Tag: art ideas

A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson

A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson

nourishedchildren 2 Comments

A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson

A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson
A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson

Before we begin A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson …

First, I explain why I’m focusing subject by subject. Also, I include Charlotte Mason quotes because I find her original lectures on education to be SO inspiring and helpful.

Next, please keep reading to see the break down of implementing lessons, the schedule, and resources I’m using that fit our family. Finally, I share the wealth of quality Charlotte Mason resources I have found helpful, from those mothers who have gone before me.

PREPARING THE FEAST

“Our aim in education is to give a full life. We owe it to them to initiate an immense number of interests.” (Mason, vol. 3)

There are MANY subjects included in a Charlotte Mason education because she believed in spreading a wide feast. Sometimes, it feels a bit daunting for a new homeschooling mama.

Therefore, I’m attempting to learn, digest, and absorb how I’m going to be teaching each subject. I have decided to compose a blog post on each subject for Form 1B (roughly first grade). This will help me prepare to teach my oldest son in the Fall.

“The mind feeds on ideas, and therefore children should have a generous curriculum.” (Mason, vol. 1)

A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson 

Charlotte Mason Drawing Resources
Charlotte Mason Drawing Resources

WHAT

Here is one of my favorite Charlotte Mason quotes about Art:

“This is what we wish to do for children in teaching them to draw-to cause the eye to rest, not unconsciously, but consciously, on some object of beauty which will leave in their minds an image of delight for all their lives to come.” (Mason, vol. 1)

First and foremost, drawing provides a child with valuable skills, such as: observation, memory, and fine motor skills. Perhaps more importantly, however, learning how to draw gives a sense of beauty and expression. This allure can last throughout a child’s whole life.

Occasionally, in order to inspire this artistry, Mama can point out beauty in nature to the child, By observing things like sunlight, shadows, colors, and forms of all things lovely of earth and sky, the child can use these as inspiration for appreciation of art.

“Children have art in them.” (Mason, vol. 1)

Since my oldest son already enjoys painting, I decided to get him a few basic art supplies. My aim is to foster his natural love and ability of art. I’m hoping to watch it blossom, as we learn more about brush drawing as an educational subject.

WHAT WE ARE USING

“Children are worth of the best, and some half-dozen tubes of really good colors will last a long time, and will satisfy the eye of the little artists.” (Mason, vol. 1)

While you do not have to purchase the most expensive supplies, choosing good quality supplies that will last over the years, and across many children, is sensible.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

The resources listed below come recommended, so they are the drawing supplies we will use:

  • WATERCOLOR COURSE.

Brushdrawing: A Basic Course by Emily Kiser and Richele Baburina. Here is the description about this course: This watercolor course in brush drawing features carefully prepared lessons that take students step-by-step from the most basic brush exercises to beginning painting from nature.

  • DRAWING BOOK.

What to Draw and How to Draw It by E.G. Lutz

Or, HERE it is FREE on archive.org

  • WATERCOLOR TUBES.

Daniel Smith 6 Tubes of Essentials Introductory Watercolors or 30 Economical Professional Watercolor Tubes

  • NOTEBOOK.

Canson Mixed Media Notepad

  • WATERCOLOR ROUND BRUSHES.

Watercolor Wooden Brush Set

WHEN

Charlotte Mason describes the Drawing Lesson as occurring two times a week. Also, each lesson lasts about twenty minutes. Additionally, it is recommended to have one afternoon drawing lesson per week, lasting about twenty minutes.

WHY

A Parent’s Review article written by Miss K. Loveday says: “And yet Art, when rightly directed, is educational…for it trains the hand and the eye, and it trains the head and the heart; it teaches us to see and to see truly…it disciplines the emotions.”

Drawing is useful because it trains exactness and decision. So many useful skills are learned by honing art skills, yet it is also such a rich subject to study. Therefore, we are looking forward to this subject immensley.

A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson
A Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson

HOW

Ms. Mason says that a child may not produce a beautiful work of art at the beginning, however, the study of drawing is beautiful in itself.

“Children of six or seven draw budding twigs of oak and ash, beech and lark, with such tender fidelity to color, tone, and gesture, that the crude little drawings are in themselves things of beauty.” (Mason, vol. 1)

Children have a natural desire towards observing beauty in nature, therefore, it seems fitting to focus in the beginning, on drawing objects observed in nature.

Charlotte Mason also observed that children should start out with easy materials in drawing, such as chalk and watercolors. She believed by avoiding pencil and pen, it would allow the child to more easily produce well-observed drawings, which could allow their interest in art to continue. She says:

“…also, he should work in the easiest medium, that is, with paint brush or with charcoal, and not with a black-led pencil.” (Mason, vol. 1)

One more note about brush drawing indicates the brush should be held with the tip facing the child. This ensures that the child can view the brush more carefully, as he is adding color to the paper. Also, the child can move his arm from the wrist more freely, in order to have better control over his drawing.

