Art in History: A Brain-Based Art History Project

Nov 4, 2013

Are you looking for aways to bring history to life in your homeschool? Here's a super-fun way to do it: combine art and history!
Art in History: A Brain-Based Art History Project

In our family, art and history are favorite subjects. A few months ago, I decided I want to teach a new subject, art history, to the girls. I even considered writing an art history curriculum, but who has time for that? Not this mama.


The Challenge
Quite frankly, even if I'd written a curriculum, or even just lesson plans, I would never have come up with a creative activity. I'm too left-brained for that. For my kids, who are right-brained learners, that's the pitfall of my homeschool. 


They love creative, hands-on activities and I am sorely lacking in the creative ability to dream up those activities. Thanks goodness for bloggers, curriculum writers and Pinterest! 


Imagine how delighted I was to learn about a company that provided art history projects! 


{Disclosure: I received this product free of charge and was compensated for my time. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. See my full disclosure.}



Enter: Art in History

Art in History provides history lesson plans which include an art kit. The piece of art is a replica from something during the time period you choose. We're studying Ancient Greece, so I chose a Oinochoai, which is a jug or pitcher, from 900-700 B.C.




Art in History is Brain-Based Learning

A brain-based education is one which respects how the brain naturally learns. This form of education includes the multiple intelligences, learning styles and hands-on education, to name a few features.

Art in History offers that type of learning experience.  


In a house of right-brain, artistically talented siblings, Lorelai stands out as a left-brain learner. Actually, she's somewhere smack in the middle. She enjoys math, facts and logic. She longs to be artistic. She wants to paint like her brother and draw like her sister. She often compares her work to theirs. (Yes, we've explained the difference in age and experience. It doesn't help.)





That's one of the reasons I wanted to try this educational project. I was hoping this art kit would give her the opportunity to do something more artistic while also teaching history. 
It worked!

She enjoyed the art aspect of the lesson and, because it was her own project, there was no comparison to her siblings. She drew her own designs and painted the vessel. She was very proud of her work.

This is proof positive this brain-based art kit works for a left-brain learner.





Art in History Crafts Provide Interdisciplinary Learning

I am a big fan of interdisciplinary learning. That is one of my big reasons for using the Charlotte Mason method. Combining various subjects or skill sets makes for easier teaching, easier learning and a shorter homeschool day. Many times, it also allows for the hands-on education my daughters enjoy so much.



Art in History kits qualify as interdisciplinary learning. The skills and subjects covered by using this kit include:

  • Reading
  • History
  • Geography
  • Hands-on work
  • Art

The art kit contains:

  • replica (in this case, the vessel)
  • 1 paint brush
  • 1 sponge
  • 2 disposable paint pallets 
  • 3 containers of acrylic craft paint

The history kit contains:

  • history of the oinochoai
  • a brief history of Ancient Greece
  • a full-color map of Greece
  • sample design patterns
  • step-by-step instructions





What I Thought of Art in History

I was very pleased with this project. It fits right in with our Charlotte Mason education by providing a brain-based, interdisciplinary education. It provides the hands-on activity that my right-brained, artistic child needs while also being useful to my left-brained learner.

The project was simple. It required very little from me, which encourages independent work on the part of the children. It also makes my job as a left-brained teacher a little easier by providing the creative aspect of our studies.

I plan to use these educational projects through every historical time period we study. At only $6.95 per art kit, this is an affordable option for my single-parent household, too. 






Additional Information and How You Can Own Your Own Art History Kit 


You may choose from World History Projects and U.S. History Projects



Details: 
  • Each Art in History craft kits retails for $9.95 plus shipping.
  • The lessons and kits are designed for grades 3-12. 
  • Shipping to U.S. and military addresses only
  • Bulk discount for 18+ kits or more (great for classrooms and co-ops!)
The craft paints can be purchased separately and are child-safe, have no odor, are non-toxic, and conform to ASTM D-4236 safety standards. All acrylic paints are conveniently packaged in 2 oz. bottles and can be used on bisque, wood, metal, plastic, and other general craft projects. 

PLEASE NOTE: All historically correct paint colors are included with purchase of Artifact(s). Paint colors may vary depending on monitor variations.


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Happy Homeschooling!

13 comments

  1. Anonymous11/05/2013

    I think the Louisiana sugar bowl would be nice to do with the kids. The Holocaust Butterflies lit also looks quite amazing and something for me to keep in mind when my crew gets a bit older.

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  2. I would love to do the colonial teapot, but the tomb frieze is really neat too!

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  3. Colonial Teapot! We recently visited Colonial Williamsburg!

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  4. This is really cool!! We also love history and art.

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  5. Oh! I forgot to put which kit...if I had to choose one I think I'd do the China pillow.

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  6. Sheila C11/06/2013

    Tough choice but I'm thinking the Russian Faberge-style egg.

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  7. Jen Collins11/06/2013

    My oldest son chose the Native American Cultures kit. This is so neat.

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  8. Thank you for sharing this! We already found some things we want to try. The first thing we would like to have is the Native American Cultures - Acoma Pueblo Water Jar. The kids have Pueblo ancestors, so this would be great!

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  9. I'd love the Ancient Egypt - Ramses II Canopic Jars for my daughter. Thanks so much for the chance!!!!!

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  10. The Wilson Presidential Plate would fit in perfectly with my daughter's history studies!

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  11. I would love to win the Chocolate Pot!

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  12. Anonymous11/07/2013

    we'd love the Civil War/face jug kit! nancywalters44@hotmail.com

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  13. Oh, my George would love the Wilson Presidential Plate! He is a total history buff! (No joke -- we spent last weekend at Cowpens National Battlefield so he could earn that Junior Park Ranger badge.)

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