Art is often an overlooked subject for many homeschool families. With basic subjects, such as Math, Reading and Language Arts taking a large chunk of homeschool time, many homeschool students wish there was more time for art. Summer is the perfect time to explore an art curriculum with your homeschooler, and there are many options for you to embrace.

If you are fortunate to live in an area with a summer art camp you can look into the camps and classes they may offer. Many camps are offered for half or full days, and they include a comprehensive program and lots of hands on fun. The benefit of using a program like this is that all of the needed materials are at your child's disposal, and there is nothing to prepare or clean up on your part. Check with your local museums to see if they offer a summer camp. Enrichment centers are also a great option. For example, Spark Family Enrichment Center here in Winter Springs, FL offers a fantastic and award winning Art Camp. The camp they offer has been recognized by Nickelodeon as a best summer camp winner. The choices include Mixed Media, Ancient Art and more. Check them out at www.sparkec.net.

Online art programs are another option for those of you not near an enrichment facility or museum. Arts Attack is an online curriculum that offers a comprehensive Art program. It is an art curriculum that is video and dvd based. The program provides for not only the classroom teacher, but also art specialists and parents. Arts Attack is designed to meet the needs of any teacher with either little background in art, or art experience, to be able to inspire their students. The program offers hands on and developmental lessons for every grade from Kindergarten through eighth. A teacher's manual as well as seven to eight hours of video instruction is included in the program also.
Ten large art prints are offered for each grade level that supplement art appreciation and explore various artists. Many principles of art are offered such as art history and drawing. Interactive art training is available for one and a half hours a week for teaching art. The training program is sequential in that it builds on previous skills learned.

There is also an Art Connection Series for grades Kindergarten through grade six that offers four lessons which relate to other subjects such as science, history and literature. It can be purchased in a complete series or for each grade level. A sample DVD can be accessed to educate yourself about the scope and sequence of the program. A special offer for a free dvd with three lessons is also available. You can check them out at www.artsattack.com.

Younger children will enjoy arts and crafts programs offered at either your local library or craft store, like Jo Ann's. Many of these programs are also free or very inexpensive. You can also purchase arts and crafts sets and materials and have an at home art camp. Here are some awesome resources to have an "Artastic" summer: