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!
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!
You might like to start off with an all-time favorite – Charlie Brown Christmas! Nana has a fun lesson you can enjoy.
Christmas Tree Study for Kids – O Christmas Tree! Enjoy this Christmas hymn and learn about an evergreen tree. What a perfect study for any time of the year.
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:
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.
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.
Nana’s digestive system study lesson offers a hands-on homeschool activity that includes art, science, labeling, handwriting, and vocabulary building. So many ways to learn, all in one lesson!
The Power Of Art In Science
Kids generally love science because it can be so visual and tactile, as in the case of the natural sciences. Yet much of science explores realms of the unknown that are hidden from our eyes.
Some of these wondrous worlds are microscopic. While others are difficult to access for easy study, as in the case of the human body. Here we are, walking around as a living scientific specimen, but most of the beauty of human anatomy is internal! Unless your child will one day go to medical school, it is difficult to have a “hands-on” experience with the inner workings of the human body!
Art can be a valuable tool for understanding and exploring science topics, like human anatomy, that are not readily accessible to the casual scientist.
Through photographs, diagrams, and artwork, we’re able to explore the hidden mysteries of how our bodies are designed, and how the systems work. Also, let’s be honest, there are many parts of the human body that most of us would rather not touch and explore in reality!
From zooming in on microscopic cells, to the intricate parts of the heart or ear, art gives us access to learning these hard-to-picture body systems. And, it removes the gross-out factor some of us experience!
Beyond access, art just makes learning science FUN because it brings in a familiar, playful activity to the new content! Kids of all ages can pick up a stick of chalk and outline the basic elements of the eye or the digestive system.
Because art helps kids experience science in such a tactile way at their readiness level, kids are more likely to retain the information because the learning becomes an experience, not just another “lesson.”
Digestive System Study For Kids
The other day, my son was resting his head on my stomach while I read a book aloud. Suddenly, he sat up and said, “Your stomach is very noisy!” It was a perfect opportunity to explain the digestive system at work!
Now, the human digestive system is one of these scientific topics that is not easy for kids to imagine. Plus it is quite complicated. So an art lesson is perfect for exploring the intricacies of this system. Nana with her delightful teaching style makes this detailed drawing accessible for kids. She even named the person she draws “Oscar.” This made my boys giggle!
First, Nana walked my boys step-by-step through drawing a body outline, and then filling in the path that food takes through the digestive system from the mouth to the rectum.
Along the way, Nana implements some chalk pastel techniques, like blending the outline of the body to give Oscar a “glow,” and the use of chalk pastel pencils to draw more intricate details.
While she’s demonstrating how to draw each part, she is naming and discussing some details about the relative size, shape, and location of the parts. Each part gets color-coded, and sometimes Nana will add a little detail, such as how the colon carries waste out of the body.
Afterward, she labels each part, so kids get a second chance to learn the names of the parts. If your student is too young for this labeling work, they could just repeat after her, or you as the parent could write in the parts. It might be helpful to pause the video to allow students to keep up, or to have a printed list of parts they can look at for correct spelling. This practice of scientific labeling is a great foundation for future science note booking or developing good study habits.
A great follow up to this lesson would be to get some books on the digestive system, and learn what each part does! Or maybe complete this video art lesson after you’ve done some reading.
More Ideas For Hands On Science In Your Homeschool
Our family studies human anatomy about every other year, because it comes up in one of my son’s curriculum or the other. So it’s helpful to have a variety of ways to present some of the same information as the years progress.
We’ve been reading books and articles and watching YouTube videos on human anatomy. Drawing the systems and body parts with chalk pastel is the perfect next step in expressing their learning.
Here’s what I love about the Chalk Pastel I Drew It Then I Knew It series for education: you can use a video either to introduce a topic and generate excitement. Or, you can use a video post-reading or teaching to expand and solidify their learning. You can even do BOTH! Introduce a topic with a chalk pastel video, teach the content, and then ask your child to draw the picture again without the video as a post-learning assessment!
The chalk pastel video art lessons are so versatile, you can use them at any point in your lesson plans! I have been thrilled to see Nana offering an expanding catalog of lessons on the human body via the You ARE an Artist Clubhouse Membership.
If you’re also studying human anatomy or any aspect of the human body, you’ll love to know that Nana has a whole series of lessons and ideas for you:
The Diagram of the Heart lesson will surely get kids’ hearts pumping for more science learning!
You’ll hear them cheer when you tell them they can draw a Diagram of the Ear!
Don’t forget that keeping your body healthy is so important! The Diagram of a Bacterium lesson can introduce kids to the microscopic ways our body takes care if itself and fights off invaders.
You can access all these vibrant art and science lessons and more with the You ARE an Artist Clubhouse Membership. Kids will never want to stop learning when they can paint as they grow their knowledge!
Julie is a teacher, writer and homeschool mom. Her blog Happy Strong Home shares encouragement for cherishing children, enjoying motherhood, and growing strong families. Discover homeschool resources, natural living tips, and family activity ideas. Julie has been featured on Million Praying Moms, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, and the Melissa and Doug blog. She offers writing workshops and a “homeschool neighborhood” community to support parents in their homeschool adventures. Find Julie on Instagram to be the first to know when new workshops and community events are available.
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!
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!
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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 Memberswill 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.
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!
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.
These 12 delightful farm art activities for kids include fluffy baby chicks, a tractor, a barn, ducklings, a lamb, a cow, a piglet and even the chicken life cycle. Such fun learning for your homeschool!
Photo by Elizabeth Peluso
While you can do a farm study anytime, spring is an extra special time on the farm. Spring is when new plants grow, and baby animals are born. My children love watching the baby chicks grow into big fluffy chickens.
Planting seeds and then watching with wonder each day to see if they have sprouted. Then seeing them get a little bigger each day is magical for children (and adults).
“Encourage your child to have muddy, grassy or sandy feet by the end of each day, that’s the childhood they deserve.”
~Penny Whitehouse
Photo by Elizabeth Peluso
Farms, Farm Animals, And Curious Kids
Children learn so much about science, life cycles, empathy, caretaking, and the intricacy and wonder of God’s design through studying farm animals and life on the farm.
It is a topic that is rich with education but so much fun that it doesn’t even feel like school. It gets them outside and involved in real life and awakens the wonder of new life and discovery that has them observing with all of their senses.
The simple shapes of Nana’s Preschool Barnyard lessons make ‘painting’ fun!
If you can’t have a farm in your backyard, you can visit a local farm or even stop by your local farm store to see the baby chicks and rabbits.
12 Delightful Farm Art Activities For Kids
Even if you live in the city and can’t take a field trip to the farm, your children can experience the joy and wonder of farm life and animals through these incredible art lessons and fun farm-themed literature.
Barnyard Preschool Course
The Barnyard Preschool Course is one of my very favorite courses. This course contains several simple but adorable farm lessons, including:
a tractor
several different barnyard animals
a chick
a barn and silo painting.
They can be done separately or combined to make a big farm scene. Once my son had tried the lessons, he had a wonderful time putting the different components together to make new farm scenes.
Baby Animals Art Lessons
The Baby Animals continuing series is an excellent option with lessons for painting baby animals, including:
a lamb
a cow
a piglet
These lessons are still simple and easy to follow but have more detail than the preschool course.
In addition to the other farm animals, the Baby Animals course in You ARE an ARTiST Clubhouse membership includes an adorable baby ducklings lesson that includes three baby ducks splashing in the water.
Artwork by Erin Vincent using Nana’s Earthworm art lesson
Earthworm and a Chicken Art Lesson
Learn more about how insects can benefit the farm and garden, and then enjoy the earthworm lesson from the Backyard Nature course. The earthworm lesson includes some adorable earthworms crawling around in the dirt and a chicken hunting for the worms to include in your farm study.
Fun Three Little Chicks Homeschool Art
The A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels course includes a Three Little Chicks lesson, an adorable painting of three very simple baby chicks. This is perfect for a spring farm study, easy enough for your preschoolers, and fun for the whole family.
Chicken Life Cycle for Your Farm Art Activities
If you want to get even more scientific with your art study, Nana has a new lesson that shows the life cycle of a chicken from egg to hatchling to chick. It also shows the rooster and the hen and how the process starts all over again when the hen lays a new egg. These are more detailed than the baby chicks in the other courses.
Charlotte’s Web Art Activities
Last but not least, I am not sure any farm study would be complete without one of our favorite children’s books: Charlotte’s Web. This post will help you incorporate art and literature with Charlotte’s Web. It includes some fun tea-time ideas and a companion workbook to help you go deeper in your literature study.
