Best Homeschool Art Curriculum for Preschool and Kindergarten

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Introducing art to young children is a wonderful way to foster creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression. Although a formal curriculum isn’t always necessary for learning art – especially when it comes to young kids – many homeschoolers enjoy using a gently-structured art program to gradually introduce their little ones to various art concepts. There are a lot of great resources for doing this. In this article I’ll tell you about some of my favorite art curriculums, workbooks, and resources for young kids. Some of these can be used with older siblings who may be needing a more formal curriculum. All of them will help keep little hands busy during the school day. And no matter what, don’t forget to give your little one plenty of unstructured, free time with different art materials! My top picks are listed here – scroll down to read more about each one! Also, don’t miss my recommendations on art supplies at the end of this article!

Artistic Pursuits by Brenda Ellis

Artistic Pursuits offers a structured homeschool art curriculum designed for young learners. Their Early Elementary series introduces children to drawing, painting, and sculpting while incorporating art history and appreciation. The books include step-by-step lessons and hands-on projects, making it an excellent choice for parents who want a well-rounded art education for their child. 

Although Artistic Pursuits offers a newer line of curriculum books (which are great for elementary kids!), I recommend Book 1 of the older classic series for preschool kids. This is a gentle, easy-to-follow guide for use with the youngest kids. The lessons are simple, can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, and teach different concepts using various art modalities. 

The following art supplies will be needed for this course:

  • 2 ebony pencils
  • vinyl eraser
  • soft pastels (set of 12)
  • oil pastels
  • drawing paper pad
  • Caran d’ache Neocolor II Water soluble watercolor crayons
  • round watercolor brush (size 8)
  • Canson XL watercolor paper pad
  • construction paper (heavyweight, assorted colors)
  • tissue paper (assorted colors)
  • scissors
  • 5 lb. grey self-hardening clay

The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas by Fiona Watt

The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas is an excellent resource for homeschool families looking to inspire creativity in young children. This beautifully illustrated book introduces a wide variety of art techniques and projects, making it perfect for preschool and early elementary students. The book encourages children to explore different materials and styles without pressure, allowing them to enjoy the process of creating rather than focusing on perfect results. With vibrant illustrations and clear instructions, it makes art accessible even for parents who may not feel artistically inclined themselves.

One of the standout features of this book is its open-ended approach. While the projects provide step-by-step guidance, they are designed to spark imagination rather than demand strict adherence to instructions. Children can follow the examples or use them as a jumping-off point for their own creative ideas. The projects cover everything from painting with watercolors and acrylics to drawing with pencils and pastels, along with fun techniques like printmaking and collage. This variety allows children to experiment with different mediums and discover what they enjoy most.

The book works well for a wide age range, making it a versatile addition to any homeschool. Younger children can try simple projects with some parent guidance, while older children can tackle more advanced techniques independently. Because the book focuses on techniques rather than rigid lesson plans, it naturally encourages child-led learning. Parents can use the book to set up a regular art routine by choosing one project each week or simply pulling ideas as inspiration strikes.

With its combination of clear instruction and creative freedom, the Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the joy of making art. Whether you’re looking for a structured art plan or a gentle way to weave creativity into your homeschool, this book provides endless inspiration for hands-on exploration.

Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes

Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes is a beloved art resource that has helped countless children learn to draw with confidence. While the book is often recommended for older children, it can also be a valuable tool for homeschooling preschoolers. With its gentle, step-by-step approach, the book teaches that drawing is a skill that anyone can learn — not just something reserved for naturally artistic children. For homeschool families, this makes it an excellent way to introduce young learners to art in a structured yet encouraging way.

At its core, Drawing with Children is based on the idea that drawing is a learnable language, much like reading or writing. The book breaks down drawing into simple shapes and lines, making the process less intimidating for children. While preschoolers may not be ready for the full lessons, parents can easily adapt the book’s methods to fit their child’s developmental level. Early activities can focus on recognizing and drawing basic shapes like circles, lines, and curves, laying a foundation for more advanced skills later on. This approach helps children feel successful from the start, building their confidence in their ability to create.

One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on observation and visual thinking. Even young children can begin learning how to see the world through an artist’s eyes, noticing shapes, patterns, and lines in everyday objects. Parents can make these lessons fun and playful by pointing out shapes around the house or during nature walks, then encouraging their child to draw what they see. This method blends art with early learning, helping preschoolers strengthen their observation skills alongside their drawing abilities.

