7 Ways to Spark Creativity in your Kids {Even if you’re not Artistic}
If you’ve been homeschooling for years the way I have, chances are you’ve encountered subjects you either didn’t enjoy teaching or didn’t feel qualified to teach. Art is one of those things in our family. I have always wanted to encourage my daughters’ creativity even though my own art skills are a bit lacking.
Thankfully, homeschooling offers the freedom to seek out whatever resources you need in whatever way works best for your family!
I’ve found ways to encourage interest in art and creativity without having to be an expert myself. I want to share those ideas to help you now, along with a resource for art lessons for kids and teens that we really enjoy: Sparketh. With its diverse course offerings, expert guidance, and flexible learning options, Sparketh art classes empower you to unleash your creativity and embark on a fulfilling artistic journey.
7 Ways to Ignite Creative Sparks in Your Children
Let’s face it – not everyone who is teaching their children is the artistic type. Myself included! I have great intentions, but my projects don’t always come out the way I planned. Most parents want to see their children get creative and try out various art mediums because you just never know what talents they may have hiding in there. This list is meant to help you get their creative juices flowing as you introduce new things to them, and help encourage not only them, but you, too, as you see those talents develop. Get ready to spark that creativity!
1. Take them to museums –
And I don’t just mean children’s museums. I mean Fine Art museums. Many of them have programs already lined up to help you and are prepared for children to come there. If it feels intimidating to you to take your little ones there, try to step out of that, and go for it. When you get there, ask someone before you start the tour and you will be surprised the things they have for your kids. It will encourage them and inspire them when they see these famous works of art in person!
2. Use online tutorials –
It doesn’t have to be all on you to teach them! There are online resources that are bound to spark creativity and take some of the pressure off of you as the homeschool teacher.
One of our favorite sources for online art lessons is Sparketh. Sparketh isn’t just another run-of-the-mill online course provider. It’s a platform designed specifically for young artists, catering to children and teenagers looking to hone their artistic skills. Whether you’re a budding painter, a digital art enthusiast, or someone who simply loves to doodle, Sparketh art classes have something for everyone.
Why we love Sparketh online art classes for kids:
A Diverse Range of Art Classes
One of the standout features of Sparketh is its extensive selection of art classes. From drawing and painting to digital art, photography, and even animation, Sparketh offers a comprehensive curriculum that allows you to explore various artistic mediums and techniques. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience, there’s a course suitable for your skill level. There are art classes that are appropriate for ages 6-18, beginner to advanced, and between 10-90 minutes long.
Learn at Your Own Pace
One of the primary advantages of taking online art classes from Sparketh is the flexibility it offers. You can learn at your own pace, which is especially important for young learners with busy schedules. There’s no rush, no deadlines – you have the freedom to revisit lessons and practice as much as you need to.
Expert Guidance
Sparketh’s art classes are crafted by experienced artists and educators who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. These instructors guide you through each lesson, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and insights to help you grow as an artist. You’ll gain valuable insights into techniques, styles, and creative processes.
An Engaging Learning Experience
Sparketh understands that learning art should be fun and engaging. Their video-based lessons are designed to captivate young minds, making learning enjoyable and inspiring. The platform encourages experimentation, creativity, and self-expression, fostering a positive learning environment. If you take a relaxed approach and enjoy delight-directed learning the way we do, Sparketh offers many interest-led choices. For instance, my daughters love horses so they were excited about the Draw a Horse lesson.
Access Anywhere, Anytime
With Sparketh, the art studio is wherever you are. All you need is an internet connection and a device, and you can access your art classes from the comfort of your home or while on the go. This accessibility is a game-changer, allowing you to fit art into your schedule seamlessly.
Community and Support
Art is more than just technique; it’s about sharing your creations and ideas with others. Sparketh fosters a community of young artists, providing a platform to share your work in the online gallery. It’s an excellent way to build confidence and grow as an artist.
3. Give them a space to be creative –
If you are always doing your art together at the kitchen table and have to immediately clean it up, or hurry through it, this is not very conducive to being creative. Find them a nook in their room or another part of the house where things can be left out or hung up, for finishing later. When they know it doesn’t always have to be finished that day, right then, they will not be discouraged as easily.
4. Get a good variety of nice art supplies –
You never know what medium they will have a talent for unless they are able to try it. Some people are great at drawing, some at painting. And it does take practice and patience too. Not everyone will be good at it right away, but if your child shows a fondness for a certain medium, I would encourage it and let them keep at it because it may develop eventually into something amazing. Two of my daughters enjoy drawing and watercolor painting, while the other prefers modeling clay.
5. Take them to local art shows –
Seeing other people’s work, especially other children’s art, can really leave an impact, and more so than a museum where they won’t actually meet the artist. They will get a chance to talk to the artists if they want to, ask questions and see a huge variety of artwork in many types that will broaden their scope of what “art” really is.
6. Make the assignments you give them worthwhile and challenging –
Let it be something they work for, and something that has purpose if possible. They will appreciate the piece when they are done so much more than if it’s just “art” for the sake of saying they completed art. Sparketh art classes are a great way to do that for kids and teens!
7. Use and appreciate their creations –
Especially for the ones you know they put their heart and soul into, hang them up in your house. Frame them, utilize them or even donate them if they are a usable item. This will leave an impact on them that will last their whole lives and they will remember that you did that. My oldest daughter participated in a few local art shows at the library. A patron actually offered to buy one of her watercolor paintings! That was really a thrill, even though she didn’t want to sell her art at the time.
Whether you love art or just want to make a more intentional effort to include it in your homeschool, I highly recommend taking a look at all the cool online art classes available from Sparketh to get your creativity going!
How do you encourage creativity in your homeschool?
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Absolutely wonderful advice. I am quite crafty and we are currently in the midst of a 100 days of art challenge. I keep assuring all of my friends that even if they are not they can still add arts and crafts to their day. I totally agree that there are so many wonderful tutorials and blog sites out there that give great step by step instructions.
Wow, I love the idea of the 100 day challenge. That’s great! I’m always impressed by the things my daughters come up with on their own when I just turn them loose to create. 🙂 Even when I feel out of creative motivation, they always have fun.
Thanks for stopping by!