More Art Activity Resources For Kids
If you have enjoyed all the farm-themed resources, you can keep your science and art learning with some of Nana’s other fun lessons.
There are many great science lessons to accompany the chick life cycle lesson in the science course. There are diagrams of the heart and eye, flower diagrams, periodic table lessons, and so much more. It is a great way to incorporate art into your science lessons.
The Garden Nature course will give you some fun insects and plants that you might find in your garden. There is a ladybug, honey bee, corn, watermelon, and more.
Dawn is a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to Chris, and homeschool mom of four. In her spare time she loves to read, hike, and write on her blog Schoolin’ Swag. She enjoys reviewing curriculum and helping moms find the right fit for their family.
In the elementary years, kids often rate science as one of their favorite subjects. After all, who doesn’t love learning about clouds and rain, rocks and volcanos, how the heart pumps blood, and the life cycle of frogs?
The transition to sciences like physics and chemistry can seem like a departure from the beauty and wonder of biological and physical sciences. Suddenly, students must do long series of math equations and formulas, study complicated charts and graphs, and apply rules and principles.
Yet, the same hands-on and wonder-based approach kids enjoyed in other sciences is still possible in advanced sciences. The key is to introduce concepts like chemistry and the Periodic Table of Elements in a way that is practical and relatable.
There’s a saying that goes, “What in the world ISN’T Chemistry?” because everything we see is made up of elements (not necessarily as pure elements, but in their ionic, compound, and mixture forms!). Showing kids where they are most likely to encounter each element makes learning chemistry memorable and practical.
The Value Of Adding Art To Science For Kids
It’s one thing to look at a bunch of colored boxes on the Periodic Table. It’s quite another to create colorful flags celebrating each element and its usefulness in our everyday lives! Using art to explore science adds value to the drier facts in the textbook.
Art engages students in learning because it is tactile and interactive. Sure, I’ve had my kids memorize a few of the elements, their name, symbol, and atomic number, but always with some kind of visual cue. When we add art to the mix, now my kids become active in their learning process. They can take the information coming into their brains and express it on the page—with color!
The more of the five senses kids use while they are learning, the more memorable the learning becomes. After all, we want these facts to stick in our children’s minds, so they can access the information later when they need it. Adding art to science lessons gives the learning extra value, because kids are layering in another of their five senses.
Introducing The Periodic Table To Kids
When it comes to learning chemistry, knowing everything on the Periodic Table isn’t necessarily the primary goal. My husband teaches high school chemistry and in his class, he focuses initially on having students learn categories and groupings of elements. He even includes a wee little bit of art by having them color-code a blank periodic table to reflect the different groupings of the elements. Understanding how elements are related and have similar reactions is more important than simply filling out a blank table by rote.
In Nana’s latest addition to the I Drew It Then I Knew It Science series, you’ll find two lessons featuring the very common elements of Sodium and Carbon.
Practically speaking, most of us will rarely encounter a pure element, like sodium in our day-to-day lives. Kids might hear grownups talking about “watching their sodium” in their food, but that won’t hold much meaning for them.
However, I have not met a kid yet who doesn’t perk up at the mention of french fries! Wait till your kids find out that the element sodium is a huge factor in what makes their drive-through snack so tasty!
As Nana lead my boys through drawing a carton of vibrant golden French Fries studded with savory salt (sodium chloride), they both agreed the entire lesson made them hungry! Nana shared facts about the element sodium as she demonstrated how to paint these savory spuds. I just love how she asks questions right at my kids in her videos. It always makes them stop and think (or at least, they don’t daydream!). Or sometimes, she’ll do a little storytelling, painting a word picture of a scene in which they might find themselves face to face with: Sodium!
Included in the Sodium chalk pastel art lesson were the important details about sodium’s name, symbol, and atomic number. But instead of plunking this information down in a box that looks like all the other boxes on the periodic table, Nana has the kids paint the information onto a flag at the top of their picture. It makes the lesson feel so celebratory!
The boys also completed the element Carbon video art lesson. In this lesson they learned about this nonmetallic element, and how it is found everywhere from their own bodies to precious gems like diamonds.
Nana builds excitement by telling kids that Carbon is called “the glue of life.” Plus, she introduces important chemistry terms like “bonding” and “compounds.” I think it’s great for kids to hear these terms when they are younger, so when they get to high school, they will feel more familiar and excited about learning chemistry.
