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.

Think back to your early elementary school years. What do you remember?

For me, what stands out are all the hands-on art projects we completed. The spring hat parade drawing I created in Kindergarten. The invention I thought up and drew a schematic of in third grade. My friend Adrian’s artwork depicting a cat with a large bow around it’s neck. (Incidentally, I vividly remember all of these, but don’t remember a single worksheet although we certainly completed them everyday.)

You probably have some memories of your own – particularly from the art assignments in your early education. But why? Why does art stand the test of time in learning?

online art lessons K-3
Photo by Jamie Gault

The Importance Of Art In Your Homeschool (especially in grades K-3)

There has been a ton of research in recent years surrounding STEM and STEAM in education. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

While initial approaches to this type of education only included the STEM areas of learning, recent research has stressed the importance of adding art to the educational equation.

A creative mindset is critical for STEM subjects. That is why the arts was added to STEM to become STEAM. Scientists, technology developers, engineers, and mathematicians need to innovate and solve problems creatively. Active and self-guided discovery is core to the arts and to STEAM learning. Children engage in painting, pretend play, music, and drawing. Art is sensory exploration. Children can feel the paint on their fingers and see colors change the way the paper looks. As they grow, children include symbols in art their art that represent real objects, events, and feelings. Drawing and play acting allow them to express what they know and feel, before they can even read or write. Research shows that early experience with creative arts supports cognitive development and increases self esteem.

MSAfterschool.org

Children are doing so much more than simply having fun when they are engaged in artistic pursuits. Research has shown again and again that art develops a variety of skills, including:

  • Self-regulation
  • Sharing
  • Listening
  • Cooperation
  • Focus and attention
  • Following directions
  • Creativity
  • Cognitive skills such as counting, color/shape/pattern recognition, strategy, problem solving, etc.

In addition to all of these developmental benefits, adding art to learning makes it much more engaging and interactive for children. This increases overall learning outcomes, as our children are more likely to comprehend and retain what they learn when they are having fun with it!

online art lessons K-3
Photo by Jamie Gault

How To Add Art To Your Early Elementary Homeschool Years

While it is clear that there are significant benefits to adding art to our children’s learning, it is often difficult to know how to incorporate it into an average homeschool day. The demands of teaching a child to read, write, and perform essential math functions can feel overwhelming to a new homeschooling family, and it’s easy to view art as an “extra” instead of a critical part of learning and development.

I have found that the very best way to incorporate art in a more focused and intentional way in our homeschool is to find outside resources that take the guesswork and planning off my plate.

You ARE An Artist Clubhouse Membership does just that!

online art lessons K-3

Online Art Lessons Perfect For Grades K-3

Nana’s warm and encouraging lessons are a great way to easily add art to our learning.

The You ARE An Artist Clubhouse Membership has everything you need to get started and progress through your child’s early elementary years!

Take a look at this snapshot of courses offered for early elementary education.

The A Simple Start Collection includes:

Science and Nature Lessons including:

online art
Photo by Jamie Gault

Bible Study Lessons

Seasonal and Holiday Themed Lessons including:

And so many more! There are even Do It Together lessons for mom and me time to create art together.

This is a fabulous way to not only add more STEAM learning to your early education homeschool, it is also helps both child and teacher have fun as you learn!

online art lessons K-3

Art In Early Elementary Education Creates A Lifetime of Learning

The research and push towards STEAM learning is something we want to consider as we begin our homeschool journeys. The benefits are all in line with the outcomes we desire when we make the decision to homeschool our children.

Adding art to elementary education sets your child up for success in learning throughout their homeschool years. This solid foundation goes far beyond the early years, far beyond third grade. In fact, it pays off all the way through high school and beyond.

The good news is, You ARE An Artist is wonderful resource to help you all along the way.

Shawna Wingert

Shawna Wingert is a special education teacher turned writer, speaker and consultant. She is also a homeschooling mom of two brilliant boys with differences and special needs.  Shawna has written four books for parents – Everyday Autism, Special Education at Home, Parenting Chaos and her latest, Homeschooling Your Child With Special Needs. She helps parents of children with learning differences, behavioral challenges and special needs every day at DifferentByDesignLearning.com.

Similar Posts