Using Drawing with Children in a homeschool setting also encourages a growth mindset, showing children that artistic skills improve with practice. The book teaches that mistakes are part of the learning process, making it perfect for parents who want to cultivate a positive, pressure-free approach to art. The method works well alongside other child-led learning styles, allowing preschoolers to explore art at their own pace while gradually developing their skills.

For parents looking to create a gentle, nurturing art experience in their homeschool, Drawing with Children provides a thoughtful framework. By introducing shapes, observation skills, and a love of the creative process, this book helps preschoolers build both artistic confidence and foundational drawing skills — setting the stage for a lifelong appreciation of art.

My First I Can Draw Workbook series by Amy Boxshall and Scott Barker

The My First I Can Draw workbook series is a wonderful option for introducing drawing to preschoolers in a homeschool setting. These colorful, engaging workbooks are designed to help young children learn basic drawing skills through simple, step-by-step instructions. The series breaks down drawing into easy-to-follow shapes and lines, making it accessible even for children with little to no prior experience. With its playful approach, the series helps preschoolers build confidence in their ability to create while developing important fine motor skills.

Each page of the workbooks features a cheerful animal, object, or character, with a guided process showing how to draw it from start to finish. The steps are broken down into simple shapes like circles, ovals, and lines, making the drawings feel achievable for little hands. This method allows children to see how complex pictures can be created by combining smaller parts. The clear visual instructions are perfect for pre-readers, allowing children to work with minimal parent assistance if desired.

What makes the My First I Can Draw series particularly helpful for homeschoolers is its balance between structure and creativity. While the workbooks provide guided steps, there is plenty of room for children to add their own details or experiment with different colors and patterns. This combination encourages both skill-building and self-expression, helping preschoolers feel proud of their creations.

The series also supports early learning beyond art. Following the steps helps strengthen hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and attention to detail—all essential skills for early writing and pre-literacy development. Parents can easily incorporate drawing sessions into a broader homeschool routine, using the workbooks as a gentle introduction to daily structured learning.

With its simple approach and encouraging tone, the My First I Can Draw series makes learning to draw fun and accessible for young children. It’s an excellent way to spark creativity, build confidence, and lay the foundation for future art skills in a relaxed homeschool environment.

Memoria Press Kindergarten Art Cards and Posters

If you want to introduce your littles to art history, consider using Memoria Press’ Art Cards and Posters. Designed with a focus on beauty and tradition, these resources help children become familiar with great works of art while cultivating an appreciation for the masterpieces of Western culture. Ideal for both preschool and early elementary students, Memoria Press’ art materials fit seamlessly into a classical homeschool curriculum or any family looking to add gentle art appreciation to their routine.

The Art Cards feature high-quality reproductions of famous works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. Each card includes the artist’s name, the title of the artwork, and helpful background information on the back, making it easy for parents to guide conversations about the art. The cards are perfect for picture study, a Charlotte Mason-inspired method where children observe a piece of art closely, describe what they see, and gradually form a deeper connection to the image over time. This method encourages both observation skills and critical thinking in young learners.

The Art Posters are larger versions of the cards, perfect for displaying in a homeschool space. By surrounding children with beautiful images, the posters create an atmosphere where art becomes a natural part of daily life. Whether used for formal lessons or simply hung on the wall, the posters help children become familiar with great works of art through regular exposure.

Memoria Press’ art resources are especially appealing for homeschool families seeking a gentle, low-prep approach to art appreciation. They offer a way to introduce fine art without the need for extensive art knowledge or elaborate lesson plans. With their focus on timeless beauty and classical education, these art cards and posters make it easy to bring the richness of art history into your homeschool in a meaningful, approachable way.

Best Art Supplies for Preschool & Early Elementary

Regardless of whether you use a formal art curriculum in your homeschool, make sure to have plenty of high-quality supplies on hand. Here are some essentials I recommend:

Final Thoughts

With the right art curriculum and supplies, homeschool parents can create an engaging and enriching art education for preschool and early elementary students. Whether you prefer structured lessons or open-ended creativity, you can find tons of affordable, accessible resources to help young learners explore and express themselves through art.