Again, Nana shared background information on the element Carbon. She’s collected facts and speaks of the science of the elements so naturally, that my boys found learning about Sodium and Carbon a fascinating time.
Drawing a many-faceted diamond that sparkled off the page will certainly be a memorable experience for my kids. I love that Nana takes something that could be dry and flat on the page, and creates a sense of wonder at how we’re surrounded by elements that make up fantastic and priceless things in our world.
Certainly, painting french fries and diamonds was not on my radar when I thought about introducing the periodic table to my kids. But now, I wonder what else Nana will share with students in future Elements lessons!
More Hands-On Science Activities
If you think drawing the elements makes science more interesting, just wait until you see the long list (and growing) of science lessons from Chalk Pastel.
Don’t forget to celebrate with art the various scientists and famous inventors who dedicated their lives to exploring the beauty of this world.
Chalk pastel art lessons merge visual and tactile experiences with the solid facts of science study. So you can feel well supported in leading your children through their lessons, knowing they will be delighted to watch and copy Nana’s model instruction.
I’m sure soon they’ll be wondering what other elements of science can they explore through art!
You ARE an Artist video lessons are constantly being added to, and the I Drew It Then I Knew It series come with curriculum workbooks that offer you facts, planners, and other resources. Homeschool families can even design a plan of study in chalk pastel art that will count as high school credit.
Get access to the exciting world of art for any subject in your homeschool by signing up for a You ARE an Artist Clubhouse membership. Nana has created lessons on a diverse range of subjects from History to Literature, Geography to current events! Each lesson is a real treat because of Nana’s calm and encouraging teaching style that captivates and invites young artists to explore knowledge that is right at their fingertips… literally!
Julie is a teacher, writer and homeschool mom. Her blog Happy Strong Home shares encouragement for cherishing children, enjoying motherhood, and growing strong families. Discover homeschool resources, natural living tips, and family activity ideas. Julie has been featured on Million Praying Moms, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, and the Melissa and Doug blog. She offers writing workshops and a “homeschool neighborhood” community to support parents in their homeschool adventures. Find Julie on Instagram to be the first to know when new workshops and community events are available.
What if I told you You ARE an ARTiST offers Easter activities perfect for tweens and teens and suitable for all ages? Nana also has a brand new art lesson appropriate just for your tween or teen!
Finding Activities For Tweens and Teens Can Be Difficult
Because teens and tweens have different needs than younger children, finding activities to meet their needs can be difficult.
Tweens are budding teens. Tweens develop and desire independence and begin to have a maturity with deeper thoughts and conversations. At the same time, they don’t completely put away their childlike toys; horses, dolls, light sabers, Legos to name a few. But a mother will notice that they will gradually begin to lose interest. They are in the ”in between” stage.
Teens have complete independence in many ways (they definitely still need their parents’ guidance), are able to tackle more challenging activities, and in some areas, take on a more grown up role. For example, taking on jobs, driving, leading worship at youth groups.
“…but the things of childhood will slip away from her. The little girl loses interest in her play world. She who did play whole days with her dolls now leaves them in their little beds whole weeks at a time.”
Mable Hale, Beautiful Girlhood p. 20
I remember a particular Easter weekend, when my four children five and under piled into our vehicle to head to Grandma’s house. My fourth, a mere three weeks old, experienced his first road trip and looked so tiny tucked in his car seat. His older siblings, full of eagerness, fidgeted in the backseat, asking the famous question, “are we there yet?”.
Momma, tired from packing all day and feeding baby every few hours, couldn’t wait for everyone to meet her little squishy bundle of joy. She was thankful for her husband as he knew she felt exhausted, and helped pick up any pieces she missed for this trip. Little did momma know how quickly these precious days would become fond memories. Little did she know how quickly those four little faces would change throughout the years.
Upon arrival at Grandma’s house, the sweet aromas of freshly baked pies greeted us with a warm welcome. Grandma’s hand sewn apron gave subtle hints that she worked hard all day as she hugged us at the door. Aunties prepared tables with special plates, cups, and silverware passed on from generations. Grandpa, uncles, and dads placed extra chairs around tables and brought in firewood to keep us all cozy. Those little feet, belonging to cousins, rang a chorus of “pitter patter” as they excitedly anticipated all the Easter goodies and activities.
