Professional Development in Montessori Visual Arts Education | 6 Video Trainings

Professional Development in Montessori Visual Arts Education | 6 Video Trainings, yellow logo
Earn 7 hours of professional development in visual arts education.

Get proper art literacy training to set up your classroom for fall.

Catch up with videos this summer.

No more guessing on what you should be teaching!

There’s a lot of art advice out there that is not designed to teach YOU proper art literacy for children.

I’ve spent years designing curriculum and training courses to help Montessori guides effectively teach art lessons to children.

I have designed this summer art video bonus 
to help you get on the right track!

When you purchase this 6-video set, you will also be invited to a special Q&A session with me to help you get all your questions answered and to demonstrate the right art materials to bring into your classroom.

This live session will be held in the middle of August (date TBA), giving you enough time to consume the videos.

BUY 6 VIDEO BUNDLE NOW for instant access!
These summer 6-video trainings are on sale for only 72 hours!
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What Visual Arts Looks Like For Children & Why It’s Important

In this pre-recorded 20-minute training, Spramani explains the areas young children should learn in visual arts and why it is important to teach in the 21st century.


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The Art You Should Teach First!
In this pre-recorded 1-hour training, Spramani explains what Montessori art guides should focus on teaching first. She describes the areas to focus on and gives examples of art lessons. She also explains what you should present and demonstrate to children who are just beginning to learn art. She shares a wealth of professional art teaching advice.
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How to Theme Art & The Natural World
In this 3-part video series, 2 hr.
Spramani shares: -How to take your child outside and encourage them to observe like a scientist & artist.How to use art and Montessori subjects to inspire exploration of the natural world and expand their knowledge. Learn how art lessons can represent various aspects of Montessori topics in nature, such as seasons, soil layers, energy, rocks and minerals, fossils, landforms, water, flora, fauna, and the atmosphere.
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How to Stage A Montessori Art Shelf
In this 1-hour pre-recorded video, Spramani shares her: – Proprietary staging system for Montessori classrooms – How to stage to meet the arts standards – What types of materials to stage – How to support group and independent work, and much more!
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Positive Artful Ways To Talk To Your Students
Spramani shares her 30 years of experience in talking to students in a positive, supportive way, encouraging creative expression as an art facilitator. Spell and grammar check: She shares examples of how these conversations sound.
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Watercolor Joy
In this 1-hour video, Spramani shows you which watercolor paints to use for teaching children. She provides you with all the tips on what to buy, how to set up, and how to prepare for watercolor process-based activities. Great if you are curious.
Art Sale – 72 Hours Only!
Buy Now
Get instant access to watch the videos you’ve been waiting for! With a generous 3-year viewing window, you’ll have plenty of time to dive into the pre-recorded live sessions hosted by renowned art teacher Spramani Elaun. Whether you prefer watching on your phone, tablet, or desktop, you can enjoy these videos anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your artistic skills and knowledge. Start your creative journey today!

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10 Fun Big Bang Art To Share With Your Montessori Students

By Spramani Elaun

Fun Big Bang Art To Share With Your Montessori Students, spramani art album

As a Montessori teacher, you know it can be overwhelming to choose the best art activities for your students. That’s why I’m here with some guidance on which Montessori art activities for Big Bang lessons are most appropriate for your classroom.

Art activities related to the Big Bang are some of my favorites to teach. They allow children to explore their imaginations and get creative in a concrete, meaningful way. From drawing explosions to painting supernovas, students can visualize and understand such a big concept.

Integrating art with science helps kids express ideas creatively, stimulates their senses and provides tactile experiences. And when it comes to teaching the universe’s and the Big Bang, there is no shortage of art inspiration.

To get started, take a look at some of your books for visual inspiration. One of my favorites is “Born With a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story” by Jennifer Morgan. The illustrations are sure to inspire your students to create.

And for more ideas, download my top 5 Montessori Big Bang Art Activities. These activities can easily be adjusted to fit early childhood, lower elementary, or upper elementary classrooms. Click here to get started!

The Big Bang Theory is a fascinating science topic that Montessori teachers can incorporate into their art projects to make the learning experience interactive and fun. Below are ten art projects that Montessori teachers can use to teach elementary kids about the Big Bang Theory.

10 Fun Big Bang Art

1. Create a Cosmic Painting: Take your students on a journey through the universe with a cosmic painting activity. Discuss the Big Bang and the creation of the universe with your students, then have them create a painting depicting the birth of the universe.

