for fine art and private & home school Christian art curriculum
kindergarten through high school
supporting the grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric stages of Classical education
kindergarten through high school
supporting the grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric stages of Classical education
K - 8 Christian Art Curriculum
A TEACHER'S MANUAL
by Diane Shields Spears, Doctor of Christian Education
Teach your children art from a Biblical world view.
GREAT ART IDEAS!
Used by home schools, private schools, Sunday schools, VBS, missionaries
NEW! Spears Art Studio
K-8 Christian Art Curriculum,
A Teacher's Manual© 2008
a major revision of Art for Kings Christian Art Curriculum, a Teacher's Manual ©
• available on CD-Rom in color AND in black and white hard copy
The format of Spears Art Studio K-8 Christian Art Curriculum,
A Teacher's Manual© 2008
consists of a main theme (seasonal and holiday recognition included)
for each instructional week of the school year,
with one or more activities for each grade level based on that main theme,
addressing art elements, art principles, design elements, etc.
• expanded Scripture integration
• color format and color illustrations (on CD-Rom in PDF)
• fuller development of themes
• Scripture connections
• core curriculum connections
• 269 art activities (many new and revised)
• 137 patterns and posters
• 498 instructional pages
• analyzed for National Visual Art Standards and TEKS
(Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)
K-8 Christian Art Curriculum,
A Teacher's Manual© 2008
a major revision of Art for Kings Christian Art Curriculum, a Teacher's Manual ©
• available on CD-Rom in color AND in black and white hard copy
The format of Spears Art Studio K-8 Christian Art Curriculum,
A Teacher's Manual© 2008
consists of a main theme (seasonal and holiday recognition included)
for each instructional week of the school year,
with one or more activities for each grade level based on that main theme,
addressing art elements, art principles, design elements, etc.
• expanded Scripture integration
• color format and color illustrations (on CD-Rom in PDF)
• fuller development of themes
• Scripture connections
• core curriculum connections
• 269 art activities (many new and revised)
• 137 patterns and posters
• 498 instructional pages
• analyzed for National Visual Art Standards and TEKS
(Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)
Testimonials
(re: Art for Kings)
"I am extremely pleased with this curriculum. The Biblical integration is wonderful, and the children love the projects. Thank you!" Jennifer, Jensen Beach, FL
"When I taught elementary art I saw K--5th all in one day. I therefore appreciated the the same themes per week for each grade level because it made it easier on me. I liked the format of the lessons also." Suzanne, Wikom, MI
"I used this curriculum when I was teaching 2nd-8th grade art (I'm now teaching 9th-12th). I found that it is very easy to use, and the lesson on winter trees was loved by all." Priscilla, New Braunfels, TX
"I want everyone teaching elementary art in a Christian setting to know about this curriculum. It is the best I've seen for Christian art education. Thanks" Maria, Boerne, TX
Free art lessons - PDF
ART IS GOOD FOR MY BRAIN? (Researched Article in PDF)
Table of ContentsPDF
OverviewPDF
Grades K-8 theme for December Week #1:
The Name of JesusPDF
Some of the Names and Titles of Jesus PosterPDF
All Grades - Mother and ChildPDF
Grade K - The Name of JesusPDF
Grade 1 - The Name of JesusPDF
Grade 2 - The Hidden Name of JesusPDF
Grade 3 - Mirror Name of JesusPDF
Grade 4 - Butterfly Name of JesusPDF
Grade 5 - ICHTHYSPDF
ICHTHYS Grid PatternPDF
Grade 6 - Descending DovePDF
Grade 7 - Symbols and Titles of JesusPDF
Grade 8 - Morning StarPDF
Morning Star PatternPDF
more free art lessons for K-8
free art lessons for high school
ART IS GOOD FOR MY BRAIN? (Researched Article in PDF)
Table of ContentsPDF
OverviewPDF
Grades K-8 theme for December Week #1:
The Name of JesusPDF
Some of the Names and Titles of Jesus PosterPDF
All Grades - Mother and ChildPDF
Grade K - The Name of JesusPDF
Grade 1 - The Name of JesusPDF
Grade 2 - The Hidden Name of JesusPDF
Grade 3 - Mirror Name of JesusPDF
Grade 4 - Butterfly Name of JesusPDF
Grade 5 - ICHTHYSPDF
ICHTHYS Grid PatternPDF
Grade 6 - Descending DovePDF
Grade 7 - Symbols and Titles of JesusPDF
Grade 8 - Morning StarPDF
Morning Star PatternPDF
more free art lessons for K-8
free art lessons for high school
FAQ's about Spears Art Studio K-8 Christian Art Curriculum,
A Teacher's Manual©
A Teacher's Manual©
Q. What do I use for art images if I can't find the ones listed in the lesson?
A. The art images listed in the lesson are SUGGESTIONS. They are the ones most frequently found in libraries and other resources. If the specific suggestion cannot be found, find another of the same genre that will provide the information needed for the lesson.
Q. What sources other than the library can I use for art images?
A. The internet is a great source. Find the web sites for the National Gallery of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and many others. Many museums have actual art lessons based on their collections that can supplement your program. Museums also sell post cards of well-known images from their collections. The large poster books of famous artists' work are valuable resources found in discount and used book stores.
Q. Does the entire K-8 manual need to be presented in one school year?
A. A resounding NO! The purpose of the manual is to give students experiences that cover a wide range of media and processes. Do not rush through any lesson just to give them an art activity if the quality of study and products will be compromised. The goal is real learning, not just covering material. Even though the curriculum is more-or-less seaonally arranged, you may pick and choose units to fit your core curriculum without loss of art education continuity. Each lesson can always be extended to another session. Always feel free to adapt any program to the needs of your students.
Q. I have all the grades for art. Can I combine grade levels to present one lesson to all so that it cuts down on my preparation time?
A. Many lessons can be presented to more than the designated grade level. The lessons presented in the manual are arranged so that there is a gradual progression of learning. However, many lessons can be adapted to any grade level. Students learn at their own level anyway. Some lessons are more interesting to specific grade levels, as you will discover. If you teach only one or two grades, the recommendation is to adhere to the specific grade level activities. The main goal is to give the information in the theme, the Scripture connection, and then to present the activity that reinforces that information. In this way, the K-8 manual may be used many years without repetition of activities. Repetition of the themes each year reinforces and builds on the learning process, especially in understanding how Scripture connects with the students' lives.
Q. What kind of outside costs for the projects would there be? I know you may not have a specific cost, but we're a small school and we don't have too much in the way of an art budget.
A. The projects for the most part use standard art materials that most art rooms have or students have: white drawing paper, construction paper, pencils, crayons, markers, tempera paint, brushes, glue, etc. Only a very few activities require other material. These can be donated: yarn, sewing notions, paper towel tubes, miscellaneous "stuff", etc.; or substituted: baker's clay for self-hardening clay, etc. Several activities use scraps of paper left over from other projects. There are a few items that must be purchased by the school: Elmer's Glue-All (or request that parents buy it instead of or in addition to school glue), some white and colored poster board, and Sharpie black permanent markers. In the Appendix is a list of materials with special bold-faced items required for the first month.
Q. Can a teacher with minimal art knowledge teach the lessons in this curriculum?
A. A teacher with minimal art experience can use these lessons. One of my purposes for writing the curriculum was to encourage classroom teachers to incorporate art into their schedules, not as a time-filler, but as real support for their core curriculum, for brain development, and for personal enrichment. Many teachers had confessed to me that they felt unqualified to teach art. Therefore, there are many helps for the teacher in the Introduction especially.
Q. Is Preparation time overwhelming?
A. The teacher should not find preparation time to be overwhelming. The same weekly theme for all grades helps, plus a teacher may combine grade levels for one activity and simply adjust the level of difficulty. However, you will find that some activities are more interesting to specific grade levels than to others. Also, some themes may be extended to another week. Always feel free to adjust the curriculum to your needs.
