Enjoying Art Together

ArtGrades 1–8

About This Curriculum

<cite index="32-1,32-2">A gentle art appreciation curriculum that introduces children to a wide range of paintings while encouraging them to look deeper into the content of the art</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="1-3,14-9">Charlotte Mason methodology with gentle picture study approach using high-quality art prints and discussion questions</cite>

Enjoying Art Together: Charlotte Mason Art Appreciation Through Discussion

Enjoying Art Together is a Charlotte Mason-based art appreciation curriculum that uses 20 high-quality art prints to encourage observation and discussion. The program focuses on introducing children to diverse artists and styles through gentle conversation rather than formal instruction.

Best for

Families using Charlotte Mason methodology who prioritize art appreciation and gentle learning over formal art instruction, particularly those seeking to introduce diverse artistic styles to elementary students

Evaluation Criteria

4 concerns · 2 neutral

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum explicitly avoids direct instruction, following Charlotte Mason methodology of natural learning through observation.

The guide suggests posting prints prominently for study with 'nothing to memorize' and encourages open discussion rather than structured teaching

Structured Vs OpenConcern

The curriculum heavily emphasizes open discussion and observation with minimal structured components beyond the provided discussion questions.

The approach encourages discussion through 'leading questions' and general activity suggestions, but lacks formal lesson structure or skill-building activities

Vocabulary BuildingConcern

The curriculum does not appear to explicitly teach art vocabulary or terminology.

The review mentions discussion questions about content ('What are the people doing?') but does not reference instruction in art-specific vocabulary or terminology

Technique InstructionConcern

The curriculum does not provide structured instruction in art techniques, focusing instead on art appreciation through observation and discussion.

The reviewer notes there is 'nothing to memorize' and the approach encourages discussion and observation rather than teaching artistic skills or techniques

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides basic support for parents through discussion questions and general activity suggestions in the teacher's guide.

Includes a teacher's guide with 'leading questions' that help parents 'who haven't a clue how to begin a discussion regarding a work of art' and general suggestions for activities

Art History KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum includes basic information about artists and historical context, though this knowledge is provided informally through brief descriptions on print backs.

Each print includes 'basic information about the print' and contextual suggestions like finding Tahiti on a globe when studying Gauguin's work, representing 19 different artists across various styles

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com