is Better with Hands on Learning – Study after study has shown that learners of all ages do best when the material is presented in a multisensory format. Text combined with video, hands-on creative activities, and even art as a way to demonstrate understanding have all been proven to contribute to more successful learner outcomes.

    Integrated Art for Homeschooling High School – Are you looking for ways to create a more dynamic learning environment for your high schooler? Homeschooling with an integrated art approach may be exactly what you need!

    Art Credit For High School

    Here Is How You Can Earn an Art Credit for High School – As fellow homeschoolers, we know that homeschool families like to plan their own way! That’s why You Are An Artist is an excellent fit for your visual art credit needs. Our flexible path to a visual art credit with chalk pastels allows you the freedom to plan; however it best suits your student. 

    Classical Music Appreciation Lessons for All Grades – There is no right or wrong way to start classical music homeschool lessons. The most important thing is that you start! Learn the simple steps to building a love of classical music and a knowledge of great composers.

    Art Projects for Preschool Homeschool

    Preschool Homeschool Art Activities

    Early learners need lots of play-based learning and time creating. We have to make time for preschool art in our homes and homeschools. Art is essential to the mental, social, and emotional growth of our early learners. Art is also a fantastic way to satisfy children’s natural curiosity for exploration and  experimentation.

    Art Projects By Academic Subject

    Art Projects for Ancient Egypt

    Art Lessons for Your Homeschool History Curriculum

    Yes, you can use art to teach history! No matter what time period you are studying in your homeschool history curriculum, Nana’s I Drew It then I Knew It video lessons are the easy – and fun – way to learn important parts of history. Enjoy a library of history video art lessons to match all four history cycles no matter what homeschool history curriculum you are using. Nana does the teaching and all you need are very minimal supplies. It is super easy to get started in chalk pastel art with The Best Art Lessons for Your Homeschool History Curriculum.

    • Ancient History Art Projects – “When I discovered that Nana had new chalk pastel art lessons specifically for ancient Egypt, I was so excited! I love presenting our current interests with hands-on activities, and art is just that. When my kids can create art while we read aloud about a particular subject they are interested in, it helps solidify the knowledge they are learning in ways that dry, rote memorization can not.”
    • American History Art Projects – Are you looking for fun ways to incorporate American history homeschool lessons? Maybe you already have a history curriculum, but you’re looking for ways to make it more hands-on and engaging. Chalk pastels may be just what you need to get your kids to fall in love with history!
    • Civil War History Art Projects – With Nana’s Civil War Hands-On Homeschool Lessons and the accompanying I Drew It Then I Knew It American History workbook, you can reinforce all that you are learning in your homeschool. Don’t miss Nana’s podcast on Sojourner Truth, included below!
    • Middle Ages History Art Projects and The Ultimate Guide to Medieval History Lessons – Do your kiddos love dragons, and knights, and princesses? Or maybe you are studyingthe Medieval world this year with your history curriculum. The Middle ages were an interesting time. The Roman Empire had fallen, and smaller kingdoms were vying for control. There were Barbarian raiders, wars on faith, and the Black Death to contend with, but there were some pretty exciting inventions too! The printing press, flying buttresses in gothic architecture, eyeglasses, and knights in shining armor, to name a few!
    • Modern History Art Projects – These lessons have made my history buff extremely happy. Isn’t it wonderful how we were able to pull from Nana’s different courses to create art lessons to fit my son’s interests? That’s just one of the reasons I adore our You ARE An Artist Complete Clubhouse membership. I can cater to my children’s interests in colorful and fun ways that won’t soon be forgotten.
    • Chalk Pastels Great Britain Homeschool Art Lessons – You can now travel to Great Britain with chalk pastels! Explore Big Ben, Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, and much more in this unique and colorful way. Nana will be your guide on this historic trip filled with key icons and landmarks with chalk pastels Great Britain themed art.
    Make Geography Fun with Art Projects

    Make Homeschool Geography Fun!

    Are you looking for a unique way to get your kids excited about their homeschool geography? Maybe you have a hands-on learner that just needs something a little extra for their cartography lesson. Here is a unique way to learn about maps, continents, countries and world landmarks. Now you can make geography fun with chalk pastels!

    There are so many ways to integrate art into your homeschool! Use this guide to fun art projects to add a beautiful layer of learning and joy to your homeschool.

    Literature and Art Are a Perfect Combination!

    A Lord of the Rings Homeschool Study to Rule Them All
    STEAM and Science Art Projects

    STEAM and Science Activities Make Learning Fun!