2. Constellations: Give your students a chance to create their own constellations using paint or clay. Educate them on how the Big Bang gave birth to stars and how stars are the building blocks of constellations.

3. Paper Mache Planets: Introduce the concept of planets and solar systems by having your students make paper mache planets. You can use this opportunity to discuss the origins of planets and how they were formed following the Big Bang.

4. Galaxy in a Bottle: Encourage your students to learn about galaxies by creating a galaxy in a bottle. This can be a great way to explore the vastness of space and how galaxies form after the Big Bang.

5. Moon Phases Art: Discuss the moon phases and how they are caused by the changing position of the moon. Have your students create art that depicts the different phases of the moon using paint or chalk.

6. Starry Night Sky: Teach your students about stars by creating a starry night sky mural. This activity can help them learn about the different types of stars and how they are formed.

7. Cosmic Collage: Give your students an opportunity to create a cosmic collage by cutting out pictures of planets, stars, and galaxies from magazines and newspapers. Discuss the Big Bang and how all these celestial bodies came into existence.

Big Bang Art Montessori

8. Sun Catchers: Discuss the origins of our solar system’s star, the sun, and have your students create sun catchers using colorful tissue paper. This can be a great way to explore the different colors of the sun and how they are visible to us.

9. Universe Mobile: Make a universe mobile to showcase the Big Bang and the creation of our universe. Students can create planets, stars, and galaxies to hang from the mobile.

10. Astronaut Art: Discuss space travel and astronauts’ role in exploring space. Let your students create astronaut art that depicts them exploring the galaxies and space beyond, giving them a glimpse into the vast universe beyond our planet.

By incorporating these art projects into your Montessori lessons, your students can learn about the Big Bang Theory and explore the vastness of space in a fun and interactive way.

montessori art curriculum

Order my Montessori Art Books & Curriculum HERE

Montessori Elementary Art | How To Bring Art In To The Classroom

How to bring elementary art into the Montessori classroom
Elementary Montessori

How to bring elementary art into the Montessori classroom

By Spramani Elaun

Every Montessori school should have an art environment. Whether an art shelf inside the classroom, dedicated classroom, or specials visiting. Elementary students should be engaging in some type of art. Allowing them to express creativity plus building basic skill sets. One of the reasons art programs exist is to expose children to different kinds of mediums. When exposed to different art activities students are likely to find the right art domain they enjoy. When children find the right art experience they enjoy, they become independent as they practice these skill-sets. When Montessori elementary students work independently they can also self regulate their own stress with hand work. Independent working students can also reach creative flow states! So where should you start with bringing Montessori elementary art into the classroom?

There’s six areas to focus on first:

  • Schedule Art
  • Choose Art Subjects
  • Teach Art Elements
  • Choose Art Mediums
  • Choose An Artist Technique
  • Teach Skill Building Foundations
  • Focus On Art Direct Aims

Schedule Montessori Art Lessons

Start with scheduling regular interactions with art making. Schedule daily, weekly or even bi weekly art lessons. Even bi monthly if your teaching schedule is super busy. I did this as a visiting Montessori art specials and I heard from Montessori guides how the children learned so much from just 4 visits! Once you have chosen the day, move to creating time segments. Be sure your timeline is specific to lower or upper elementary attention spans.

Art Subjects

Then move into deciding which visual art subjects you want to explore. I recommend choosing from my five art domains. Subjects like painting or color theory. Learn more about the 5 domains by buying: Defining Visual Arts Book HERE

Montessori Elementary Art | How To Bring Art In To The Classroom

Teach Art Elements

To meet the national art standards it’s important to teach children the Art Elements. The Art Elements cover things like line, color, shape – etc.

Each one of your art lessons should always focus on a key art element. I can’t stress enough how important this is to a solid art program. I meet many Montessori teachers not even aware of art literacy standards. Even the artistic process, or how-to scaffold art lessons, or what art sequences should come next. Learn more about the Art Elements by buying: Defining Visual Arts Book HERE

Mediums & Technique

Then the fun stuff starts by deciding on which mediums to experiment with first. This also includes what presentations and demonstrations to schedule. For example you could teach the subject of painting and focus on the watercolor medium. Then show children a crayon technique – wax resist marks. Or let’s say you decide to integrate a sensory craft with zoology. Like cutting sea life shapes from paper with a collage – technique.

