So, where do we begin?
I'm starting to hear back from some of you, which is absolutely wonderful! I want to encourage everyone as much as I can. During my first month blogging I think I've made my point thus far as to the importance of why we should integrate the arts into our curriculums; the remaining question is how? How do I start? Where do I begin?
It's a little different trying to adapt the same creative dramatics/theatre arts lesson plans that I use in a classroom to fit our children in our home. With music appreciation it seems much easier, and I plan to continue with the "composer of the week" ideas (although it might end up being every other week!). If you can only add one arts-related course this year, I would recommend adding music appreciation, based on the research done on the "Mozart effect." If possible, add in some group or private music instruction as well.
Art instruction, the basics of drawing, and art history don't have to be difficult to add, and there are many wonderful programs already available in different homeschooling catalogs.
Drama is a bit trickier. It works best with a group of kids, I think, although there are many activities that can be done at home. My boys have always enjoyed reading Shakespeare aloud with me, either one-on-one or with one or two others. I really enjoyed it, too, and this is the easiest way I know to begin to add drama into your homeschool curriculum. If you google the play first, you'll sound like an expert to your kids! Integrate Shakespeare into your history or English curriculum, and allow at least two weeks to read the play through. Introduce the basic plot and major themes on Day 1, and plan to watch the movie on Day 10. Make sure to have a lot of popcorn on hand, too!
Just like the "composer of the week" and creative dramatics games, I'd love to choose a few Shakespeare plays and discuss them thoroughly! I think it will help me organize my own lesson plans during the year, and will help keep me "on track" (read: keep me from falling too far behind!). I spend most of my summers planning out the next school year, so having a "plan" for integrating the arts will keep me from always pushing them to the side in favor of the more "important" academic subjects, like so often happened to me in the past.
So, just one month into all this blogging stuff, I am so excited! What about you? What are you planning? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at hschoolthespian@aol.com.
It's a little different trying to adapt the same creative dramatics/theatre arts lesson plans that I use in a classroom to fit our children in our home. With music appreciation it seems much easier, and I plan to continue with the "composer of the week" ideas (although it might end up being every other week!
Art instruction, the basics of drawing, and art history don't have to be difficult to add, and there are many wonderful programs already available in different homeschooling catalogs.
Drama is a bit trickier. It works best with a group of kids, I think, although there are many activities that can be done at home. My boys have always enjoyed reading Shakespeare aloud with me, either one-on-one or with one or two others. I really enjoyed it, too, and this is the easiest way I know to begin to add drama into your homeschool curriculum. If you google the play first, you'll sound like an expert to your kids! Integrate Shakespeare into your history or English curriculum, and allow at least two weeks to read the play through. Introduce the basic plot and major themes on Day 1, and plan to watch the movie on Day 10. Make sure to have a lot of popcorn on hand, too!
Just like the "composer of the week" and creative dramatics games, I'd love to choose a few Shakespeare plays and discuss them thoroughly! I think it will help me organize my own lesson plans during the year, and will help keep me "on track" (read: keep me from falling too far behind!). I spend most of my summers planning out the next school year, so having a "plan" for integrating the arts will keep me from always pushing them to the side in favor of the more "important" academic subjects, like so often happened to me in the past.
So, just one month into all this blogging stuff, I am so excited! What about you? What are you planning? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at hschoolthespian@aol.com.
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Love,
Heather - Doodle Acres