fine arts in Bigger

[erin.kate]

How is Art and Music handled in Bigger?

Art meaning drawing, painting, etc ... not art study. We need to meet a Fine Arts requirement for our state so I am thinking about what I might need to supplement with Bigger. Is Music the hymns?

Thank you!

[blessedmomof4]

The plans in Bigger include an art project which corresponds to the history being studied once a week. The hymns are indeed the music in Bigger Hearts. This includes the story of the hymn as well as learning to sing the hymns daily. The art projects are all fun and truly are written so that the child can do it themselves with minimal to no help from mom-unlike some other resources that I have experienced over the years that were so complicated, I was really the one doing them

From the introduction of Bigger:
"Art Activity
One day in each unit includes an art activity that reinforces the
historical theme. These activities help students practice some of the
basic skills needed to express themselves and create freely."

"Corresponding Music
Musical selections from Hymns for A Kid’s Heart: Volume One by Focus
on the Family correspond loosely with the history and Godly character focus
in each unit. The main emphasis is to guide children to learn
the sacred hymns that are a part of our Christian heritage, so they may
glorify God in word and song."

[erin.kate]

Thanks so much, this is just what I needed to hear. I am loving Bigger by the moment.

[Daph]

erin.kate, I know just what you mean! I am curious, though: Since hymns are used, is more of a Baptist curricula, as far as Biblical theology and doctrine, like with BJU or Abeka? I hope I don't offend with this question, I'm just curious. I didn't grow up in a really "religious" home, so I see the word "hymn" and my eye starts twitching. XD

[Kathleen]

Erin Kate,

You can also plan on some drawing in Bigger with the notebooking pages done in science and history once each weekly. The students will also draw the procedure for one of the science experiments each week.

We LOVED Bigger!
Kathleen

[blessedmomof4]

Oh, yeah! How could I forget the notebooking assignments for history and science, and the labs! Yes there is lots of drawing, and it all ties in with the studies For Daph, I would not say the hymn book nor HOD curriculum seems to be any particular denomination, kind of non-denominational? There are families of many different Christian denominations using and loving HOD. I grew up Roman Catholic, and over the course of time have attended Pentecostal, non-denominational, Independent Baptist, and Southern Baptist churches, and currently attend a Lutheran church. I would say, give the hymns a chance; the cd that comes with the book has very appealing arrangements with children singing and the books tells the wonderful stories of how they came to be, such as "Take My Life And Let it Be" written by young Frances Ridley Havergal who memorized thousands of scripture verses over her lifetime and was a gifted pianist and singer, and had a very deep love for God and people from a very young age. She is also the author of the devotional "Little Pillows". The hymns of our Christian history are full of Biblical truths and some were written under amazing circumstances. Some of the other hymns studied are "A Mighty Fortress is Our God", "My Father's World", and "O God Our Help In Ages Past". Incidentally, I am lead vocalist on a very contemporary praise team, but have always found great inspiration in the hymns. Even some contemporary artists have brought new arrangements to honor several other timeless hymns such as "Amazing Grace", "Beautiful Savior", and "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", so I don't think anyone could say that the hymns are strictly "this" or "that" denomination. The hymns are so very worth studying, and my girls and I have loved every minute of them

[erin.kate]

erin.kate, I know just what you mean! I am curious, though: Since hymns are used, is more of a Baptist curricula, as far as Biblical theology and doctrine, like with BJU or Abeka? I hope I don't offend with this question, I'm just curious. I didn't grow up in a really "religious" home, so I see the word "hymn" and my eye starts twitching. XD

Also interested in this, Daph. There's a great answer to your question here, now, and I think I'll also do a little digging. The hymns themselves seem pretty, but I would also like to have seen some classical artists too ... Mozart, Bach, etc. Just my thoughts. We use Classical Kids right now, but I'd rather not have to tweak things this year. Ya know?

[blessedmomof4]

Just wanted to let you know that classical artists are part of the history studies in Preparing Hearts for His Glory, including a book and CD on Mozart in the self-study deluxe package. I haven't used the upper guides yet, so I can't tell you what is covered as far as those are concerned. But HOD is flexible enough that if you want to add something like classical music study this year, you can, because you will have plenty of time in your day. Each guide also builds on the one before it, in every area. Right now, I have added music theory and spanish for my girls, and still get all the basics (and more) covered in the HOD plans, without having horribly long days. HOD brings us much-needed balance and a very complete education, while still leaving us time for extras if we want From Preparing Hearts on up, the lessons plans are 4 days a week, leaving that free 5th day for finishing up projects, additional studies, field trips, etc. I find nothing lacking in HOD. I used to live in a heavily regulated state, and I am quite sure that HOD would comply without adjustment, I would just say try it as written, and add other things only if you feel like it, but not because you "have to".
You can read the complete introductions to each guide online at the HOD website in pdf form, if you click on each guide from the home page, and look for the little introduction pdf icon. This will give you a much more complete picture of what is covered in each guide and how.

