Let us learn about Normal Rockwell in our homeschools today! On this day in American history (February 3, 1894), American illustrator Norman Rockwell was born in New York City. In this Norman Rockwell Four Freedoms mini lesson, your students will connect art, history, and civics by learning President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” and analyzing Rockwell’s famous 1943 painting series.
On this day in American History, February 3, 1894, famous American artist Norman Rockwell was born in New York City.
You can click here to see all of the posts in this series: Arts, Music, Literature, and Photography in American Culture.
Quick background on Norman Rockwell Four Freedoms
Norman Rockwell, famous American artist, was born in New York City, New York on February 3, 1894. Rockwell became widely known for his magazine illustrations—especially his long run of cover art for The Saturday Evening Post.
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt described four essential freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
Rockwell later painted a famous 1943 series based on those freedoms: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.
Normal Rockwell Four Freedoms Activities
Norman Rockwell was a fascinating person in American history, and his art is worthy of studying as we work our way through our 10-minute homeschool lessons.
Choose one or all of the following Four Freedoms activities to work on today.
Read about Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms Collection at the Norman Rockwell Museum site. Record the following in your notebook:
1.) What are the four freedoms as outlined by President Roosevelt? List them in your notebook.
2.) After viewing the four paintings Rockwell painted for the Four Freedoms, choose your favorite and write the title in your notebook, along with Mr. Rockwell’s full name and year the painting was completed. Have a parent help you find an enlarged online version of your chosen painting.
3.) Now spend a few minutes analyzing the picture and write down some thoughts in your notebook.
Here are some questions to spark your ponderings:
— Who are the people portrayed in the painting? (example: parents, listeners, children, family, etc.)
— What are the people in the painting doing?
— Are the people in the painting accurately portraying the title of the painting? Does it show one of the Four Freedoms?
— How does the painting make you feel? Write several describing words in your notebook.
4.) Answer this question in your notebook:
“Norman Rockwell shows the freedom of ________ by depicting _________ .”
Notebook of Knowledge (Writing Prompt)
If you are using a Notebook of Knowledge, have your student write his answer to this Norman Rockwell Four Freedoms writing prompt with today’s date.
Do you think artwork can persuade people or shape how they understand history? Explain your answer with two reasons, and include one detail you noticed in your chosen painting.
More American History Mini Lessons
If you are new American History Mini Lessons for homeschool: Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here!
This series here at Mama’s Learning Corner includes American History Mini Lessons for your homeschool. You will learn about famous Americans, interesting inventions and their patents, American art and music, and more.
You will also find suggested activities – labeled “To do” – if you would like to research this during your homeschool’s group time in the morning, or you can assign the activities for your children to work on independently.
If you think you will do more than one day of On This Day in American History, I would encourage you to have your child keep what I call a Notebook of Knowledge. A spiral notebook or sheets of paper stapled together is more than adequate!
Have your child write the day’s event and the date at the top of his paper. If there are writing activities, have him use his best composition, grammar, and penmanship as he completes the answers. After just a few weeks or even a month, he will have an excellent resource to read through!
February American History Month Pack
Want a full month of done-for-you mini lessons? Download the February American History Month Pack for daily topics, activities, and easy notebook prompts. The paid packet also includes the answers to the questions, where applicable – a big time-saver for mom!
On This Day in American History February Calendar
On This Day in American History February Calendar
Enjoy a daily American History event with suggested learning activities for each day of February
Thrifty Thursday – February 2, 2023
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