These were the days when my children giggled enthusiastically at my silly faces. These were the days when I could scoop up a few children with a twirl and hear them chuckle without restrain. These were the days when they would beg for an Eric Carle or Karma Wilson read aloud at bedtime.
Presently, the quad finds embarrassment when I dance down the aisle at the grocery store. I couldn’t pick one up for a twirl if I tried. Although they still love picture books and a good read aloud, they have moved onto the classics of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkein.
This adventure from childhood to youth happens so quickly, and my mother’s heart wants to keep their childlike ways a bit longer. But it’s impossible to make time stand still even for a moment. Children will undoubtedly walk through the stages of their growing and maturing years; with the teen and tween years holding their own noticeable hallmark.
And, we can help them transition with activities designed with them in mind!
5 Easter Activities Perfect For Tweens and Teens
With Resurrection Day approaching, are you searching for Easter activities that fit perfectly for both age groups?
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.”
Matthew 28:2-4
As Easter approaches, we must quiet our hearts and have a time of reflection on Jesus, His life, and His ministry. As Paul David Tripp writes in his devotional, New Morning Mercies, “In love He beckons you to follow. Again, today, He promises you life. It’s what He came to live, die, and rise again to give you. That empty tomb not only means He has conquered death, but it tells you He has life in His hands…”
Resurrection Morning Easter Art Lesson
What a sweet Savior we have who paid it all by willingly giving His life on that cross….and rising again so we could have life abundantly in Him. Let’s recount this glorious day with Nana and paint absolute JOY, as she shares her heavenly concept painting, Resurrection Morning. Bursting with warm and soft colors, join Nana as she takes you into the twilight of the morning, and recreates “the joy both Marys found going to Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning”. This most beautiful, treasured scene is Nana’s depiction of one of her favorite childhood Bible stories found in Matthew 28.
Companion New Testament and Easter Guides for Your Homeschool
Another precious way to slow down and reflect on Jesus this season is to paint the magnificent miracles He performed, the Washing of His Disciples Feet, the Last Supper, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Nana’s art lessons pair beautifully with Chalk Pastel Art’sI Drew It Then I Knew It New Testament Companion Guide. By using the Companion Guide, you will have a calendar, book resources, an overview for each subject of study, five facts, and detective work, right at your fingertips! This makes for easy prep time!
Disciples of Christ Easter Activities
To take your child’s learning a step further, The Disciples of Christ Unit Study for Your Homeschool, is perfect for preparing hearts and minds for Easter. This engaging unit study about the twelve disciples also complements Chalk Pastel Art’s I Drew It Then I Knew It New Testament Companion Guide.
Children will glean from Nana’s engaging art lessons on the apostles: Matthew, James, John, Andrew, and Peter. Nana also discusses each disciple in her art lessons too! What more could a homeschool mom ask for? In Courtney’s post, she comprises a list of ideas to include in this rich, Biblical study. Incorporating her ideas easily makes this study multi-disciplinary by exploring geography, history, math, genealogies and so much more!
Crown of Thorns Art Lesson
A few simple colors is all you need for the Crown of Thorns. Nana shows you how to paint the crown of thorns by using a weaving technique. This lesson has served as a reminder of the pain and mocking he endured before he went to the cross. “When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” Matthew 27:29
Three Crosses on Calvary Art Activity
Join Tricia as she recreates the three crosses on Calvary with a majestic Easter sunrise. This simple art lesson is a beautiful reminder of Christ crucified and everything Jesus endured on the cross for our sins.
“There they crucified Him two others on each side and Jesus in the middle.”
John 19:18
The Stone Rolled Away Art Lesson
The heavy stone has been rolled away! Paint “sunbursts of joy” shining from an empty tomb. This beautiful scene portrays Jesus’ resurrection and the conquering of death! Hallelujah! The Stone Rolled Away Clubhouse “so they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy…” Matthew 28:8
Interested in More Easter art lessons?
Here are even more Easter art activities perfect for your tweens and teens:
Easter Lily
Palm Branch
Easter Cross
The Garden of Gethsemane -this one is wonderful for Good Friday
Jesus Washed Disciples Feet
The Last Supper
Rainbow Cross
“But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:5
Looking For More Engaging Activities For Tweens and Teens?
In Julie’s post, she explains step by step how to draw your way through the Resurrection Story. Julie includes Bible verses to complement the paintings, hymns, and ideas to engage your child and make this special time memorable with art!
