Art in Story: Teaching Art History to Elementary School Children

We are a homeschooling family and this book has been an absolute treasure for our learning adventures. Saccardi's book shares information on the history of art during each time period, stories about the artists, suggestions for famous works of that artist to show, journaling exercises and recommended art projects done in the method or similar style of the artist you are studying. We've used this book along with our history. When we started with ancient history and nomads we studied cave paintings and drew chalk pictures on brown grocery sacks. When we reached the Middle Ages we found a kit to help us do illumination. When we reached American history we painted historical scenes on large sheets of tagboard in effort to paint like Benjamin West. I'm very careful about money spent on materials and this book is one I've never regretted buying. I'm so glad to see it in print again so others can discover it! -Jeanne

This is one of the only books I've seen that approaches teaching art in a holistic, content-rich manner. The author has compiled a wonderful set of resources. Each section begins with a brief overview of the period or style being discussed....very helpful refresher. This is followed by a story about the artist that really captures the kids' attention. There is no need for extensive research on your own, the author has done it for you. She provided extensive lists of resources for each topic, along with a brief comment about each. I am a National Board Certified Teacher, with experience and think this book is one of the best finds ever, a must-have resource for art teachers!

This book has been a lifesaver for my art classes. The students love for me to read the stories as they are working on their art project! Which keeps them very quiet!! Never before have I seen so many great stories of so many great artist all in one book! Any art teacher will love it!!

Has your school district cut back on the arts. This book will help you intergrate art into social studies and Langauge Arts. In addition to the excelent lessons, the format is easily adaptable to author/illustrators.

This book is a marvelous resource for all teachers, but especially art teachers. The author has researched art from all times and places and then written stories that will delight children as they draw them into other worlds through art. The bibliographies alone are worth the price of the book.