Art.

Baby Einstein's got nothing on you, Mama.

Do you ever share art with your children?

I like to casually point out things as we see them, talk about things as we see them, introduce my kids to (my own) wonder and amazement in created art- the giftedness of the artist, the subtle things it can communicate, and ultimately pointing to the work of the Great Artist Himself, in nature, human beings.

Until now, I've never said, "Girls, let's sit down and look at art". But yesterday, we did all huddle together at lesson time for a leisurely stroll through this book- an excellent, huge book on Impressionism (a personal favorite), which is full of beautiful photographs of paintings and sketches that have endured time and culture, and also has a wealth of history on said topic. (And on an aside- I found it, in new condition, at a consignment shop for $1.99. I know. A steal.
Another aside- don't forget the incredible resource of your local library, should you ever want to explore genres of art for yourself.)
You will be amazed at what you find. I was surprised at what the girls noticed, what impressions a scene left on them- first impressions, and then after we'd explored it for a while. Like, yesterday we were looking at a Manet.


Not this Manet! Ha! (Aside- prescreen pages before turning to them. Nudes and war scenes will be more appropriate in time, but, whew! Not for a preschooler! The girls were confused as to my habit of "skipping" pages!)


No, this Manet. Grace instantly noticed the puppy on the woman's lap. I'd never noticed it before. Kids have a magnetic knack for finding the animals in paintings. They see little smudgy impressionist ducks and cats that I never, ever notice.There is no exactness to this at all. Just sit with a beautiful book and take your time, through 5-10 paintings (that's probably the limit for your young child's mind. They will love this, but after thinking through too many, they will get overstimulated).


Stop on a painting. Let them look a bit. Ask them what they think about it. Ask, "What do you see?" , "What is happening?", "Who are these people?" , "What are they thinking?", "How do they feel?" , "How does this picture make you feel?" , "What do you like most about it?". "Isn't it amazing that someone made this with paints and brushes?" Take time and ask questions slowly, let their thoughts direct the conversation. You don't have to try to sound smart. But you may be surprised at the depth of your children's impressions and answers, and the observations they make that you may have never entertained.