Montessori Elementary Art | How To Bring Art In To The Classroom

Building Montessori Art Skill-Sets

The best advice I have for you is to teach how to set-up, clean-up, and prepare the environment for their next classmate, learning to complete the cycle in the Montessori way first is important. This supports independent work through the school year. Then foucs on building skill-sets and don’t waste time on the wrong type of art lessons. Like focusing on the Masters, copying images, or too much process- based art. Try not to focus lessons on copying the Masters artworks. These lessons can be lacking in developing independent art skill-sets or their own creativity. Montessori elementary students need the right order of skill-set lesson first.

Focus on Montessori Art – Direct Aims

The other important thing I want to share is even if you can’t draw or paint you can still teach proper art lessons. Your own refined skill-sets are not the focus. What’s important is knowing your direct aims. Direct aims like preparing the environment, and presenting the right order of demonstrations. Scheduling and choosing age appropriate art lessons. Indirect Aims will happen like – your students brainstorming or conjuring up original ideas. Even exploration that leads to the most optimal state of creative flow!

Teaching art can be intimidating without any basic knowledge or experience. But I’m here to tell you I’ve taught thousands of parents and teachers. I have lots of preparatory teaching methods easy for you to follow. But here’s a secret… you will learn right beside your students, I promise!

Montessori Elementary Art | How To Bring Art In To The Classroom

Art Professional Development

I invite you… 

No matter what capacity of training you desire, I’ve built art teaching resources you can have access to!

Choose:

Blog Articles

Free Checklist

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Art Lesson plans

Sequential Art Curriculum

Montessori Professional Development

Montessori In-service Training (email info@Spramani.com)

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Custom Art Programing (email info@Spramani.com)

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

Staging Nature Based Art Activities – Montessori Art, By Spramani Elaun

There are so many good reasons to include natural art elements around your home or classroom. These beautiful natural elements can inspire children to create beautiful artworks. Nature has lines, patterns, and textures that can really make fun marks. Natural elements are easy to find around your environments like backyards, school yards, and parks. The other reason to use natural elements is to connect children to the outside world. By going outside to forage for these natural elements you have the opportunity to teach the  importance of living biospheres. Here are some nature elements you can forage for:

 Elements Nature elements like;

  • Leaves
  • Wood
  • Bark
  • Seeds
  • Sticks
  • Stones
  • Seashells

Another amazing reason to use nature is it demonstrates resourcefulness! You can teach children to go outside to find objects to create artworks, rather than going and buying stuff from the store. By using natural items found outdoors in your students’ environment can spark some good conversations!

Staging Nature Based Art Activities – Montessori Art, By Spramani Elaun

You can also take your students outdoors through the seasons. They can learn about the seasons and what types of natural elements are there. I find interesting seed pods only a few times a year. I also can only get the right  colored leaves in certain seasons. There is so much rich education right outside by using nature based elements. 

I have written many Nature Based Art Activity Blogs:

I also have an amazing training called: 

Staging Nature Based Art Activities – Montessori Art, By Spramani Elaun

Theme Art & The Natural World

About this training

Grow your child’s knowledge about the natural world by taking them outside and challenging them to create focused art based on the nature around them.

Buy this Video Training HERE

Early Childhood Montessori Art Lesson Training Video | FREE

Montessori art lesson

1-hour Montessori Art Lesson Training for Teachers

As a teacher, I sometimes struggle with coming up with the next art activity for my early childhood Montessori students. That’s why I created this Montessori art lesson for teachers just like you. I will be sharing all kinds of new ideas on how to pull together simple art lessons for you to teach to your students.

Teachers have these preconceived notions on what it takes to create art lessons. 

They often think they need to be an artist, or have to introduce the Masters to children, and even know how to appreciate the arts themselves.

This 1-hour video training is full of creative ideas on ways to teach simple art concepts  – Just by using children’s storybooks!

I share so many ideas, talk about what’s really important to teach and I share some tips on scheduling art projects through the school year. 

Need Montessori art teaching tips from a pro?

Tap over and register for this limited time video training, and watch today:

How-to Theme Art Activities – 1 Hr. Video Training

Hosted by Spramani Elaun – International Montessori Art Trainer

1-hour video training 

REGISTER NOW TO WATCH!