“We must show the children how to hold their brushes and how to use them; they must see the whole, not only the tip.” (A Parent’s Review Article)

Drawing GoalS Per Term (about 12 weeks)

  1. Six brush drawings from nature

    • (Six wild fruits in fall, Six twigs in winter, and finally six wildflowers in spring)

  2. Six drawings from memory of animals they have observed

    • (Examples: dog, cat, birds, insects, squirrel, rabbit etc.)

  3. Original brush or chalk drawings of characters from their tales readings

  4. Drawings in nature notebook entries

NOTES ABOUT DRAWING

  •  A typical lesson could be: First, spend a few minutes on a drawing lesson. Perhaps, show your child how to hold the brush, and make a few simple strokes. Next, attempt to draw a natural object they can see before them. (A Parent’s Review Article) (Examples: simple leaves, birds)
  • Another idea is to take a walk in nature. Then, bring home objects from nature, copy them in brushwork in a Nature Journal, record the date, weather, and location.
  • One article also points out to lay objects on a white piece of paper, in order that the child can more easily see true depth of colors and shadows, and the main shapes.
  • It is also suggested to keep the object you want to draw, at a distance to avoid over focusing on details.
  • Also, I plan to update this post with more ideas once we receive the Brushdrawing: Basic Course.

MORE NOTES ABOUT A DRAWING LESSON

A Parent’s Review article written by Juliet Williams, mentions a process for drawing:

  • OBSERVE. First, ask the child to see the object in nature. Ask your child to look carefully at the shape and colors of the object. Then, ask them to notice the shadow, and where they come from.
  • DIGEST. Second, is a lesson in memory and reflection.
  • EXPRESS. Finally, a child can express himself using the brush drawing to depict a careful observation of the object. One article mentions above all, we should encourage imagination and originality of expression.

Also, the act of observing is mentioned many times because of its importance.

“We must be sure that the children paint what they really see and not what they imagine they see; a great deal depends on making them look properly and carefully before beginning to paint, especially when it comes to considering light and shades in colors.”

Finally, Mr. Ruskin, whom Charlotte Mason references frequently in her Home Education volumes, says:

“It is only by the habit of representing faithfully all things, that we can truly learn what is beautiful and what is not.”

FAVORITE RESOURCES

Finally, I have come across some outstanding resources in learning about a Charlotte Mason education. I’m so happy to share them with you! Some of these are sources I return to daily because I’m preparing to teach my children. Additionally, I list specific resources for a Charlotte Mason Drawing Lesson.

GENERAL CHARLOTTE MASON RESOURCES

CHARLOTTE MASON DRAWING LESSON RESOURCES

OUR PICKS

Also, check out these previous blog posts in the series:

Thank you so much for checking in! Finally, please stay tuned for the next ‘A Charlotte Mason Subject Lesson’ post.

Homeschool Preschool Supplies List

All of the quotes mentioned in this blog post, come from Home Education by Charlotte Mason. The Living Press published my favorite version of her books. Finally, I TRULY recommend any parent read Charlotte Mason’s books! They are truly treasured words I believe I will be reading and re-reading for many years to come.

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study Lesson

nourishedchildren Leave a comment

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study Lesson

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study
A Charlotte Mason Picture Study

Before we begin A Charlotte Mason Picture Study Lesson …

First, I explain why I’m focusing subject by subject. Also, I include Charlotte Mason quotes because I find her original lectures on education to be SO inspiring and helpful.

Next, please keep reading to see the break down of implementing lessons, the schedule, and resources I’m using that fit our family. Finally, I share the wealth of quality Charlotte Mason resources I have found helpful, from those mothers who have gone before me.

PREPARING THE FEAST

“Our aim in education is to give a full life. We owe it to them to initiate an immense number of interests.” (Mason, vol. 3)

There are MANY subjects included in a Charlotte Mason education because she believed in spreading a wide feast. Sometimes, it feels a bit daunting for a new homeschooling mama.

Therefore, I’m attempting to learn, digest, and absorb how I’m going to be teaching each subject. I have decided to compose a blog post on each subject for Form 1B (roughly First Grade). This will help me prepare to teach my oldest son in the Fall.

“The mind feeds on ideas, and therefore children should have a generous curriculum.” (Mason, vol. 1)

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study Lesson 

WHAT

“The six-year-old child should begin both to express himself and to appreciate, and his appreciation (of art) should be well in advance of his power to express what he sees or imagines.” (Mason, vol. 1)

First of all, while a young child may not be able to create a masterpiece of art, he is capable of appreciating the beauty found in art and picture study.

