Evan Moor’s How to Teach Art to Children

"How to Teach Art to Children" is a standout offering from Evan-Moor, a respected publisher in educational resources. This curriculum was developed by a team of educational experts at Evan-Moor, driven by a mission to provide accessible, comprehensive art education to children. The core team includes seasoned educators with a deep understanding of pedagogical strategies and a passion for integrating art into holistic learning environments. Evan-Moor, established in 1979, has been a pioneer in creating innovative educational materials that address a wide range of learning needs across different subjects. "How to Teach Art to Children" is a product of this rich expertise, designed to make art education both enjoyable and educational for grades 1-6​ (Evan Moor)​​ (Wildly Anchored)​.

Differentiation: What Makes it Special Evan-Moor’s curriculum stands out due to its structured yet flexible approach to art education. It demystifies complex art concepts by breaking them down into the seven basic elements of art and extends learning by linking these elements to the styles of famous artists. This curriculum is particularly unique because it doesn’t require prior art knowledge from parents or educators, making it an ideal resource for beginners. Additionally, the integration of downloadable content and real artworks for study enhances the learning experience, making it a rich educational tool​ (Evan Moor)​.

How to Get Started: Implementing the Curriculum Getting started with this curriculum is straightforward. Parents and educators can access it in both e-book and print formats. Each art project includes a detailed list of materials—most of which are readily available at home—and step-by-step instructions. The curriculum recommends integrating art lessons into weekly schooling, with each project designed to fit into short, manageable sessions that keep children engaged and excited about learning​ (Wildly Anchored)​​ (The Art Kit)​.

Educational Subjects Covered This curriculum offers a robust exploration of artistic concepts and practices:

• Elements of Art: Detailed lessons on line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space.

• Art History and Appreciation: Introduces children to 23 famous artists and their techniques, enhancing historical and cultural knowledge.

• Cross-disciplinary Learning: Links art with literature through activities that combine reading and art creation.

• Creative Expression: Encourages personal expression and imagination through diverse projects.

• Critical Thinking: Develops skills such as analysis and interpretation by discussing and reflecting on art.

What’s Good About It The curriculum's design for ease of use is consistently praised. The "open-and-go" format is perfect for busy families or educators who might not have extensive preparation time. The varied projects ensure that the learning remains fresh and engaging, helping children to apply art concepts in multiple contexts. Parents appreciate the emphasis on both the creation of art and the understanding of its elements, which provides a well-rounded educational experience​ (Evan Moor)​​ (Wildly Anchored)​.

Areas for Improvement While the curriculum scores high on accessibility and educational content, it could improve by providing more structured pacing guides for those who prefer a more scheduled approach. Additionally, expanding the range of contemporary art styles and artists could offer a more comprehensive view of today's art scene, making the curriculum even more relevant to modern educational contexts​ (Wildly Anchored)​.

Advice from Parents Parents suggest pairing the art projects with related subjects to maximize learning outcomes. For example, a project on color mixing can be integrated with science topics about light, enhancing understanding through interdisciplinary approaches. This not only deepens children's learning but also helps them see the connections between different fields of study​ (Wildly Anchored)​.

Ideal Fit "How to Teach Art to Children" by Evan-Moor is especially well-suited for homeschool families who prioritize flexibility in their teaching schedule and curriculum. It caters exceptionally to parents or educators who may not have a formal background in art but wish to provide a comprehensive art education. This curriculum is a strong match for families with multiple children across different grade levels, as the projects are adaptable to various ages and skill sets. The ability to integrate art with other subjects also makes it ideal for a holistic educational approach, fostering connections between artistic expression and broader academic concepts​ (Wildly Anchored)​.

Non-Ideal Fit This curriculum may not be the best choice for families who prefer a traditional, structured art education program with detailed lesson plans and a linear progression through art techniques and history. It might also be less suitable for those who require a curriculum with a strong focus on modern and contemporary art, as it primarily covers classic art forms and historical art figures. Additionally, families without easy access to a variety of art supplies might find some projects challenging, as the curriculum occasionally requires specific materials for certain activities​ (Wildly Anchored)​.

Grades The curriculum is tailored for children in grades 1-6, accommodating a broad range of early educational stages.

Cost The cost of the curriculum is very reasonable at $21.99, making it an accessible option for many families seeking quality educational resources without a high financial outlay​ (Evan Moor)​.

Availability It is available for purchase directly from Evan-Moor’s website or through various online retailers like Amazon. This accessibility ensures that families can choose the format—digital or print—that best suits their needs.

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