Early Childhood Montessori Art Lesson Training Video | FREE, spramani elaun, how we montessori art lessons
Montessori Art Teacher Trainer, Spramani Elaun, Nature of Art®
Montessori early childhood

Early Childhood Art Guide

Visual Arts Teaching Guide
for 13 Months – 6 Years Old

This book includes:
✅ My proprietary art teaching method
✅ The proper and complete list of art materials
✅ A guide for staging and setting up a successful art environment
✅ Tips and art lesson ideas for early childhood
✅ A convenient three-ring binder presentation

Montessori Painting with Children | Tips

Painting with children

How to Support Montessori Painting with Young Children

I’ve been painting with many children in staged Montessori art spaces over the years, and I’ve also observed how they best learn to paint. So, I wanted to share some tips on how to support concentration and independence while kids paint. These tips can be helpful if you’re trying to create more Montessori painting activities within your classroom or home. 

Here are some tips on how you can support creative painting sessions:

  • Flow & Concentration
  • Independence
  • Exploration & Discovery
  • Creative Experimentation
  • Freedom Within Limits

Support Flow & Concentration

Allow uninterrupted periods of creative time while your students are working. When you don’t interrupt children’s painting, they can enter more creative states of flow with heightened concentration. Children can concentrate and go deeper into learning new ideas when not interrupted. To help with these states of flow, try to observe your students from a distance. Too often, creative flow is interrupted by teachers or parents. You should practice more uninterrupted work periods by being conscious of how you are interacting with your child during their painting sessions.

Support Independence 

You can support your students’ independence by preparing their art environment to support their painting independence. Think about how you have arranged their painting space. Is their working space aligned with their level of abilities? Is their drying area nearby and easy for them to hang or lay their paintings on? Are materials all set up and easy for them to reach so they can get to work? Have you given them the right amount of demonstrations so they know how to use all the materials properly? By revisiting demonstrations, you can support your child to work more independently.

Nature of Art - Montessori art supplies

Support Exploration & Discovery

Exploration and discovery can come in many ways. Allow your children the freedom to choose their materials, such as paint colors, and paintbrush sizes. You can even give them the freedom to choose the size of paper they want to paint on. Children flourish when they can explore how materials behave or even discover how they work in different ways. The process of exploration and discovery is the best way young children learn painting skills. Allow for lots of discovery time. Young children learn to paint over a long period of time. Try supporting more exploration and discovery rather than the outcome.

Support Creative Experimentation

When children go in different directions than you had planned, take a deep breath and allow their experimentation to happen. Example: If they do not use the paintbrush the way you demonstrated or do not choose the colors you planned in your example. You might be thinking, “Green would look lovely for painting turtles,” but your student thinks, “Purple turtles are better!” If your child uses their fingers to paint instead of the paintbrush you took time to stage, as long as they are safe and not disrespecting the art materials, simply allow this type of creative experimentation to go on. This is truly considered one of the artistic processes the National Core Art Standards supports; it’s called INVESTIGATE!

Montessori PAINTING with Children | Tips

Support Freedom Within Limits

YES, discovery and exploration are part of the creative process, but we can provide freedom within limits by presentations and demonstrations that support healthy limits. We can demonstrate where the painting will take place, where it’s accepted in the art environment, and where it’s NOT allowed.

One of the biggest lessons I learned early on, which I share in several of my kids’ painting books, is that you need to explain to children where painting is not allowed, like the walls, and how walking around with loaded paintbrushes is not allowed outside of their art workspace. I also explain to children how to set up and clean up when they are done painting. 

As a homeschool mom, I even had to explain this to two of my own little artists. The freedom should be in what they want to express or paint but not where they want to paint. 😉

I hope these tips help you bring the joy of painting into your Montessori spaces. 

If you want to learn more, I recommend learning more about my books, video training, and art supplies.

Spramani Elaun

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

How-to PAINT PAPER like Eric Carle | Montessori Art

How-to PAINT PAPER like Eric Carle | Montessori Art

A fun Montessori art activity: Paint paper like Eric Carle

Every summer, I host art camps in San Diego, and my students’ top favorite project to do with me is to paint papers! In this post, we will teach you how to paint paper and collage like artist and author Eric Carle.

So I thought I would share this fun Montessori art activity you could introduce to your students.

I like to give my students unusual tools, bright paint colors, different colored papers, and crazy things to make interesting textures and patterns.

This also prepares papers for future projects that can be cut and collaged into interesting shapes.

