Concordia University put together a series of free art appreciation lessons. Though the lessons are no longer offered at their site, the archived version is available. We covered the Grade 1 and Grade 2 lessons some time ago. Recently we tackled the Grade 3 lessons. Next up, Grade 4.
Table of Contents
Using the Resource
We don’t have to worry ourselves about “grade level.” Art has a way of crossing all age barriers. Just enjoy these well-written activities with the entire family. Use them as a jumping-off point for discovering more work by the artist.
Each level includes 10 lessons that correspond to the months September through June (but can very easily be adjusted to fit your own schedule).
Each lesson includes background on the artist, information about the work, directed observation, activities, and recommended literature that would go well with the picture study.
Just a reminder, the background information is intended for the instructor. You’ll want to preview before you decide to pass it along to your student.
If you are looking for more, take an idea from these 8 ways to easily teach art appreciation.
Update: This resource is no longer available, so we are linking to an archived version.
Free Resource
Selected Works
John James Audubon
Audubon: A Unit Study
Our own unit with extensive resources.
Free History Studies: John James Audubon
More from our free history studies.
William Morris
Free William Morris Designs, Patterns, and Flowers
Sir Edwin Henry Landseer
Edmonia Wildfire Lewis
Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel
Sketches, Drawings, and Paintings
Rosa Bonheur
Spanish Muleteers Crossing the Pyrenees
Edgar Degas
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci: A Unit Study
Our own unit includes works and many resources.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette
George Seurat
Additional Resources
Discovering Great Artists
by Kohl and Solga
Winner of a Practical Homeschooling Reader Award, contains over 150 hands-on activities based on the styles of great artists. Includes da Vinci, Audubon, Degas, Renoir, and Seurat. Read our full review.
Artist Notebooking Set
Simple pages for documenting the artist and works.
Art Index
All of our at resources in one place!
Keep Reading
What to Draw and How to Draw It ~ Free eBook
Written especially for children, What to Draw and How to Draw It makes a great first drawing book.
Monthly Art Appreciation Lessons Free ~ Part 5
Free monthly art appreciation lessons September through June plus resources.
Activity: Observe a Painting
Narrating paintings is another tool that can be used to develop a student’s writing skills.