Q. Does the skill level build upon itself from year to year?
A. From year to year, the main weekly themes are repeated, but the activities do increase in skill level as students progress academically. It is helpful to change the Scripture reference from time to time, or if two Scriptures are offered for a theme, use them alternately from year to year. Repetition for K-8 is invaluable. The activities are created with success in mind, but to still be slightly challenging. In any classroom, there is a great variety of skill level, so a teacher may have to encourage some students to practice basic hand coordination skills, such as cutting accurately with scissors.
Q. If it is used K-8, will the students be repeating the same project that's just a little more difficult each year (for instance - like the example on your website) or are the students learning new things each year?
A. Only the weekly theme information is repeated, which a teacher can always vary or abbreviate for students who have heard the info before, or have them tell the teacher the remembered information. The activities are different for each grade level based on that weekly theme with the exception of a few painting projects. Paintings always come out differently as students mature.
Q. Is the curriculum suitable for HOMESCHOOL art education?
A. Definitely, yes. The art lessons and activities may be adjusted to any study schedule to cooperate with the requirements of other studies.
More questions? Contact the author/artist: Dr. Spears spearsartstudio@earthlink.net
A. The art images listed in the lesson are SUGGESTIONS. They are the ones most frequently found in libraries and other resources. If the specific suggestion cannot be found, find another of the same genre that will provide the information needed for the lesson.
Q. What sources other than the library can I use for art images?
A. The internet is a great source. Find the web sites for the National Gallery of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and many others. Many museums have actual art lessons based on their collections that can supplement your program. Museums also sell post cards of well-known images from their collections. The large poster books of famous artists' work are valuable resources found in discount and used book stores.
Q. Does the entire K-8 manual need to be presented in one school year?
A. A resounding NO! The purpose of the manual is to give students experiences that cover a wide range of media and processes. Do not rush through any lesson just to give them an art activity if the quality of study and products will be compromised. The goal is real learning, not just covering material. Even though the curriculum is more-or-less seaonally arranged, you may pick and choose units to fit your core curriculum without loss of art education continuity. Each lesson can always be extended to another session. Always feel free to adapt any program to the needs of your students.
Q. I have all the grades for art. Can I combine grade levels to present one lesson to all so that it cuts down on my preparation time?
A. Many lessons can be presented to more than the designated grade level. The lessons presented in the manual are arranged so that there is a gradual progression of learning. However, many lessons can be adapted to any grade level. Students learn at their own level anyway. Some lessons are more interesting to specific grade levels, as you will discover. If you teach only one or two grades, the recommendation is to adhere to the specific grade level activities. The main goal is to give the information in the theme, the Scripture connection, and then to present the activity that reinforces that information. In this way, the K-8 manual may be used many years without repetition of activities. Repetition of the themes each year reinforces and builds on the learning process, especially in understanding how Scripture connects with the students' lives.
Q. What kind of outside costs for the projects would there be? I know you may not have a specific cost, but we're a small school and we don't have too much in the way of an art budget.
A. The projects for the most part use standard art materials that most art rooms have or students have: white drawing paper, construction paper, pencils, crayons, markers, tempera paint, brushes, glue, etc. Only a very few activities require other material. These can be donated: yarn, sewing notions, paper towel tubes, miscellaneous "stuff", etc.; or substituted: baker's clay for self-hardening clay, etc. Several activities use scraps of paper left over from other projects. There are a few items that must be purchased by the school: Elmer's Glue-All (or request that parents buy it instead of or in addition to school glue), some white and colored poster board, and Sharpie black permanent markers. In the Appendix is a list of materials with special bold-faced items required for the first month.
Q. Can a teacher with minimal art knowledge teach the lessons in this curriculum?
A. A teacher with minimal art experience can use these lessons. One of my purposes for writing the curriculum was to encourage classroom teachers to incorporate art into their schedules, not as a time-filler, but as real support for their core curriculum, for brain development, and for personal enrichment. Many teachers had confessed to me that they felt unqualified to teach art. Therefore, there are many helps for the teacher in the Introduction especially.
