3 Ways to Teach Art History

Art history is one of those extras that can wait indefinitely on your “as-soon-as-we-find-some-time” list. If you’re tired of waiting to dig into the world’s creative history, these curricula will help you make art history part of your regular routine now.

3 ways to teach art history in homeschool

Art history is one of those extras that can wait indefinitely on your “as-soon-as-we-find-some-time” list. If you’re tired of waiting to dig into the world’s creative history, these curricula will help you make art history part of your regular routine now.

1. SHORT LESSONS IN ART HISTORY

Great for: Kids who like history but not necessarily making art

This is curriculum focuses on notable artists and schools of art from the Italian Renaissance through the mid-20th century, using biographies and major works as a jumping-off point for projects and discussions about art history. Though it’s recommended for middle through high school and does work well for those grades, it’s adaptable enough to use with younger kids or with a group of different ages.

2. KHAN ACADEMY: ART HISTORY 

Great for: Visual learners who want to see lots of pictures

The standout feature of Khan Academy’s free online art history program is the sheer breadth of images it contains — while books are limited by their page space, Khan Academy is able to collect hundreds of pieces of art for each period it covers. (In fact, some of the recommended viewing list for AP Art History is only available through Khan Academy.) You could certainly use this with younger students, but it works best as a self-contained, self-directed study for students in middle school or older. 

3. DISCOVERING GREAT ARTISTS FOR KIDS

Great for: Project-based learners who want activities and a focused approach

If you want to get your hands dirty with art projects, this is the program for you: For each of the featured artists, there’s an art project that mimics that artist’s style. (For instance, you’ll make a stained glass pattern when you study Louis Comfort Tiffany and a dot print when you explore Roy Lichtenstein’s work.) After a short artist biography and a little historical context, you’ll dive right into hands-on projects that let you try techniques and styles for yourself. Activities range from preschool-friendly to much more complex, but most are adaptable to work with students of any age.

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Amy Sharony

Amy Sharony is the founder and editor-in-chief of home | school | life magazine. She's a pretty nice person until someone starts pluralizing things with apostrophes, but then all bets are off.

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