Teach the Elements and Principles of Design concepts

This is also a great way to teach the Elements and Principles of Design concepts texture and patterns, a vital art standard topic children should learn in Montessori art lessons.

The artist and author Eric Carle is famous for doing this fun and vibrant method in his book illustrations.

Eric Carle is famous for PAINTED PAPERS and collaging them into beautiful creatures featured in all his books. 

Eric Carle, artist and children’s book author


Paint paper like Eric Carle
How-to PAINT PAPER like Eric Carle | Montessori Art

What is paint paper?

Painted paper is basically paint applied onto paper. 

You can paint plain white paper or colored paper. 

Paper painting can be created with different mediums like watercolor, gel paints, tempera, or acrylic paints (any paint). 

Children painting colors

What can you do with painted paper?

Like Eric Carle, the famous artist, paint the papers first, let them dry second, then third cut them up into new collage artworks.

Collaging with painted papers
ColColl

Eric Carle’s famous painting papers created The Very Hungry Caterpillar book with this unique painted technique.

Montessori art painting supplies

What tools do you need to make painted papers?

  • Paint mediums
  • Paper
  • Paintbrushes
  • Interesting objects that make patterns and textures
  • Drying rack
  • Interesting tools
Painting supplies

Painted papers can be taught in a process-based manner

Process-based painting is more about the experience rather than following directions.

When kids paint process-based, they are able to go in any direction they choose.

They can explore any texture, use any color, and have any outcome happen, but have very cool painted paper; they can later cut turn into another art piece.

Process-based art lessons and painted papers are a great way to start teaching Montessori art lessons.

Spramani Elaun


Early Childhood Guide – Book

You’ll learn:

  • The importance of early Art Literacy
  • How to speak the ‘Artist Language’
  • The art subjects students need to know
  • The characteristics of child artists
  • Methods and approaches to teaching
  • How to create art activity environments
  • The best art materials for your classroom
  • How to plan level-appropriate activities

Buy Guide Now!

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

How to Use Montessori Color Tablets for Art Color Lessons

Montessori primary art color droppers for mixing

By Spramani Elaun

Have you ever wondered if you can use Montessori materials for art lessons? For example the Montessori color tablets. Montessori materials can support engaging art experiences. Montessori materials can help you engage your students for learning something new.

Let’s focus on the color tablet box that is typically used to teach chromatic sense. By staging a Montessori color tablet box, we can introduce dynamic art sessions. While Montessori children already have experience with color matching using color tablets. We can use this background knowledge to bridge the gap and teach new visual art ideas. You can use color tablets as an anticipatory set. These color tablets can be a creative and different way to peak our students’ interest. By connecting learned knowledge from tablet matching work, to brand new art color knowledge. So yes you can use Montessori color tablets for preparing children for art color lessons. This can be a fun creative format to open up new color mixing presentations. This is what I mean – to bridge the gap to new knowlege.

Montessori Color Tablets in different colors

Dynamic & Static Color Mixing Work

Working with color tablets in the Montessori classroom is a valuable aspect of practical life education. However, when it comes to fostering art literacy, it’s essential to understand that art is dynamic and spatial in nature. Relying solely on color tablet work may provide a foundation for color matching, but it falls short in teaching color theory. So, think about using color tablets as openers for actual color mixing exercises.

In my books and training, I emphasize the importance between static and dynamic learning. Matching color tablets is considered static information, whereas color mixing entails dynamic learning. By incorporating color matching experiences, we can engage children’s prior knowledge. Then transition them into dynamic color mixing art concepts.

To delve deeper into this topic, I recommend checking out my books/curriculum/Training:

Defining Visual Arts – Book

Kids Color Theory – Book

Kids Color Theory – Curriculum

These resources explore the importance of integrating real color mixing activities into the Montessori curriculum to enhance art literacy. Remember, art should include learning the basics and trying things out to develop a better understanding.

It’s important to note that working with color has no right or wrong way of arranging or mixing colors. The focus shifts towards understanding how color mixtures behave. Like tints, shades, and different secondary color combinations. However, it’s crucial not to rush children into this phase. They need ample practice (play) in exploring color mixing and even experimenting with different types of mediums.

mixing colors green and yellow with montessori students

Building a solid foundation through color tablet work is a fundamental aspect of Montessori philosophy. In color mixing art lessons, it is equally important for children to experiment, record their experiences, and understand how different color mixtures came about. This knowledge will later help them achieve desired colors in their own artistic works.