Q. Is Preparation time overwhelming?
A. The teacher should not find preparation time to be overwhelming. The same weekly theme for all grades helps, plus a teacher may combine grade levels for one activity and simply adjust the level of difficulty. However, you will find that some activities are more interesting to specific grade levels than to others. Also, some themes may be extended to another week. Always feel free to adjust the curriculum to your needs.
Q. Does the skill level build upon itself from year to year?
A. From year to year, the main weekly themes are repeated, but the activities do increase in skill level as students progress academically. It is helpful to change the Scripture reference from time to time, or if two Scriptures are offered for a theme, use them alternately from year to year. Repetition for K-8 is invaluable. The activities are created with success in mind, but to still be slightly challenging. In any classroom, there is a great variety of skill level, so a teacher may have to encourage some students to practice basic hand coordination skills, such as cutting accurately with scissors.
Q. If it is used K-8, will the students be repeating the same project that's just a little more difficult each year (for instance - like the example on your website) or are the students learning new things each year?
A. Only the weekly theme information is repeated, which a teacher can always vary or abbreviate for students who have heard the info before, or have them tell the teacher the remembered information. The activities are different for each grade level based on that weekly theme with the exception of a few painting projects. Paintings always come out differently as students mature.
Q. Is the curriculum suitable for HOMESCHOOL art education?
A. Definitely, yes. The art lessons and activities may be adjusted to any study schedule to cooperate with the requirements of other studies.
More questions? Contact the author/artist: Dr. Spears spearsartstudio@earthlink.net
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A TEACHER'S MANUAL© CD-Rom in PDF
• full color pages in PDF booklets
$59.95 shipping included
See info below to order Combo specials.
Orders shipped USPS Priority or First Class
To purchase by check or money order, print order form.
To purchase by credit card, click on the PayPal Logo:
A TEACHER'S MANUAL© HARD COPY
• black and white printing only
• same information as the CD-Rom except not in color
• three ring binder
$119.95 shipping included (a cost of $13.33 per grade level for an entire year)
See info below to order Combo specials.
Orders shipped USPS Priority or First Class
To purchase by check or money order, print order form.
To purchase by credit card, click on the PayPal Logo:
COMBO SPECIAL!
One hard copy (black and white) and one CD-Rom in PDF (color)
Leave the heavy hard copy at school and use the CD-Rom for at-home-preparation.
a $179.90 value for $134.95 shipping included
a savings of $34.95
To purchase by check or money order, print order form
To purchase by credit card, click on the PayPal Logo.
One hard copy (black and white) and one CD-Rom in PDF (color)
Leave the heavy hard copy at school and use the CD-Rom for at-home-preparation.
a $179.90 value for $134.95 shipping included
a savings of $34.95
To purchase by check or money order, print order form
To purchase by credit card, click on the PayPal Logo.
COMBO SPECIAL! with the purchase of
• One CD-Rom in PDF:
Spears Art Studio K-8 Christian Art Curriculum, a Teacher's Manual© ($59.95)
and
• One CD-Rom in PDF:
Spears Art Studio High School Art Survey, A Study from a Christian World View© ($39.95) (see survey information):
You will receive FREE one CD-Rom of Beginning Calligraphy Workbook, for grade 5-adult (see workbook information) a $14.95 value FREE
$99.90 shipping included
Orders shipped USPS Priority or First Class
To purchase by check or money order, print order form
To purchase by credit card, click on the PayPal Logo.
• One CD-Rom in PDF:
Spears Art Studio K-8 Christian Art Curriculum, a Teacher's Manual© ($59.95)
and
• One CD-Rom in PDF:
Spears Art Studio High School Art Survey, A Study from a Christian World View© ($39.95) (see survey information):
You will receive FREE one CD-Rom of Beginning Calligraphy Workbook, for grade 5-adult (see workbook information) a $14.95 value FREE
$99.90 shipping included
Orders shipped USPS Priority or First Class
To purchase by check or money order, print order form
To purchase by credit card, click on the PayPal Logo.
email: spearsartstudio@earthlink.net; phone: 830-612-2585