Art: A Visual History

This is the curriculum's primary strength, offering comprehensive chronological coverage of art history with over 650 artists and historical context.

The book covers eight chronological eras from Early Art to Contemporary, includes timelines of current events for historical context, and provides artist biographies with key works

The book does not facilitate direct instruction, serving instead as a reference resource that requires teacher interpretation and supplementation.

The reviewer recommends using it 'as a parent resource for preparing and leading discussions' and suggests 'supplementing with others from the Internet as needed'

The curriculum is heavily weighted toward art appreciation and history without providing creative activities or structured art-making opportunities.

The reviewer describes it as functioning 'best as a historical encyclopedia of art' and suggests using it 'as a parent resource for preparing and leading discussions' rather than direct instruction

The curriculum lacks structured instruction in art techniques, functioning primarily as a reference book rather than an instructional guide.

The reviewer notes that Cumming 'generalizes about the commonalities and techniques used by the artist' but doesn't provide systematic technique instruction or hands-on activities

No teacher training materials are mentioned, though the accessible writing style may support non-specialist educators.

The reviewer notes that Cumming 'provides just enough information to help us appreciate and better understand each artist's work without overwhelming the novice'

Limited evidence of systematic art vocabulary instruction, though specialized terminology appears to be embedded within artist discussions.

The review mentions that Cumming addresses 'What should I look for' and explains artistic elements, but doesn't indicate explicit vocabulary instruction