Art Is Back!

I haven’t been as good at getting art classes into our curriculum the last two years, and this horrible downward spiral needed to end. I know that providing time and tools for the kids to let their imaginations and creativity run wild is an important aspect to developing individuality and dreams. I have felt myself descend into a more rigid academic pattern, and as our school days got longer I let go of some of the most important classes…art being one.

One of the reasons we homeschool is to have the time to search out answers to questions the kids have and to pursue individual interests. I really needed someone else to come into my home and help me organize an art program that would push and inspire my children to continue developing artistically. I stumbled upon a really well done program that is accessed online. Thrive Art is broken down into three levels of classes and each level has six lessons. The program is $300 total, and you can go back to review lessons at any time–once you purchase their curriculum. The kids have completed two of the lessons, and I think we will make it through the entire program by the end of the school year.

I love teaching my kids, but art is not my forte. I needed help, and was thrilled to find a program that was created by artists and meant for kids. There are times I feel my inadequacies pounding on the front door, and I am so glad to have such amazing support systems available for when I just can’t quite give my kids what they need.

Homeschooling is a journey that is constantly changing. The plan I had for my children when we first started hardly resembles the plan we now have in place. If someone would have told me four years ago that I would be teaching my kids at the breakneck speed we have been moving at, I would have called them crazy. But my kids just dive in and we moved from four hour days to seven hour days before I knew what hit me. I’m so glad we have homeschooling networks and friends to remind me that academics are not all my kids need. This class is our first step in yet another twist in our homeschooling journey.