    Why STEAM Learning Matters in Your Homeschool – STEAM learning has become a popular topic in education today. The good news is, a STEAM approach to learning can add creativity and innovation to your child’s education. This summary of STEAM learning includes ideas and resources for how to easily and effectively incorporate it into your homeschool.

    Shark Week Fun Art Projects

    A Shark Week Homeschool Study for Kids – Do your kids love sharks? Are you getting ready for shark week? Then let Nana take you under the sea with chalk pastels shark art for kids! These easy-to-follow video homeschool lessons will teach you and your child how to draw some of the most exciting sharks using chalk pastels.

    Dive into a Shark Study This Summer! – This homeschool study all about sharks is perfect for summer learning. It includes a shark tracking activity, online lessons, book lists, and so much more!

    Human Heart Art Activity

    Human Heart Activity for Kids: Hands-On Science – Nana’s human heart activity for kids is a great hands-on homeschool science experience that highlights art, writing, diagramming, plus an exposure to brand new vocabulary. It’s a combination of multiple subjects all in one spot!

    Solar System Art Projects – Are your kids fascinated by the idea of space? Mine too! The solar system can be such an exciting area of study. Most of us still remember learning about all of the planets and space exploration when we were kids. 

    Here is everything you need to create a moon missions unit study that will blast off! Includes art, books, and even snacks for learning.

    Everything You Need For A Moon Missions Unit Study – This is a perfect time of year to learn about the moon in your homeschool. Here is everything you need to create a homeschool moon missions unit study that will blast off!

    This Homeschool Moon Study Is Out of This World – Moon activities, books, and fun art lessons for all ages! Learn about moon phases and more with this homeschool moon unit study!

    Small But Mighty Cell Activities for Your Homeschool – These online cell activities for your homeschool are multi-sensory and appropriate for all ages. In fact, online cellular biology lessons are an excellent addition for your homeschool science. Take a look!

    Small But Mighty Cell Activities for Your Homeschool

    STEAM Art Projects – A STEAM approach encourages students to ask questions and think creatively. It is also a great way to help children who typically shy away from topics related to mathematics and technology to engage and learn in a different way!

    A Microscopic World Study for Homeschool Science – Science, it’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it subjects in homeschooling. Teaching homeschool science and facilitating experiments at home might make you feel a little overwhelmed. There are so many exciting ways to teach and learn about science together at home.  This microscopic world study is a great example!

    Take Flight with These Famous Aviators Homeschool Lessons – With the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong and more, you can take flight in your homeschool with these famous aviators activities.

    Famous Artists Art Projects at You ARE an ARTiST

    Famous Artists and Art Appreciation

    Exploring famous artists with your children has never been easier! Now you can expose your children to the glory and wonder of master artists like da Vinci, Michelangelo, Monet, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and so many more with chalk pastels!

    Most of the links below include Nana’s mini podcast on the artist!

    Fine Arts Curriculum for Grades 1-12 at You ARE an ARTiST

    Homeschool Fine Arts for Learning About Artists and Composers

    You ARE an ARTiST Homeschool Fine Arts lesson plans organize great art and music appreciation resources into the classical four-year cycle of history and seasons each week with a Charlotte Mason flavor. Here you will find homeschool fine arts curriculum for the whole family!

    homeschool fine arts titles at You ARE an ARTiST

    These lesson plans are available for Grades 1-12 and will offer families three different options for art study and a detailed plan for music appreciation.

    Each flexible and easy to use 32-36 week plan includes notebooking pages, coloring pages and YouTube links for art tutorials and listening to classical music.

    View more about these Comprehensive Plans for Families.

    homeschool acrylic art projects

    Fun Acrylic Art Projects

    Let Nana help you as you embark on this easy acrylic painting journey. Learn some simple tips about color, and brush strokes. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you and your kids will have! It’s easier than you might expect! Easy Acrylic Painting with Nana!

    There are so many ways to integrate art into your homeschool! Use this guide to fun art projects to add a beautiful layer of learning and joy to your homeschool.

    Art Projects for the Homeschool Mom

    Mini Moments for the Homeschool Mom with Chalk Pastels – Whether you have 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or more, take the time to recharge your spirit with these mini moments for the homeschool mom. Even busy moms can appreciate the simplicity and ease of chalk pastels.

    Easy Mommy and Me Art Time – Taking the time to create art with your kids shows them that it is worth doing. As you connect with your child, they will see that art is interesting and fun. It shows them that you are engaged while also building your relationship through an easy and fun shared activity.

