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gracie4309
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| Posted: July 24 2007 at 11:46am | IP Logged
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I'm really bad at putting together art lessons ( and can't afford formal ones) for my kids. I just never get to it on top of everything else. I've been considering ordering CHC's artpacs. They're affordable, and might at least be good for filling in once in a while. Has anyone used any of these? I'm wondering if they are worth the money.
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Grace (wife to Jim, mom of Nick-16, Mary-13, Sam-8, Paul-5, and Patrick-5)
How Sweet The Sound
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CatholicMommy
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| Posted: July 24 2007 at 1:35pm | IP Logged
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I have the youngest version.
They are not entirely what I expected, but functional. It's quite similar to something in use in an art class at public school, which has its good and bad parts. Do you have any specific questions? Or what type of program are you looking for?
Here's some general information:
The focus in the teacher section is to focus on the process, not necessarily the product (careful coloring and cutting, rather than hurry up and get it done).
The supplies are pretty basic at this level (crayons, pens, gold foil stars, scissors, glue, construction paper, other basic art supplies).
There are 36 lessons with materils needed, purpose and instructions. Most of the lessons are pretty specific - so it's less of "free creativity" and more of a guided "how to" to develop specific skills.
It comes with all 'art sheets' usually one for each lesson. This includes coloring pages, other coloring activities (ie paint/color by number), masters for cutouts, outlines for people figures, etc. Some pieces are on colored paper and/or cardstock, most are on regular white printing paper.
It allows up to 10 copies for incidental use (a child messes up and needs a new copy, for example); it also recommends having an extra on hand for the adult to make the items along with the children as well as an extra for the incidental copying, and one for EACH child.
I would say it is very easy to do - could easily be added onto, but for some families serves as a useful guide. Other families may not need something 'so basic' - and I think we are borderline.
I personally adapt it, allowing a lesson to be done several times over if need be, adjusting/changing it over time. Of course, I (and most of us?) rarely stick to the few 'guides' in use, adjusting as needed. It IS nice to have a backbone though. So in our house, once the 'skill' is covered, I allow it to become free creativity and I think that's the point anyway. Also, we generally use colored pencils rather than crayons for the activities.
I think it was worth it for this past year's purposes in our family (getting me focused on doing art-type stuff just for the sake of doing art), and I am considering purchasing the next one to see what it's like, especially at their price!
ETA: I've just reviewed the contents of the upper levels, based on what I know of the details in the youngest level. The focus seems to be on 2-dimensional drawing, without any work with sculpture and other forms of art. They also include calligraphy at one of the upper levels - I may purchase this one next to see if it's any good, but that will be a few months down the road.
Still, for $5.50 each, they do seem like good guides to drawing skills, which is exactly what they claim to be...
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gracie4309
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| Posted: July 24 2007 at 2:04pm | IP Logged
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Thanks, CatholicMommy, for all the info! It sounds like it would be a good start for us, as you said, to get focused on doing art activities. I'm glad to know we can make some copies, esp. since I have two 6yr olds. Sounds like something my kids would enjoy, too.
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Grace (wife to Jim, mom of Nick-16, Mary-13, Sam-8, Paul-5, and Patrick-5)
How Sweet The Sound
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missionfamily
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| Posted: July 25 2007 at 10:32am | IP Logged
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I just ordered these for next year and I am happy with them. My problem is I tend to get so excited I think up something way bigger than we can accomplish then get frustrated. These lessons will keep me focused and then we can spice them up as we like.
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Colleen
dh Greg
mom to Quinn,Gabriel, Brendan,Evan, Kolbe, and sweet St. Bryce
Footprints on the Fridge
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: CHC Artpacs?
