March 16, 2022 – The Importance of Art . . . Even for the Non-Artsy Parent

Hey, Mama!

Gena Suarez, Publisher of TOS

Art Makes Learning Fun

Hey Mama,

Yesterday was a good day. Your kids learned (something). You had meaningful conversations with some or all of them. You again, for the bazillionth time, solidified in your children’s hearts and minds that you are dedicated and committed forever to loving them, teaching them, speaking truth to them. They don’t doubt your love. They may not say how much they love you now, but don’t forget the adult versions of these little turnip heads. So in your mind for a moment, fast forward. That day is coming.

You kept the priorities straight (for the most part) yesterday, the things that matter. Your house even got picked up (a bit). People were fed. Family members felt cared for. Hubby wonders how you do it all. Even the pets think you’re awesome. 

Your kids love that you try to make school fun. You get out crayons, construction paper, poster board, paint and paintbrushes and let your children create. You even let them use slime! Incorporating art into academics can make every subject more interesting. They remember science better if they can draw cells and mitochondria – and if your little guy can make the cells blow up or explode, he’ll remember the lesson even more (grin). History sticks with them if they make a diorama of a battle scene. If they have imaginary canons and weaponry so they can “act out” those battles, you’ve really created a strong memory of that lesson. Yes, it’s loud. But it’s their “art” so just bear it, LOL. You don’t have to be artsy yourself—just shower praise on them as they make or don their worthy creations, and they will enjoy it—and remember it—that much more.

Here are some articles from The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine that underscore the importance of bringing art into the classroom:

Teaching Art in the Homeschool Environment by Sharon Jeffus
Connecting to the Creator Through Art by Bonnie Rose Hudson
Gospel Chalk Art: For Such a Time as This? by James H. Pence

Mama = Caregiver. And while you don’t dot every “i” or cross every “t” 100 percent of the time, you do the “Mama thing” quite well. I’ll bet I could take a survey: I could ask your three closest friends what kind of Mama you are, and you know as well as I do what they’d say. You know why they’d say it? It’s the truth. And they view YOU as a good and faithful friend. You have been there for them, too. You’re always there for everyone.

See? Yesterday was a good day. Perspective, Mama. Keep it before you constantly because it’s what keeps you balanced—and sane. Be encouraged all day, every day, in this journey called Motherhood. You wear it so well, Mama. Today will be a good day, too, because His hand is on your head.

-gena

New from Greta Eskridge, 100 Days of Adventure features 100 indoor and outdoor activities, projects, experiments, crafts, recipes, and field trips, divided by season! https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/100-days

Stacy Farrell

HomeschoolAdventure.com

Who Decides What is Beautiful?

The Barometer of our Culture

When I sat down to ponder why art is important, a quote by Nancy Pearcey came to mind: “Artists are often the barometers of society.”

As goes our culture, so goes our art.

A wicked and perverse society does not produce God-honoring art. But the fact that art reflects our culture is not what makes it valuable in the first place.

Art possesses value because it is the byproduct of creativity—a beautiful characteristic of God the Creator.

Training Their Appetites

In her book, Saving Leonardo, Nancy Pearcey hit the nail on the head. She said: “Art is a visual language, and Christians have a responsibility to learn that language.”

Art moves people. As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure it doesn’t move our children in the wrong direction.

Just as a well-trained palate can distinguish between subtle flavors, when we train our children’s art “palate,” they recognize true beauty—and they’re not deceived into embracing its counterfeit.

Hidden in Plain Sight?

Great art intensifies whatever message it holds (and you can be certain it is conveying a message).

The underlying worldview preached within a masterpiece may be completely contradictory to our own . . . but oh how beautiful and enticing it may be!

That’s why it’s so important to apply Biblical standards to art.

Discernment Required

We should be especially discerning in matters where culture tries to define what is “good.”

Art is one such matter.

As Francis A. Schaeffer said in, Art and the Bible: “The greater the artistic expression, the more important it is to consciously bring it and its worldview under the judgment of Christ and the Bible.”

Recognize that artwork has a “voice”—and we discern the validity of its message by comparing it to the principles outlined in Scripture.

This involves critical thinking and reading between the brushstrokes.

Do you have resources to teach critical thinking?

True Beauty is a Gift

Don’t be afraid of art, dear Momma. Do be vigilant in training your students to discern its underlying meaning—and enjoy its beauty when and where it exists.

His love,
Stacy

P.S. – Equip your students to write skillfully, think critically, and speak clearly as they explore the history of ideas—from a Biblical worldview—with Philosophy Adventure.

David West

Pillar of Hope
David West – Art and Image-Bearing

Christian parents should help children understand what it means to be made in the image of God. Because God is the Creator, we create things. We build homes, prune trees, design software, write sentences, and draw pictures as a reflection of the God who created a good, useful, and beautiful world.

When I recall God’s creative acts, I’m reminded that all creative acts in this world have an ultimate source. Whether we are “artsy” or not, this truth is something we can pass along to the image bearers residing in our homes.

When I was 13 years old, my grandmother paid for me to take a painting class. The product of that first class, two daisies in brilliant yellow hues, was the first of several paintings. My parents continued to pay for classes, and each Saturday morning, for several years, my teacher helped a room of private students churn out oil paintings. After graduating from high school, painting faded from my interest.

That first painting hangs on the wall in mom’s dining room, a reminder of a season of my life when image-bearing took the form of oil painting. My parents weren’t “artsy” themselves, but they found a way to teach me about art and image bearing.

About the author

David West is an ordinary father serving an extraordinary Savior. He is husband to Danette, father of six, deacon at The Cornerstone Bible Church, past chairman of the Sacramento Organization of Parent Educators (scopehome.org), sales manager by vocation, and a lover of books and writing.

Art doesn’t have to be complicated! With flexible unit studies for kindergarten through twelfth grade students, parents can teach one art lesson to the whole family using the Everyday Easels course from SchoolhouseTeachers.com.  You’ll be introduced to a particular piece of art in context of other subjects like Bible, history, geography, science, and writing. Lessons also provide hands-on activities to engage students.