Art in History: Historically Accurate Art Projects for both Right and Left-Brained Learners

I have a left-brained kiddo.  In fact, I have two.  Two kids who see the world in black-and-white, logical terms.  Two kids who approach everything with reason and objectivity.  

In stark contrast, I have two right-brained kids.  Two kids who see the world in color and movement. Two kids who filter all of life through emotion and passion.  

(The verdict is still out on the baby.)

In a home where simple logistics requires much of our learning to be combined, it is often tricky to provide educational activities that incorporate BOTH right and left-brained styles of learning.  

*Disclaimer:  I was given a free Art in History kit for my honest and thorough review.  In addition, I also received monetary compensation for my time.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Your experiences may vary.

While one of my older children likes the left-brained-ness of history, the other one prefers the right-brained-ness of art.  

The simple and logical solution...(Did I mention I am a left-brained thinker too?) is to smoosh the two together!  History (concrete and factual) and art (creative and imaginative).  Art and history.

Enter Art in History!

These FANTASTIC all-in-one craft kits are every harried, homeschool momma's dream! While I'd love to ALWAYS provide hands-on, made-to-order learning, sometimes even my jammed-packed Pinterest boards can't fill in the gaps between the WISH to make history come alive and the REALITY of my limited time, resources, and energy.  

But the truth is, I don't always have to "invent the wheel." I don't always have to create a project from scratch. In fact, after finding Art in History and their all-in-a-box, historically-accurate educational projects, I don't ever have to create another homespun history art project again if I don't want to. ALL my kids can have discovery (left-brained) through creativity (right-brained) by completing any of the kits included in both the World History and US History line of craft projects.

What I like about Art in History Educational Products

Art in History projects provide "jazz hands" to an average history lesson.

The other day, while reading In Search of Troy during our ancient Greece unit, my kids and I came upon some simple illustrations of the urns and drinking vessels created by Grecian and Trojan artisans. While seeing a picture of an artifact in one thing, getting an opportunity to recreate one of your own is another! I don't think my kids will ever forget the style of painting and intricate craftsmanship of these ancient pots after having to imitate them in order to complete the Ancient Greece Drinking Vessel (900-700 BC) project kit.

Art in History projects are BOTH gentle AND expressive. 

My daughter, one of my left-brained thinkers, enjoys the THOUGHT of doing art but sometimes doesn't enjoy actually DOING it.  It is easy for her to become frustrated when her "plan" doesn't transfer to the canvas (or paper, or sculpture, etc) as well as she had hoped.  In other words, art doesn't come naturally to her.  She much prefers its more concrete cousin, craft projects that have set directions and a prescriptive outcome.

My oldest son, on the other hand, loves art and has a natural bent towards creative expression.  

Completing an Art in History project is a great way for my daughter to be gently guided towards a completed piece with the help of a thorough lesson-guide, while my son can be given some basic direction and then set free to create! They are a nice blend of product-oriented crafts and process-orients fine art.

Art in History projects weed out cut-and-paste Twaddle

With limited time to cover all the areas of history that I would like to cover, I don't have time to waste on cut-and-paste history projects that only provide a 2-dimensional view of a 3-demsional subject.  If I feel compelled to invest not only time, but also money into exploring a past era with a hands-on project, I want it to be one that is not only historically accurate but also one that offers a quality experience.  From what I have seen in their growing product line, each of the Art in History kits provide culturally and historically accurate hands-on-learning.

Art in History projects are all-inclusive.

Although we have a sizable amount of art and craft supplies tucked away in nearly every room of our home, often I or my kids have to search in multiple locations to gather all the needed materials.  Even after searching high and low, it is not uncommon for me to have to rush to the store for a missing or sparse supply OR reschedule the entire activity until the next time I happen to be at the craft supply store.  Art in History kits come complete.  I can rest in the fact that a planned activity CAN and WILL happen on the arranged day because everything, including tools, are included inside the kits.

The Nitty-Gritty of Art in History Ancient Greece Drinking Vessel

The kit includes the following:

• replica
• paint brush
• sponge
• disposable paint pallets with historically accurate acrylic craft paint
• paint
• free lesson DOWNLOAD

The free lesson DOWNLOAD includes:

• the history of the drinking vessel
• a brief history of Ancient Greece
• a full-color map of Greece
• step-by-step completion instructions
• sample design patterns

Additional information

• Each Art in History craft kits retails for $9.95 plus shipping.
• Bulk order discounts are available for orders of 18+ per kit.  (These would be great for a co-op project!)
• The lessons and kits are designed for 3rd-12th grade students. 
• The craft paints can be purchased separately and are child-safe, have no odor, are non-toxic, and conform to ASTM D-4236 safety standards. All acrylic paints are conveniently packaged in 2 oz. bottles and can be used on bisque, wood, metal, plastic, and other general craft projects.

Want to learn more about Art in History?

For more information about these unique history kits, be sure to visit Art in History on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or YouTube.