All though elementary and middle school, I was a pretty easy-going homeschool mama. I learned to be flexible in my planning and scheduling, and I put together really fun units and courses for my kiddo. I thought I had it all down.
And then high school came near, like a dark cloud looming on the horizon.
Insecurities hit hard and fast. We can’t keep going like we are! It’s fine for middle school to be fun, but high school? That’s when it all gets real, right?
When you were a child, did you ever decide to try to run away and have an adventure? Did you dream of making it on your own, hitting it big, or living off the land?
Those of us who tried it were generally back by the time we got hungry, but there always remains just that little bit of “what if?” What would that adventure be like? My Side of the Mountain (Puffin Modern Classics) fulfills that urge, and more. This classic story has it all: beautiful writing, a main character you can grow to love, an engaging plot, and tons of learning opportunities!
I once spoke with a high school teacher who asked me how she could make the Renaissance interesting for her kids. I totally understand this, especially since so many teachers are assigned to teach subjects that are outside their wheelhouse. I know how hard that is!
At the time though, the only thought that went through my head was, “How do you make it boring? It’s the Renaissance!” This is the world that Raphael was born into: a world of cities just starting to really grow, of political intrigue and theological awakening.
Growing up, I was always frustrated with my art classes…I could never get my pieces to look like my teacher said they “should.” Sometime around junior high, I somehow decided that I’m just not good at art and stopped taking classes.
It wasn’t until I started homeschooling my son that I found out just how much fun art studies can be! One of the best ways to really get a feel for art and its place in history, in culture, is to study the artist behind the works. Today’s artist is one of my favorites, Jan van Eyck!
Last week, I promised you free resources and ideas for teaching the arts. Here’s the first one!
