Teaching Art When You Draw Stick Figuresby Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger 31 Jan 2008 03:48 AM I am an excellent artist. . .of stick figures. But I decided this to be good blog fodder because I think in essence, it begs a deeper question: how can you teach anything that you're not naturally good at? My Philosophy on the "Specials" Really, you can teach your child anything you want--at least at the most basic level. I remember when my youngest daughter was four or five, she decided that she wanted to play violin. Everyone assumed that we would sign her up for lessons, but instead, I decided to teach her on my own. I don't play violin. But we got a curriculum designed for someone like me to teach someone like her to play violin, and we plodded along. I realize some people would say that had we signed her up for 'real' lessons--she would've kept going but I'm not sure I agree. She learned a great deal of music theory which has helped her learn piano. . .a much better fit for her. I've always felt I'm capable of teaching at least the basics of just about anything which brings me to my first point. There are so many resources out there now for homeschooling parents, it's well worth the effort to find them. Find something you like the philosophy of and stick with it. How I, the Stick Figure Genius, Teach Art Amazingly, despite my never having moved past stick figures, my two older children are good artists. Perhaps they're just naturally gifted but I'd like to think that my methodology had at least something to do with it. First--from as soon as they can hold a paint brush or pencil, they are exposed to different types of projects and media. What's great about little kids is you can incorporate art into everything. . .collage your way through the alphabet, coloring your way around the world, painting your way through the biomes. . .you get the idea. Lots and lots of water colors, markers, pencils and/or crayons--and lots and lots of scrap paper. Secondly--Exposure to good art. Granted, we're fortunate to live near a vast array of top notch world famous art museums. I think that this exposure has been extremely influential in my children's view. Simply by going and visiting an art museum, and discussing the work that is there, is well worth the effort. Hopefully, this has given you a few ideas to start. In my next blog, I'll talk about my favorite picks for teaching art, as well as some activities to guide you through an art museum. Related Blogs: A Few of My Favorite Things: Art Random Tips on Teaching Art and Art History Learn more about Valorie Delp  Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line. Relevanthomeschooling tags User Comments herman_family (5) 31 Jan 2008 10:08 PMA great book to teach a non-artist how to draw is Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Stephanie Cost Benefit Jr. http://www.z-net.us/cost-benefit/jr1.htm  Valorie Delp (49340) 01 Feb 2008 03:56 AMYes, I've mentioned Mona Brooks (the author for those who don't know) in one of my other articles on art which is listed above. Discuss this article
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