A fundamental part of the Montessori philosophy is “process not product.” Lessons in the art area should focus on how to use the various art media instead of recreating crafts. Focus lessons on one particular skill at a time. Set up an art shelf that provides easy access to the materials and allow for creative exploration of them.
Creative Art Shelf Essentials
*Teach children how to draw with crayons, markers and pencils. Take the paper off of the crayons to add to the sensory experience. Emphasize closing the marker caps so they do not dry out. Demonstrate how to use a hand-held pencil sharpener as extra fine-motor practice to keep colored pencils sharp. Chalk also brings about unique drawing experiences. Oil pastels are available in nontoxic forms for older children to try.
*Practice preschool cutting skills with scissors and paper edgers. Allow for practice on unlined paper as well as on lines and patterns.
*Glue sticks and liquid glue are essential for creative projects. Children can use paper that they have cut or torn or choose items from a collage tray. Important lessons are how to cover all of the glue as well as tightly closing the cap.
*Expose children to different kinds of paints. Watercolors are used differently than tempera paints and than fingerpaints. Teach children how to differentiate between them and how to use them appropriately. Let them explore different sizes of brushes and using other objects. Older children will enjoy trying out acrylic paints and watercolor pencils.
*Different types of paper have different uses. For example, watercolor paints do best on special watercolor paper. Fingerpaint needs to be done on the shiny side of its paper. Construction paper is best for big, creative projects and cutting. Teach children which paper works best for each situation and provide the appropriate kinds.
*Playdoh and modeling clay build fine motor skills as children manipulate them in creative ways. Give them tools such as cutters and rolling pins.
*Scraps of material, paper, foam pieces, buttons and more work well in a collage tray and invite children to come up with their own three-dimensional creations.
*Stencils, stamps, and stamp pads work well for enhancing holiday projects. Stencils also help refine pencil control in a similar fashion as the metal insets.
* Messy materials, such as paints, require children to wear an apron to protect their clothing. Keep plenty of soap and sponges on hand, as well, for easy clean-up.
Art Appreciation
Essential Montessori art lessons also include art appreciation. Children are introduced to classic works of art and all genres of artists. Introduce them to works of art by supplying books and posters. The Mini Masters collection of board books introduce works of art while building phonemic awareness through rhyming text. Touch the Art board books satisfy a desire to manipulate objects while sharing famous works of art.
Create matching activities with double sets of art postcards. A great series for Montessori instruction that includes matching and categorization is the Child-Size Masterpieces by Aline D. Wolf. The full series includes instructions as well as all of the needed materials.
Art museums sometimes also sell bingo games in their stores. Children can match small masterpieces to their cards.
Art appreciation materials will then inspire children to use the essential Montessori art supplies to make their own creations.