Prep Level Learning Activity: Copywork

For Prep-Level (Preschool to Kindergarten) I like to add hands-on activities. I add these activities as I go along according to what my child would enjoy. Think sandbox, waterplay, playdough, or painting. Copywork, being a foundation to an old-fashioned education, can be incorporated in the Prep-Level through "Copywork Painting." Here's what we did in our homeschool.

What is copywork painting? Simple. After reading a picture book with lovely art (we used "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle), let your child copy one of the pictures on paper with watercolors. Here's how to do it.

You Will Need:

• Picture Book (see our read aloud booklist)
• Watercolor Set
• Watercolor Paper

Step 1: Enjoy reading aloud the picture book. Tip! Choose a book with beautiful art as this is the inspiration. 

Step 2: Choose a favorite page together. With pencil, draw or help your child draw a simple line drawing based on the page.

Step 3: Guide your child to paint the picture by looking at the original art and choosing similar colors and depth of color.*

Step 4: Let dry, sign on back, and place in art portfolio.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Watercolor by Adeline, Age 4

Tips.

• Guide your child to copy the great artists!
• Any age can enjoy and learn from copywork painting! *
• Play music during painting time as desired!
• We used Artskills Crafter's Closet Watercolor Paints. 

Let children feed on the good, the excellent, the great! Don't get in their way with little lectures, facts, and guided tours.

​-Charlotte Mason

*Copywork is an important part of an old-fashioned education. When a child copies beautiful passages or beautiful art, they will learn from the great writers and the great artists. Is there any better way to really see and understand the artist's composition, colors, lighting? A child will begin to absorb, not just that piece, but the techniques of the great masters - all while having fun.

Do not copy every time!  ​We guide our children to do both, copy great artists and do free art - of their own ideas.