Thanks, I'm trying to cover the biggest and most influential writers and inventors as we go through history. There are so many that it becomes overwhelming to parse it down. We are just finishing STOW 3. I think I would have to put Thomas Jefferson - Declaration of Independance down as one of the most influential American writers. I would not have put him down before STOW 3. Most of the American Writers I can think of are 1800s to 1900s, maybe they didn't have time to write while they were building a country.

I would like to know what you consider to be the most Influential 5 Most influential British Authors 5 Most influential American Authors 5 Most influential Inventors

Bible a Shakespeare Play probably MacBeth The Hobbit Dickens A Christmas Carole Chronicles of Narnia

I think it comes down to depth/breath and desire for creativity and experiences. You can compare it to knowing the US Presidents. If you know their names, parties and years in office you have a broad knowledge. If you dive in and read biographies and visit their homes and study the issues of their day you begin to understand their choices and place in history. If your child wants to be an artist they will gravitate to one or seveal mediums. Art takes time and inspiration. I think the best thing you can do is provide time and materials and basic instruction and then let them create. Creating and art doesn't happen on a schedule. Learning about Art can be scheduled. I would start at the library. :001_smile:

:iagree:

I've had the same dilemma with an eight year old boy. We live in the Kansas City area. They have a great resource library at the Nelson - Atkins Museum of Art for art and history teachers. The museum has two people on staff that spent time with me an a few HS moms explaining their free resources. It is wonderful to work with them. I coordinated several of our history and art projects. Last September our small HS group checked out the Arch Dig module from the Art Museum. It was really fun for all ages. That would have been a great art project for STOW 1. They have art hands-on, theory and history books, DVDs and posters of artists from many different time periods and styles. I got some of my best ideas from their catalog of elementary art classes. These classes were easy to implement. One idea was an animal scavenger hunt. Look for animals in paintings and sculptures in the museums. I find history and faith are important components in understanding historical and comtemporary art. Art is a statement by the artist about themselves, their God and the society the he/she lives in. It is difficult to separate these ideas and understand art. Also, we started using Draw Write Now in the penmanship portion of our school day. The Art Instructor told me that not all art requires fine motor skills and drawing. You can make paper with screens, old blender, old newspaper, food coloring, twigs and flowers from natures hikes. Hobby Lobby has introductory water color and oil painting books also.

One more question, how do I save your reply in a folder so I don't lose it? :confused:

It is the 2nd one, thanks!

No, that isn't the one. That one looks really fun, I'll keep it in mind.

Last month I saw a posting for an elementary chemistry curriculum. Since then I haven't been able to find the text name by searching past posts or "googling" for it. I think it was Kids Love Chemistry written by a Homeschool Mom - Scientist in Texas. Does any one know what curriculum I'm referring to?