I know that I’m not alone as a homeschooling mother who has an aspiring artist in her care.  I’m not exceptionally talented artistically (that’s an understatement), and engaging my children in artistic instruction seems well beyond my abilities.  Educator and artist Diane Spears wrote her Christian art curriculum precisely for teachers like me; those who’d like to provide fine arts instruction to their pupils but aren’t sure where to start.

Spears Art Studio: K – 8 Christian Art Curriculum, A Teacher’s Manual appears daunting upon first encounter.  Available on CD as a series of .pdf documents, the curriculum is hundreds upon hundreds of pages in length.  269 art activities, 138 patterns and display posters and 547 pages of instruction are provided in this multi-year program.  It does take some time to familiarize yourself with the content.  Starting with the introductory materials and working your way through them soon reveals the fact that Spears is dedicated to providing economical, scripturally integrated, art lessons that encourage evaluation skills, the study of art history and integration with other core subjects. 

It soon becomes clear that the main thrust of the curriculum is for teachers in private Christian schools (the inclusion of sheets for lists of student grades, large class clean up tips etc. are the tip offs) but as homeschoolers know, it isn’t too difficult to adapt to smaller numbers of students.  Something you will want to establish that schools will have in place is an art/craft supply cupboard.  An extensive collection of readily available, affordable supplies is required for the program, but you will need a place to store and organize them for quick and easy access.  Downloadable files of the required materials are available online for your perusal before purchase.

The curriculum is organized into 35 weekly themes that repeat through each of the grade levels, increasing in difficulty, scope and instruction as the year’s progress.  Each lesson is integrated with scripture and applications to the Christian life; for parents who seek to integrate Christ into all they do, this is a serious factor to consider in select an art program.  The beauty of the repeating themes is that families with children in an assortment of grades can use the same scripture, theme and introductory materials for all of their children – varying the medium and skills taught as appropriate.  The lessons are illustrated with actual examples of art, displaying the striking level of quality that is within reach for students using these lessons (even without the tutelage of an experienced artist).

The lessons are arranged seasonally within the traditional school year from September to May (one lesson is provided for each week).  The themes explored each month are usually related to the seasons and major holidays found within the month. Families who choose not to celebrate these mainstream holidays may choose to skip certain weeks. At times strong patriotic, American themes are presented – as Canadian’s we’d most likely pass by these weeks as well or substitute Canadian content.  However, the vast amount of material presented for all grade levels makes the program a worthwhile purchase even if some lessons are not appropriate for your family.

The files are reproducible within one family or classroom.  A detailed scope and sequence is provided to evaluate the objectives, skills and elements for each lesson according to grade level.  A glossary of art terms is provided in the appendix, along with the original, general supply list.

Spears is obviously dedicated to making her program the best it can be.  In response to customer input she has made additional files available for download online such as the supplies lists previously mentioned, an image resource packet – a list of sources for the recommended art images for each weekly theme (with a focus on free websites) and an additional page on teaching drawing.  Her commitment to continually revising, improving and adding to her product is a blessing – the list of image sources online is a particular blessing and will save parents hours of internet search time.  Spears’ talent as an artist is indisputable, the occasional inclusion of her own works of art throughout the course is inspiring, further examples can be found on her website.

I’m truly amazed by the effort that Spears has poured into this curriculum.  Any Christian family looking for a serious fine arts program will be delighted with the thorough planning that has gone into the integration of biblical principles with the quality art projects.  The price is amazing – $39.95 for the CD full of printable .pdf files including shipping.  Due to the huge size the printed book/CD combo costs $134.95, so printing the curriculum yourself may be more affordable.  I also have my eye on Spears’ calligraphy program – Beginning Calligraphy Workbook, for Grade 5 – Adult.  The combination of scripture with artistic lettering has so much potential for wall-art; I just know I’ll be picking it up for myself in the future.

Free sample lessons for the K – 8 are available for download here.  For those of you with older children Spears Art Studio High School Art Survey, A Study from a Christian World View is available for $29.95.