What Do You See? A Child’s Introduction to Art, Volumes 1-3

Name: What Do You See? A Child’s Introduction to Art, Volumes 1-3
Brand: Trivium Pursuit

by Trivium Pursuit

ArtGrades Pre-K–7

About This Curriculum

A gentle and easy introduction to art appreciation that teaches children to look at art and evaluate it while sparking a love for great works of art.

What makes it unique: Uses oral questioning rather than written work to make art learning enjoyable; introduces one elementary art principle per volume

What Do You See?: Classical Art Appreciation Through Focused Visual Analysis

What Do You See? A Child's Introduction to Art, Volumes 1-3 is a classical art curriculum that teaches art appreciation through guided discussion of masterworks. Each volume focuses on one specific art principle (center of interest, primary colors, light source) with ten paintings and structured questions for family-based learning.

Best for

Homeschooling families with children ages 4-12 who want to develop art appreciation skills through classical education methods and guided family discussions

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 3 neutral

Structured Vs OpenStrength

The curriculum balances structured learning of specific art principles with open-ended discussion questions that encourage personal interpretation.

Each volume teaches one key principle through focused questions, but also includes open-ended questions like 'Tell me a story about the two people in this painting'

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum introduces specific art vocabulary through its focus on principles like center of interest, primary colors, and light source.

Each volume emphasizes key art terms and concepts, with Volume 1 teaching 'center of interest,' Volume 2 covering 'primary colors,' and Volume 3 focusing on 'source of light'

Technique InstructionConcern

The curriculum does not provide hands-on technique instruction, focusing instead on visual analysis and appreciation of existing artworks.

The review describes guided discussion questions about paintings but mentions no instruction in drawing, painting, or other art-making techniques

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes suggested responses for questions requiring specific answers, providing some guidance for parents without art backgrounds.

Review states 'Suggested responses are provided for each painting, but only for questions where you are looking for a particular answer'

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides structured questions and suggested responses to facilitate guided discussion, though it relies on parent-led instruction rather than teacher demonstration.

Review notes that 'suggested responses are provided for each painting' and describes 'a series of questions for guided discussion,' indicating structured instructional support

Art History KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum includes exposure to masterworks by recognized artists like John Singer Sargent, though the depth of historical context is unclear.

Review mentions studying paintings by established artists like John Singer Sargent, suggesting exposure to quality artworks from art history

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com