WHAT WE ARE USING

We are using art print sets from Riverbend Press because they are beautiful, a complete set, and affordable. I choose one artist per term, so I have three artists for the whole year.

ARTISTS

  • Winslow Homer
  • John Constable
  • Sandro Botticelli

BIOGRAPHIES

Picture Study
Picture Study

WHEN

Charlotte Mason describes the Picture Study Lesson as occurring one time a week. Also, each lesson lasts about 10 minutes.

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study
A Charlotte Mason Picture Study

WHY

“We cannot measure the influence that one or another artist has upon the child’s sense of beauty, upon his power of seeing, as in a picture, the common sights of life; he is enriched more than we know in having really looked at even a single picture.” (Mason, vol. 1)

First, the A Delectable Education ladies mention art is beautiful. Since Charlotte Mason believed education should provide beauty, art helps fit in as an important piece of the puzzle.

“There are always those present with us whom God whispers in the ear, through whom He sends a direct message to the rest. Among these messengers are the great painters who interpret to us some of the meanings of life. To read their messages aright is a thing due from us.” (Mason, vol. 4)

Also, art focuses attention and allows observation of details. These two skills help serve all of the other subjects. Therefore, art study is essential.

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study
A Charlotte Mason Picture Study

HOW

“When children have begun regular lessons (that is, as soon as they are six), this sort of study of pictures should not be left to chance, but they should take one artist after another, term by term, and study quietly some half-dozen reproductions of his work in the course of a term.” (Mason, vol. 1)

Six pictures, done by one artist, are studied per term. Therefore, there are three artists studied per year.

A Charlotte Mason Picture Studies Lesson

  1. First, the child looks at the picture for a few minutes. If this is the first picture observed by this author, a brief biography can be given by the artist as a means of introduction.
  2. Second, the child should try to see the picture in their mind fully and in detail.
  3. Then, Mama flips the picture over.
  4. Next, ask the child what he saw. This is essentially narration for Picture Study.
  5. Then, as an option, Charlotte Mason Poetry notes of Lessons suggest: ask the children questions concerning the season, time of day, river and chief features.
  6. Finally, ask them what they think is the story of the picture. Show that every artist has an idea which he wishes to be interpreted.

“As in a worthy book we leave the author to tell his own tale, so do we trust a picture to tell its tale through the medium the artist gave it.” (Mason, vol. 6)

It is enough, more than enough really, for the child to do the work. It is not necessary for Mama to do a big lecture. When the child observes the beautiful art print, and tries to see it fully, it becomes his own.

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study
A Charlotte Mason Picture Study

FAVORITE RESOURCES

Finally, I have come across some outstanding resources in learning about a Charlotte Mason education. I’m so happy to share them with you! Some of these are sources I return to daily because I’m preparing to teach my children. Additionally, I list specific resources for a Charlotte Mason Picture Study Lesson.

GENERAL CHARLOTTE MASON RESOURCES

CHARLOTTE MASON PICTURE STUDY LESSON RESOURCES

A Charlotte Mason Picture Study
A Charlotte Mason Picture Study

OUR PICKS

Also, check out these previous blog posts in the series:

Thank you so much for checking in! Finally, please stay tuned for the next ‘A Charlotte Mason Subject Lesson’ post.

Homeschool Preschool Supplies List

All of the quotes mentioned in this blog post, come from Home Education by Charlotte Mason. The Living Press published my favorite version of her books. Finally, I TRULY recommend any parent read Charlotte Mason’s books! Above all, they are truly treasured words I believe I will be reading and re-reading for many years to come.

More Easter Ideas

9 Gift Ideas for Your Child’s Easter Basket

nourishedchildren Leave a comment

NINE EASTER GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR PRESCHOOLER, TODDLER, BABY

Here is an Easter gift guide list including some of the favorite things that we love!

Hopefully, this inspires you with some Easter gift ideas! I start with nine gifts for your preschooler, four more gifts I couldn’t resist including, and finish with some lovely Easter books. Many of these items we have and love, and many are on our wish list! Most items included have a nature theme since we are heavy into Charlotte Mason over here and two little boys and nature mix together very well!