[erin.kate]

Just wanted to let you know that classical artists are part of the history studies in Preparing Hearts for His Glory, including a book and CD on Mozart in the self-study deluxe package. I haven't used the upper guides yet, so I can't tell you what is covered as far as those are concerned. But HOD is flexible enough that if you want to add something like classical music study this year, you can, because you will have plenty of time in your day. Each guide also builds on the one before it, in every area. Right now, I have added music theory and spanish for my girls, and still get all the basics (and more) covered in the HOD plans, without having horribly long days. HOD brings us much-needed balance and a very complete education, while still leaving us time for extras if we want From Preparing Hearts on up, the lessons plans are 4 days a week, leaving that free 5th day for finishing up projects, additional studies, field trips, etc. I find nothing lacking in HOD. I used to live in a heavily regulated state, and I am quite sure that HOD would comply without adjustment, I would just say try it as written, and add other things only if you feel like it, but not because you "have to".
You can read the complete introductions to each guide online at the HOD website in pdf form, if you click on each guide from the home page, and look for the little introduction pdf icon. This will give you a much more complete picture of what is covered in each guide and how.

Thanks, Lourdes. I do have certain state-required subjects, but only one, Health, comes to mind that is not covered in HOD, but that's easily added.

I am loving the 4-day per week plans beginning with Preparing! Just so much to consider before I buy and switch from our current curriculum.

Thank you again, so much, for taking the time to answer my questions.

[countrymom]

Study of the classical composers is also included in the new guide coming out, Reformation to Revolution. You can refer to the following link, first post, which explains it.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7994

[Daph]

I appreciate all the replies. I'll have to give the hymn section the benefit of the doubt, and try it before pushing it to the wayside. I'm not completely anti-hymn They're just not my favorite.

End of post removed by moderator due to Board Rules.

[erin.kate]

I appreciate all the replies. I'll have to give the hymn section the benefit of the doubt, and try it before pushing it to the wayside. I'm not completely anti-hymn They're just not my favorite.

Erin.kate, we did a lesson on Tchaikovsky this year, using cds and an easy reader that I purchased from the MFW booth, and we really enjoyed it. I was surprised to hear that Disney's Sleeping Beauty, that I grew up with, was filled with his music. Now, my five year old goes in her room and says, "I'm going to listen to Jakovsky." LOL

Hi Daph!

I *finally* buckled down and ordered Beyond for my rising second grader this evening. Woo hoo! I feel so accomplished now. Since I'm not ready to start her on R&S2, and I want to stick with that for Bigger, I ordered PLL. I also ordered the Tchaikovsky pack from MFW to use for the first semester next year ... hoping we can see the Nutcracker, too, at Christmas next year. The hymns will be wonderful and balance out the mornings really well, I'm sure.

Thanks for the tip on Tchaikovsky! I nearly forgot about that in ADV.

[blessedmomof4]

Hi Erin Kate-Just wanted to clarify, hymns are studied in Bigger, not Beyond. But Beyond has the wonderful CD "Hide "Em in Your Heart, Vol. 2" by Steve Green with great Scripture memory songs. I hope you remembered to order that too, it's too nice to miss Congratulations on choosing your program, be sure to share your "Box Day" on the board
Daph, I'm glad you're open about the hymns. I don't think you'll be disappointed

[erin.kate]

Hi Erin Kate-Just wanted to clarify, hymns are studied in Bigger, not Beyond. But Beyond has the wonderful CD "Hide "Em in Your Heart, Vol. 2" by Steve Green with great Scripture memory songs. I hope you remembered to order that too, it's too nice to miss Congratulations on choosing your program, be sure to share your "Box Day" on the board

We actually own the Hide Em' CDs, both volumes, so I swapped out something for that CD. I'm looking forward to using Vol II though alongside the guide with Beyond! Thanks so much! And, I will definitely post when my box day happens ... this Fri according to the tracking.