    Bible Crafts homeschool art projects

    Bible Stories Art Activities

    Bible Crafts for Kids: Meaningful and Fun Resources – A really fun way to bring the Bible to life in your homeschool is with these Bible crafts for kids. You can build memories, pass on your faith to your children and create hands on art projects that are meaningful and fun!

    A Disciples of Christ Unit Study – Homeschooling is such a unique privilege for Christian families, and it is such a sweet blessing to pass along the Word of God to our children. We have, as parents, an incredible opportunity to mold our children into disciples for Jesus, and educating at home is a powerful tool for that. And what better way to experience personal discipleship with our children at home than to study the Disciples of Christ. 

    Easter Art Projects – You can easily count the Easter art lessons as homeschool because you will also learn facts and history behind each topic. We give you just enough for an all-in-one lesson that is the perfect fit for homeschool or church-at-home. If your kids are anything like mine, you will find yourselves researching more exciting facts on your own. Or access all of our extension ideas inside the companion workbook to continue the learning. 

    Beautiful Easter Hymn Study – Join us for a beautiful Easter hymn study for your homeschool and video art lessons to match! Music and art help us all to connect learning with a special holiday plus build sweet memories together as a family.

    How to Plan an Awesome Home Bible Study for Kids – Whether you are teaching Bible in your homeschool as a daily or weekly lesson, or perhaps you are creating a church-at-home experience for your family, you will love how effective it is to add art along with your Biblical teachings. With an I Drew It Then I Knew It New Testament Guide!

    There are so many ways to integrate art into your homeschool! Use this guide to fun art projects to add a beautiful layer of learning and joy to your homeschool.

    Holiday Art Projects For Throughout the Homeschool Year

    Thanksgiving art activities for your homeschool

    Thanksgiving Art Activities

    Nana has all sorts of Thanksgiving homeschool lessons to fill the whole month. Abraham Lincoln, Aaron Copland, pilgrims, the Mayflower voyage, a map of the very first Thanksgiving, Cranberry Thanksgiving and more!

    Christmas Tea Time

    Christmas Art Lessons for All Ages

    Enjoy this ultimate list of Christmas Homeschool Art Lessons! Christmas homeschooling allows us to focus on the real reason for the season. And you can do that in so many ways. We will give many resources to choose from and help you customize your perfect Christmas school day, week, or month.

    Favorite movies for Christmas Homeschool

    Christmas Book to Movie Homeschool Activities – Check out this festive list of Christmas books made into movies – with homeschool activities your kids will love! Now your kids can re-create their favorite book characters and movie scenes with chalk pastels!

    movies art lessons

    Movies Art Projects

    Favorite Movies Homeschool Art Lessons – Don’t let family movie night become boring! Bring some excitement back with these chalk pastel art lessons. All you’ll need is a pack of construction paper and a set of chalk pastels. So grab your favorite movie snacks or make some of your own and join Nana for some of your family’s favorite movies.

    • Incredibles
    • Mary Poppins
    • Peter Pan
    • Seuss Truffula Trees
    • Tangled
    • Penguins of Madagascar
    • Star Trek
    • Super Hero Shield
    • Angry Birds
    • Bruce of Finding Nemo
    • Cars Mater and Lightning McQueen
    • Cat in the Hat acrylic
    • Charlie Brown Christmas
    • Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
    • Despicable Me Minion
    • Dinosaur – Jurassic Park
    • Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat
    • Finding Dory
    • Frozen
    The beauty of art, music and nature in your homeschool!

    Art Lessons for Nature Study and The Seasons

    The Beauty of Art and Nature Study in Your Homeschool! Discover the beauty of art and nature study in your homeschool and help your children explore the simple joys of the outdoors. There is so much to marvel about in God’s great creation!

    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:

    There are so many ways to integrate art into your homeschool! Use this guide to fun art projects to add a beautiful layer of learning and joy to your homeschool.

    Nana has all of these Homeschool Art Projects ready for you in the You ARE an ARTiST Complete Clubhouse, along with 700+ video art lessons and an art lesson calendar with art for every day of the year!

    It is all done for you!

    Growing a love of art at You ARE an ARTiST is a multi-generational passion! Tricia is Nana’s daughter and a mama of five children. Nana shared the fun of her first chalk pastel art lessons with her grandchildren around Tricia’s kitchen table. Homeschooling since 2000, Tricia has seen the fruits of home education with three homeschool grads so far! She shares the art and heart of homeschooling at Your Best Homeschool and is author of the book, Help! I’m Homeschooling! She and her husband, Steve, are also owners of sister sites Homeschool Nature Study and The Curriculum Choice.