Artistic Pursuits - Easy and fun!

by Tristan
(Ohio)

We used Artistic Pursuits K-3 Book One (Comb Bound) from August 2009 - present.

Likes: We've been using this with my 4 oldest children ages 8 down to almost 2. I love that while I can give an art history lesson about a painting(one is included in each lesson) and it provides some discussion questions, it is short enough all my kids can sit through it happily.

I like that each lesson has a project to do, and at the top of each lesson is a material group number. This leads you to a handy page at the beginning of the book that has you gather four groups of materials. We made 4 boxes (groups) before beginning the curriculum. When lesson time comes there is no searching all over for materials, just grab the right box and go.

My kids are learning to create their own art, not just try to copy what the painting of the week is.

I also like that this is nonconsumable.

Dislikes: I wish this curriculum was not so expensive (just over $40.00) per level.

Fun Program for Children

by Amanda
(Dallas, Texas, USA)

We used level 1 from 2008/09 and 2009/current.

Likes: I really like how this program uses media I would not have picked for my younger children. They will use watercolor crayons, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoal pencils and clay. This is so much more fun for my kids than just crayons and markers! I also really like how each lesson focuses on a particular piece of fine art as part of the instruction.

Dislikes: I think the only improvement could be to make the pictures of the art larger, perhaps in a 5x7 postcard format separate from the book, and an actual spiral binding rather than the comb binding. For the price of the book, I expect better binding.

Will Use Again and Again!

by Tina
(Frankfort, KY, USA)

Levels Used: Grades 4-6, Book One The Elements of Art and Composition
Dates Used:School Year 2009-2010

Likes: This is a wonderful art curriculum that we are currently using this year. The lessons are divided into a very easy to use format. I have found that the lessons are encouraging to students at any skill level.

The artists and artwork that have been selected compliment the lessons and give the student great visual instruction on each element of art. The assignments give the student a perfect framework and yet allow a lot of creativity and choice. The skills that are taught build on one another from the very first lesson. The extra materials needed are very simple and easy to find.

Dislikes: I have no dislikes of this product and will use it again and use the different levels.