I love the beauty of weaving Biblical art with our Bible stories. The Easter art with Nana provides such rich visuals to complement all of the books. Here are a few favorites:
God Gave Us Easter
God Gave Us Easter in another stunning picture book by Lisa Tawn Bergren! In this story, Little Cub and Papa Bear explore the meaning of Easter. Papa Bear shares our need for a Redeemer explaining Noah’s Ark, the sweet forgiveness Jesus gives, and how our beloved Savior keeps His promises. The soft colored, beautiful illustrations are by Laura J. Bryant.
The Easter Storybook
The Easter Storybook by Laura Richie (a homeschooling mom) is a wonderfully written and illustrated book describing who Jesus is. This picture book contains 40 Bible stories beginning with Jesus in the temple, Luke 2 and ending with Jesus sharing with His beloved disciples, that He is with us always, Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and Acts 1. The 40 stories are short with beautiful illustrations by Ian Dale.
An Easter Basket Filled With Love
An Easter Basket Filled With Love Sharing the Joy and Grace of Jesus by Susan Jones. There is a special countdown, a countdown that awaits an Easter celebration. The animals of the forest set out carefully decorated baskets, and the entire village fills the baskets with gifts of love! Duckling awakes to one day left to this special Easter celebration. But Duckling’s day isn’t the best day she’s ever had. She left her homework out in the rain, expresses her words in a way that hurts her friends’ feelings, and doesn’t complete the task her mom asks of her. Duckling’s momma encourages her to pray and talk to God, then inspires her to place her basket out for the celebration. Because of the outcome of her day, she doesn’t think anyone will want to fill her basket. Duckling is quite surprised the next morning at the Easter celebration and learns a little bit more about Jesus and His grace.
An Easter Gift From Jesus: His Love Lifts Us Up
An Easter Gift from Jesus His Love Lifts Us Up by Susan Jones. The signs of spring are making its arrival, and Little Owl knows Easter is on its way! Little Owl’s forest friends decide to gift Jesus with a hot air balloon. They work together to make this wonderful gift. While putting together Jesus’s gift, the forest friends run into challenges. They are reminded of the internal- “It’s not how fancy the balloon is- it’s what’s inside that counts.” Susan Jones. An Easter picture book by Forest of Faith books that brings the gentle reminder of how we need Jesus’s love!
Nana has so many valuable Easter art lessons. Each one is appreciated as they reach beyond the surface of our children’s hearts and minds. Art has a way of slowing us down. Art encourages us to relish in the beauty of colors, and inspires creativity. I hope this Easter brings you joy as our Savior’s death and resurrection is remembered with reverence and awe.
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.
Enjoy this fun collection of Five in a Row art activities. These are a great way to expand your learning with a hands on element to add to your favorite homeschool books.
One of very earliest homeschool resources was Five in a Row. We started homeschooling with the gently learning style Five in a Row curriculum offered. The idea is to have a new book to focus on each week. And for five days in a row, you read the book. The unit study style curriculum suggests a certain topic or short follow up activity to go along with your reading time.
These homeschool unit studies are geared towards children ages 4-8, but some families have used this curriculum with younger and older students.
There are four separate volumes of Five in a Row.
Before Five in a Row (ages 2-4)
More Before Five in a Row (ages 3-5)
Five in a Row (ages 5-10)
Beyond Five in a Row (ages 9-12)
Learn more about Five in a Row with Homeschool Reviews:
We have reviews of Five in a Row on our sister site, The Curriculum Choice. Five in a Row is a collection of literature-based unit studies by Jane Claire Lambert.
It always helps me to hear from a fellow homeschool family who has actually used a homeschool curriculum. Enjoy these homeschool reviews at The Curriculum Choice:
Of course we focused in on the Five in a Row art activities! And, we created our own art activities with Nana! Art is a favorite way to explore even more learning with Before Five in a Row and Five in A Row book selections.
Enjoy these fun ideas to go with your Five in a Row homeschool unit studies and favorite picture books!
Blueberries for Sal Art Activity
With Nana’s blueberry video art lesson in A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels course in membership, you can paint a beautiful blueberry! You can also follow her step-by-step lesson at Your Best Homeschool.
