Going Screen-Free with Art

Apr 17, 2013

Art is a natural interest that requires no screen-time. If we involve our children in artistic endeavors, they're less likely to resort to screens for their amusement.

Welcome to Day 3 of my 10-day series on Screen-Free Family Activities. Today, I want to talk about art.

Art is not only very important to creating well-rounded children, it improves their academic abilities and social skills. Equally important, learning about and participating in art activities is fun. 

Children love creating masterpieces, whatever they are. We can see this in even the youngest of children as they bring us their drawings of "mom and dad" with over sized heads and stick arms. It's a natural inclination within humans.

Unfortunately, many of us have grown up without the proper tools and experiences for expressing our creativity through art. I can't draw draw or paint. Nearly all of my 5 children, however, have artistic talent. 

Art is a natural inclination which must be encouraged.

Reducing Screen Time

What does this have to do with screen time? If our children have these deeper interests and activities, there will be less time spent on screens. My 14-year-old spends a great amount of her time drawing. She usually has music playing on a cell phone, but she's busy with her art.

By providing the materials, time and encouragement, we're giving the children something to do besides staring at screens.

"But I Don't Know Anything about Art"

It's true that many of us have grown up without art in our lives. But does that mean we can't participate now? No. Barb of Harmony Fine arts didn't start drawing until she was an adult raising children. But even if you have no interest in learning to draw or paint, your children likely do. So provide the materials.

Also, learning about art itself is enjoyable. Doing art and artist studies is one of my favorite parts of homeschooling. I don't draw and paint, but I still enjoy learning about the lives, backgrounds and techniques of the great artists. 

Exposing Children to Art

There are many ways to include art in your children's lives. Here are just a few:
  • Visit museums
  • Attend art shows
  • Artist Studies
  • Provide a variety of art materials
  • Art classes and camps 
  • Co-op classes

Blogiversary Giveaway

Today, I'm giving away a copy of "A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels". This ebook contains a full year of chalk pastel art lessons!  This prize was donated by Tricia Hodges of Southern Hodgepodge.

If you would like to purchase: 
Visit Southern Hodgepodge (affiliate link). Use the coupon code HODGEPODGE to receive $5 off your purchase of the ebook.

To enter:
Simply leave a blog post and your email address (for prize notification only). Although it is not required, Tricia and I appreciate your "likes", Tweets and shares too.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Visit the other talented ladies at the Spring 2013 Hopscotch.

Happy Homeschooling!

17 comments

  1. Melissa4/17/2013

    I'd love to teach my children about art, but I have no idea how. My girls are always asking to "do art" and this book would be a wonderful way to do that.

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    1. That's how I felt when I began the Charlotte Mason method. I didn't know how I would teach art. Fortunately, my children were born with natural abilities. However, I have had them take online classes if they wanted. My 14-year-old, Alexis, regularly watches youtube videos from her favorite Manga artists to learn better techniques.

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  2. Sounds like an awesome ebook! I have two little artists of my own! I can't wait to incorporate something like this into our homeschool day! Art was always my favorite class in school, so I know my girls come by it honestly, lol!

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  3. I've had my eye on the A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels for quite a while now. My girls and I just experienced chalk pastels for the first time a couple of weeks ago and absolutely enjoyed the process...would love to learn more and I think this book would be a perfect addition to our homeschool library!

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  4. I have been wanting to purchase A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels because my kids love working with chalk pastels. So much fun!

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  5. I'd love to win because I need a little (okay, a lot) of guidance in this area. lol

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  6. I would love to win this. I am eagerly trying to do more art with my children (and for myself). But I have no idea where to start! This would be such a blessing!

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  7. I love the Hodgepodge family and this would be a great win!
    ppking4(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. Sorry but I forgot to say why I would love to win. We have done a few of the pastel drawings and loved them so this would be great to have at our fingertips.

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  9. Because I need to be more intentional in how I teach them art, right now it's just this random mish mash when I feel like remembering it.

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  10. I have been wanting this book for some time now to help me teach art in my homeschool!

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  11. My daughter is SO interested in art, and I am completely inept! I'd love to win this for her!

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  12. Amanda4/19/2013

    My 5 and 6 year old daughters love to draw and have been begging for art lessons. This would be a great help to get us started!

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  13. My kids love art. They want Friday to be art day.

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  14. Making time for artistic pursuits helps keep our family emotionally bearable. This would be a great guide to incorporating a new art genre into our home!

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  15. We'd love to win this! We currently have a nice set of pastels we never use just because I don't know what I'm doing and don't want to use them up on silly stuff. I'd also love to know which Manga artists your LO likes. My Alex is 14 too and likes to draw Manga.

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