EASTER BASKET IDEAS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

9 Easter Basket Ideas for Preschoolers
9 Easter Basket Ideas for Preschoolers
  1. Montessori Flower Nature Puzzle – At $15, I feel like these are a great quality, beautiful and the your Preschoolers would learn about nature as they put these puzzles together. HINT: there are MANY lovely puzzles when you click on this link…I wouldn’t mind owning several of these!
  2. Wood Jar Paint Holders – I have been thinking about these paint jars for more than a year. My oldest (5) LOVES to paint with watercolors and I have seen this recommended by many mamas. I know this will serve us well for many years to come as we learn to draw, paint, and enjoy art!
  3. Jesus Storybook Bible – I cannot say enough GREAT THINGS about this Bible version. We have read probably 3-4 different children’s Bible versions and this is BY FAR our FAVORITE!!! The way the author tells the stories coupled with the beautiful illustrations is phenomenal. Since we love it so much, I have gifted to this other kiddos! It is truly beautiful.
  4. Live Butterfly Kit – We have never hatched butterflies before but it is definitely on our bucket list! I like this version because it looks like it has everything included and it seems inexpensive!
  5. Watercolor Paint Set – We own a similar travel watercolor set and LOVE it. This set caught my eye since it contains so many colors with the set. I think its beautiful! Its nice to have an inexpensive set to take with you on nature walks especially as the children grow.
  6. An Egg is Quiet – We have this one, along with some of the other books in the set, like A Seed is Sleepy, and A Nest is Noisy. I really love these books. The illustrations are lovely and they are full of information. My children particularly love the Egg book and enjoy drawing and coloring in their own eggs from the book pages.
  7. Wooden Eggs – Some of our favorite toys are ones that are open-ended and inspire imaginative play. Play is SO important for a child’s development. The best ones, in my opinion, are simple, well-made and inspire the child to act out scenes and prepare for real-world life. We love our kitchen toys and these eggs would make a nice addition!
  8. If You Plant a Seed – We do not own this book but the illustrations look lovely! I have seen it in the bookstore and the story plot seems like a great character building book. The adorable bunny plants carrots and cabbage in the garden to watch it grow, and wonders what would happen if you plant kindness or selfishness in the garden?
  9. Organic Beeswax Crayons – these organic,  non-toxic crayons look lovely! My oldest, at age 5, loves to get out his coloring book and color. These crayons would make a lovely addition to any Easter basket!
  10. Flower Families – a Go Fish game with beautiful flower illustrations.

MORE EASTER BASKET IDEAS

More Easter Ideas
More Easter Ideas
  1. Match a Pair of Birds Memory Game – We have Bug Bingo, which is a game by the same illustrator/creator. My two boys (ages 3 and 5) LOVE Bug Bingo and honestly, so do I! I love it because it is simple enough for them to understand how to play, the game is beautiful, and they are learning as they play! Memory Games are generally wonderful for Preschool/Toddler ages and this game would be a delight!
  2. Kids Garden Tool Set – Over the years, we have been gifted various garden sets (I think our families have gathered that we love nature and spend time outside!!!). This adorable bag and garden set caught my eye, and at $7 for the set, you can’t beat the price!
  3. Window Bird Feeder – I have seen window bird feeders recommended many times from Mamas. I need to take their advice and order it for our family! Spring is the PERFECT time of year to view birds since they are returning from winter to build their nests!! They are clear so you can literally look right out your window and view them!
  4. Eco-Eggs Color Kit – We have this set and have already had a head start on the kit! It comes in an egg carton, and everything you need is included in the kit. We have grown our own wheat grass together, and the next step will be coloring eggs with the natural dyes that are included in the set, and then coloring the eggs with the natural beeswax crayon included!
  5. Sibley Backyard Bird Flashcards –  This makes learning about birds so fun!

EASTER BOOK IDEAS FOR GIFT BASKET

Easter Book Ideas
Easter Book Ideas
  1. The Story of the Easter Robin – This book was recommended by Sarah Makenzie from the Read Aloud Revival. I was fortunate enough to attend a homeschooling conference and see her this weekend and she was so lovely! This story has beautiful illustrations and the story teaches compassion and faith.
  2. The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes – We picked up this lovely story last Spring. Its a lovely story of a Mama and I think any Mama should read it to herself and little ones.
  3. Rechenka’s Eggs – This book is included in the Peaceful Preschool curriculum. I love exposing my children to different cultures. Through stories, they can learn about far off lands without us traveling there and it is such a great learning opportunity.
  4. A Tale for Easter – This was another book recommended by the Read Aloud Revival. I have other Tasha Tudor’s books that we love such as A Time to Keep. Her illustrations are always inspiring and the explanation of Easter and how it relates to family traditions are inspiring!
  5. The Very First Easter – A new Easter gift that will arrive in their basket this year!
  6. The Story of the Easter Robin – Another sweet book that must be shared with little ones!

I hope this guide was helpful to you in your Easter gifts selections for you and your loved ones. 🙂 Wishing you all a wonderful Easter and Spring time!!!

OUR PICKS

OTHER LINKS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Rooted Childhood’s Easter Basket Ideas

Top Preschool Supplies

Exploring Nature with Children

Exploring Nature with Children Journal