Now don't get me wrong. We don't officially teach art or music at our house, and we're okay with that. They get plenty of both on their own. Besides, teaching these subjects is not our particular expertise ... although we have music on in our house or RV almost constantly. 

Honestly, I just want them to enjoy those art forms. I have at least one son who will make his living with art. He's never had an art class, and yet he's in the top of the animation school he's enrolled in even though many of the students already have art degrees. He just spent his days drawing. 

I don't have any music kids right now, but who knows, we still have a few undeclared little kids. 

Here's the deal: don't let anyone tell you that you need to add more to your already busy day. If you want to teach art or music ... or underwater basket weaving, then do it. If you can't stomach the thought of adding more ... and it's not that important to you, then don't. 

You're homeschoolers and can do what you think is best ... and you don't have to feel guilty about it. 

Be real,

Todd

Dear Friends,

Good morning! As I contemplate today's topic, the strains of classical guitar music (John Williams [Guitar] Radio on Pandora) soothe my heart and mind. Looking up from the desk in the hotel room, I see a lovely artistic photograph of stones on a shore. Creativity is welcomed in this environment. Good discussions, thoughtful insights, and a delight in being alive are deeply impacted by this beautiful music and eye-catching art.

Let me offer a contrast from yesterday. As we prepared to leave our previous hotel room (we are traveling between conventions this week), I was once again struck by the soul-less emptiness of a room that lacked the beauty of art. The one unremarkable piece hanging there was not able to overcome the utilitarian ugliness of the room. A few hours later, we stopped for a quick lunch at a restaurant. Once we were seated, the blare of unappetizing music was so pronounced that it became an unwelcome intrusion. Leaving the premises was a blessed relief!

So, in one experience, music enhanced creativity and delight, while in the second experience, music debilitated and crushed. The art in one place enriched, while the art in the second left us in visual poverty.

What does that have to do with today's topic? I believe that art and music are creative gifts from our artistic and musical Creator. To help our children grow in their love and understanding of these two areas will enrich their lives, and, if they are gifted as artists or musicians, to enrich the lives of others.

There are SO many ways to do this! Don't feel less than others because you don't paint or play an instrument. Instead, begin learning about the masterpieces in art and music with your kids. Discover the fascinating lives of the creators of these masterpieces as you delight in the beauty of their work. Try your hand at painting, drawing, sculpting, cartooning, graphic designing, and photography. Take the adventure of singing rounds, folk songs, hymns, and your favorite tunes. Pull out that old guitar, dust off the piano, buy a reed for the clarinet in the attic, and let your kids begin to discover the one-of-a-kind invigorating experience of making music.

Remember, in all of these endeavors, stay relational!

Diana

P.S. This is a passion of mine, and my out-of-the-box curriculum shows it. Experience amazing art, architecture and music in Ancient Civilizations & the Bible; Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries; and World Empires, World Missions, World Wars. (www.dianawaring.com)

Writing Fiction in High School by Sharon Watson

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Writing Fiction in High School

Through the Writing with Sharon Watson curriculum, students find a conversational-style instruction that turns writing from a subject of dread to a subject of delight.

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