Author Eric Carle Homeschool Study
Here you will find everything you need for a famous artist Eric Carle homeschool study. “Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and designed picture books children. His best known book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten it’s way into the hearts of millions of children all over the world and has been translated into 66 languages and sold over 50 million copies. Since The Very Hungry Caterpillar was was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than 70 books. This includes many best sellers which he wrote. More than 152 million copies of his books have sold around the world!” – Nana
Dr. Seuss art with chalk pastels? Yes, please! How adorable would a Cat in the Hat be hanging on your refrigerator? How about the lovely Truffula Trees? Nana has a lesson for both! Now you and your kiddo can enjoy a Seussical art time with chalk pastels! Be sure to also check out Everything Seuss with books, resources and more at The Curriculum Choice.
Cranberry Thanksgiving Art Lessons
Here are just a few ways you can enjoy a Cranberry Thanksgiving book study in your fall homeschool plans – with art, activities, baking and more! Don’t miss Nana’s Mr. Whiskers homeschool art lesson at the end.
Madeline Five in a Row Art Activity
In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines…lived twelve little girls in two straight lines…the smallest one was Madeline.“
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Homeschool Art
We are big fans of Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne. Every time I turned the page to this particular scene – the dirt, the steam, the clouds of smoke – I always thought this would make a wonderful Mike Mulligan chalk pastel art tutorial. So we set aside an art afternoon and enjoyed it!
Not necessarily a Five in a Row book but a family favorite by an author from our home state. So many fun Pete the Cat books!
Stopping By The Woods on a Snowy Evening
One of the best poems to enjoy during winter is the renowned Robert Frost’s, Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening. It is one of those poems that instantly comes to life with all of the delights of winter. Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening art!
Snowflake Bentley
This winter homeschool snowflake study combines the beauty of winter with the fascinating life of Snowflake Bentley. You might also like my step-by-step snowflake art lesson.
More Five in a Row Art Activities for Your Homeschool
As I shared, we started homeschooling with Five in a Row. Nana would come by our house and teach an art lesson around something we were learning in our homeschool. So, these are older, step-by-step art lessons from our early days. We invite you to enjoy them as well!
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.
Help your child get excited about homeschool anatomy with these activities for hands on science! Diagram a cell, a bacterium, the human eye, the human heart and more!
You know how much Nana loves maps! This is a new way to map and diagram with fantastic, hands on lessons with art! STEM learning just got better! You can even paint Newston’s light prism, da Vinci’s Vitruvian man and a lab-coated scientist.
Each science-themed art lesson from Nana focuses on a science concept that opens a door for further investigation, study, and discussion. Nana does such a wonderful job of dropping “breadcrumbs” of interesting and relevant facts as she gives her chalk pastel instruction.
Julie Kieras
An Ultimate List of Homeschool Anatomy Art Activities for Hands On Science
What a fun way to learn – with Nana’s continuing homeschool anatomy series for You ARE an ARTiST Complete Clubhouse members.
Homeschool Anatomy: Diagram of the Ear Activity
Hey, did you hear? Nana has a homeschool science ear diagram activity! This activity is a perfect way to learn the inner workings of the human ear while being creative. Find our more about Nana’s Ear Homeschool Anatomy Study
No matter what your kiddo may be studying, Nana has a corresponding lesson that can solidify the knowledge in a hands-on way. And I, for one, love the colorful diagrams that pair so beautifully with our homeschool lessons.
Erin Vincent
Skeletal System Diagram Lesson
As with every chalk pastel lesson we use in our homeschool, I adore how the boys never tire of this type of learning. Using art to learn homeschool anatomy is such an interactive teaching strategy. This collection of fun skeletal system activities for kids includes online lessons, fun facts, and hands-on projects. More here: Skeletal System Activities for Kids: Everything You Need for Learning and Fun!
Diagram of a Tooth Activity
Simple to draw, this lesson shows kids all the layers of the tooth. We loved how the tooth is diagrammed in vivid colors to show all the parts of the tooth and gums! Nana’s humor really comes through in this lesson as she discusses each part of the tooth. Maybe it will inspire more dental hygiene as well! More here: A Tooth Diagram Activity for Your Homeschool That Will Make You Smile!
