Feed My Sheep
by Barry Stebbing

One of the "frills" of homeschooling is being able to speak directly with most of the curriculum authors. Mr. Stebbing, the creator and author Feed My Sheep, was no exception. Enthusiastic is an apt description of Mr. Stebbing's feelings about art. He seems to understand and appreciate the young student's needs for "variety and balance" to keep interest levels high. Mr. Stebbing even goes so far, in the Introduction, as to give permission for the parent/teacher to "structure the art curriculum where the student-will be doing a little painting, drawing, penmanship, perspective, etc. during any given month..."

The curriculum itself is impressive. Taught from a Biblical world view the author introduces art, not as a technical skill but as a God given gift of creativity and beauty for the enjoyment of all. Containing a total of 260 lessons, built in reviews, pointers (quick tips), and paint cards Feed My Sheep should provide at least 3 years of quality art instruction. During that period drawing would be covered extensively, with the more complex concepts broken down into simple steps. For example, perspective is taught in 3 stages: freehand, one point, and two-point. Likewise, Mr. Stebbing does a nice job with painting and color theory. The art appreciation section is somewhat weak, but provides a good springboard if you or your student desire to go deeper into the study of ancient art or great artists. A new book by Mr. Stebbing, God in the History of Art, may be the solution for those desiring more depth in this area.

Simple, efficient, teacher friendly and educationally sound- this reviewer highly recommends Feed My Sheep for children 8 years old and above.

Reviewed by Susan Moore

Susan has a BA in Psychology and Sociology and is a freelance writer, reviewer, wife and homeschooling mom of 3. In her spare time Susan enjoys painting, crafting and gardening. Tile Moore's live in the piedmont of sunny South Carolina.

I Can Do All Things
by Barry Stebbing

I Can Do All Thing is a beginning art curriculum for young children and a refreshing change from the typical crafty art packs. Designed for children 5 to 8 years old, Mr. Stebbing does a wonderful job making the assignments fun and appealing for the little ones, while teaching fundamental principles of drawing, color theory, painting, etc. In case you are wondering if it is necessary to "teach" art to a child so young, let me encourage you; the joy you and your child will receive while learning to view the world through the eyes of the greatest Artist and Creator is priceless. Mr. Stebbing teaches his students throughout the book to recognize the beauty of a world created by God.

I Can Do All Things will last several years, if you can pace your children. My son wanted to continue drawing and coloring the pages even after completing 3 lessons in one afternoon. His enthusiasm was more of a testimony than any comments I can make as to the validity of the program. I found the curriculum to be thorough, creative, wholesome, and well presented. The parent does not need to know a great deal about art to use this book. In fact, with minimal guidance a child could work through the lessons on his own.

The entire line of How Great Thou Art materials are most impressive. Mr. Stebbing has done a wonderful job creating materials that children will actually want to use . I highly recommend I Can Do All Things to any parent with appropriately aged children.

Editor's Choice Review Service

Art Text, I Can Do All Things
By Barry Stebbing

(Early Elementary use.)

Art, both in the classroom -and home situation, can be a very stressful and unmanageable experience. When a parent or teacher lacks a focus it can turn into a messy barrage of projects, without an underlying goal. Mr. Stebbing has taken care of both problems with this book. He has created assignments that are Visually exciting (which draws in the children's interest), and yet they can be stored and preserved easily It's not random artwork, though. He teaches skills Incrementally, so that by the end of the course (for which tests are included) the student has the artwork and skills to show for it. On the practical level, I Can Do All Things involves coloring, painting, drawing, and using markers from "on paper" activities. But it is more than just paper activities, because in teaching these skills he advances beyond just the paper by blending colors, perspective, etc. within the lessons. Each of the lessons also builds on the previous one, having explanations that both a teacher and "un-artsy" parent can understand.

On the thematic level, this art book also reflects a love for God. The lessons both overly and subconsciously focus a child's mind on "all things good". It is a course that can be used reservation concerning the underlying effects on the child. Of particular note are the quotes (intended for the teacher, more than the Student, I Would guess') from historical and present day figures. They inspire the teacher, and would help focus the student also.

Mr. Stebbing shows great respect for his students--he takes great care in explaining the selection of tools (even in his choices of washable markers!), and preservation of the artwork. He also provides "paint cards" and "marker cards", which are the templates of lessons out of the book, only copied on heavy cardstock. This makes it easier for the student (because the artwork does not bleed through) and also for preservation--the heavy paper will last longer. The only reservation I would have with this curriculum would be the last chapter on "Studying the Masters", where it simply provides a notebook format for studying them. To me, it appeared as an afterthought. There are so many other programs that make games out of studying the masters (especially for this age group), that I would tend to use that format to that end. Since the masters are not the overall goal of the text (and would not be the goal of the purchaser), I would not let it affect my decision to purchase it.

Rating: Highly recommended

Little Annie's Art Book of Etiquette & Good Manners

Is it just me? Am I the only one that has trouble in the area of civilizing my three sons? This book lives up to everything that I had hoped it would. I'm a "parallel tasker"- I can't just do one thing at a time, it has to be several. This book is a little 
hidden jewel. There are simple art lessons that circle around the subject of teaching manners and good graces. I LOVE this little book because it allows me to go beyond just basic rules, and teach art also. 

Editors Choice Review - Becky Balder

I Can Do All Things

After a little over a week with "I Can Do All Things", four sketch books, colored pencils, markers, paints and four eager artists in training, we love your program!
I didn't realize how creative my children were. Nor did I know how much we would enjoy doing art together. The box came on a Friday afternoon and we put on a classical CD and did two hours of reading a little, sketching a little and sharing a 
lot. We've had art everyday since! Sometimes just a quick practice of some of the 
ABC exercises, sometimes an all out lesson like today when we did paint card # 1.
I love the fact that you give the freedom to jump around in the text: to do a little drawing, a little painting, a little with markers, etc...that will help all of us to stay excited. Now, why don't you mention anywhere that this is so much fun that MOM
will want to do have her own sketchbook to do some lessons in. I do have a birthday
coming up so maybe my little apprentices will get me one. Until then, I'll have to continue to do my work in their books when they aren't looking. Thank you so much
for such a wonderful, easy to use program!

Homeschool Mom - Kim Rankin