Diagram of The Eye Lesson
The eye looks so simple, but has so many parts we cannot see! Nana helps students draw both the outside of the eye and the inner workings of the eye. Plus, students can color their eye to match their own eye color. More here: Eye Diagram and Microscopic World
Diagram of Heart Activity for Your Homeschool Anatomy
This intricate lesson doesn’t shy away from detail. Young students will draw a beautiful human heart kids can admire and show off! All the parts are labeled, and this lesson would make a wonderful jumping off point for further study. More homeschool anatomy here: Human Heart Activity for Kids
Diagram of a Cell and a Bacterium Lesson
These online cell activities for your homeschool anatomy are multisensory and appropriate for all ages. In fact, online cellular biology lessons are an excellent addition for your homeschool science. Take a look! More here: Small But Mighty Cell Activities for Your Homeschool
Lungs and Respiratory System and Circulatory System Art Activities
Nana recently added both the Lungs and Respiratory System plus the Circulatory System to her continuing human anatomy series.
Digestive System Art Lesson
Julie shares, “Now, the human digestive system is one of these scientific topics that is not easy for kids to imagine. Plus it is quite complicated. So an art lesson is perfect for exploring the intricacies of this system. Nana with her delightful teaching style makes this detailed drawing accessible for kids. She even named the person she draws “Oscar.” This made my boys giggle! “
Fun Lab-Coated Scientist
Nana has included a wonderful “opener” lesson in her Lab Coated Scientist class. My oldest created a painting of a scientist researching in a book, with swirling scientific symbols above his head. While this scientist is drawn as a chemistry teacher by Nana, my oldest changed the book to read “Biology” to match our current science studies. He replaced Nana’s chemical notations with a DNA strand and a bacterium! Kids can be so creative with these lessons.
DaVinci’s Vetruvian Man painting makes a great finish to a series on the human body. This makes a wonderful lesson in the proportions of both artwork and the human body. As you sketch out the dive into the concept held by this Old Master that “everything is connected.” Our cells are microscopic, but work together to create a larger system. In the same way, people are smaller parts of God’s much larger universe.
…this helps to solidify any reading or more formal learning we complete, by allowing my son the opportunity to engage with the topic in much more creative and hands-on way. (We have also use art as a way to “test” what my son has really learned and will again with this unit.)
All the hands-on homeschool science fun doesn’t end here! It’s just the beginning! Chalk Pastel Art offers many art adventures that combine perfectly with all ages and with any hands on science activity.
The Light Prism with Sir Isaac Newton lesson would be a fantastic intro lesson for studying chemistry and physics. Is it so beautifully colorful and symmetrical, you will want to frame this artwork after your kids create it!
For additional scientific artwork, try the Daffodil lesson where kids will paint a gorgeous yellow daffodil with their chalks and label the parts of a flower. You might revisit your cell painting and discuss how a plant cell is slightly different than an animal/human cell.
As our friend Julie says, “Don’t be afraid to blend art and science for a colorful hands-on experience for everyone. Human anatomy is a wonderful place to begin.”
Fill your homeschool with hands-on learning in every subject with a You ARE an Artist Clubhouse membership. This way you’ll have full access to all the video art lessons all the time! No matter what topic you’re studying, be it history, science, music, or literature, you can find a coordinating lesson to engage your learners. Plus, You ARE an Artist is always adding in valuable curriculum workbooks to give you fast facts, lesson planners, and more for 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 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.
What do you think? Will it be an early spring or six more weeks of winter? Paint your prediction with Nana’s Groundhog Day homeschool art lesson. You are the artist!
We suggest the following supplies: white construction paper, brown, yellow and black chalk pastels. Nana walks you through exactly how to use them all in the video lesson above.
So, paint your Groundhog Day art lesson and be sure to share with us! Simply tag @chalkpastelart on Instagram, use the #YouAREanArtist hashtag, or upload a photo to the ChalkPastel.com Facebook page!
A note on chalk pastels:Pastels are an easy, forgiving medium. Fun for children and adults alike! Details on the pastels and paper we use, how and where to purchase, and links to all of Nana’s other pastel lessons are here: Our Favorite Chalk Pastels
The practical aspects of a mess:Pastels are blessedly messy. We always have baby wipes close by to wipe hands. We wear something we don’t mind getting stained or don a smock.
Do you and your artists learn best with a video art tutorial? Join the You ARE an Artist Clubhouse for even more Video Art Lessons at ChalkPastel.com!
We can’t wait to see your Groundhog Day painting. And please be sure to share this lesson with a friend!
You ARE an Artist!
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.wners of Homeschool Nature Study and The Curriculum Choice.
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