Color theory lessons can be enjoyed by children of all ages. Color is one of the most important elements taught in visual arts. It’s a vital part of children’s artistic expression. These activities can be by experimenting just with watercolor paints. Children can learn to mix light and dark values of colors.

How-to Use Montessori Color Tablets For Anticipatory Sets

Here are some anticipatory sets ideas you can create using color tablets to engage your students. After engaging your students in a conversation, then follow up with color theory lessons using paint materials.

  1. Set up a prism next to a box of color tablets and ask students to identify what they have in common and what they notice.
  2. Display a color wheel next to a color tablet and guide a discussion on how they are related to artists.
  3. Arrange two primary color tablets on a tray, add a drop of secondary colors (orange, green or violet) of paint, and ask students to find similarities or connections between them.
  4. Place a variety of warm or cool color tablets on a tray and prompt children to share their knowledge of warm and cool colors. As well as compare them to colors in their environment or nature.
  5. Encourage students to explore the differences between primary and secondary color tablets.
  6. Discuss the concept of complementary colors by placing pairs of complementary color tablets together, such as yellow and purple, or green and red.
  7. Discuss how artists achieve different shades from darkest to lightest in their paintings. Show examples of light and dark color tablets next to artworks that demonstrate this concept.

Don’t have color tablets? No worries, you can use color toys or blocks. You can paint and create your own color tablets.

montessori art early childhood

Buy Kids Color Theory Digital or Paperback Book HERE

Montessori Art – Why Teach Primary Color Mixing Curriculum

Buy : Kids Color Theory Curriculum Digital or Paperback HERE


All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

Montessori Art – Strategies For Organizing an Art Shelf with Mediums & Materials

As a Montessori guide, I’m sure you understand the significance of staging shelves. They provide students with the freedom and opportunity to work independently. While learning other important subject matter. But did you know that you can apply the same concept to an art shelf?

Many guides have expressed their frustrations of organizing an art Shelf with mediums & materials. Plus worry about students using it appropriately without overusing it. Fortunately, there is a method to stage an art shelf! You can set up the work, all while encouraging independent art learning. This can even complement other important Montessori lessons together.

I’m thrilled to share some ideas on staging an art shelf. Before diving into that, I’d like to share background on why stage an art lesson. I will also share the importance of setting up a staged art shelf.

© 2024 Excerpt from: Montessori Art  Elementary Guide – Second Plane 6-12 by Spramani Elaun

“After traveling too numerous continents and visiting hundreds of Montessori schools worldwide, both AMS and AMI certified, I had the opportunity to observe firsthand the struggles teachers faced in presenting art lessons. It became evident that most schools did not have a designated art shelf in their classrooms. While materials and nomenclature were organized for other subjects, art was often overlooked. This realization led me to understand why schools were struggling with offering art literacy.

Occasionally, I did come across shelves that contained art materials, although without proper organization for student work. Motivated by this, I set out to create an art system that would emulate the aesthetics of an art studio, but within the confines of a staged shelf. Thus, my proprietary art staging system was born. A staged art shelf solves many challenges.

Here are eleven compelling reasons why I recommend creating a staged art shelf. I do elaborate on each of these points in my book: Montessori Art  Elementary Guide – Second Plane 6-12

  • Ensures an art literacy program is happening in the classroom
  • Represents all areas of art literacy
  • Can support the artist process
  • Supports sensory tactile learning
  • Provides a framework for teaching an art lesson
  • Helps students work independently
  • Engages
  • Stimulates the imagination and creative flow
  • Provides flexibility for semi-motor control
  • Supports choice
  • Can track follow-up work
  • Supports the Montessori Great Lessons

Learning to stage art lessons will make your students curious. They will get excited to experiment with each lesson you prepare. When it comes to staging art lessons, one of the key benefits is it helps you stay organized. Especially when you have a busy schedule. This staged area can support all areas of visual arts like : drawing, painting and crafting.

Organizing An Art Shelf with Mediums & Materials

It is important to create a dedicated shelf that remains accessible to your students. This shelf serves multiple purposes, such as showcasing examples of demos and presentations. Your students can reference your examples in demos. Additionally, you can set up anticipatory sets for future lessons.

Make sure all the necessary art materials are organized within this designated area. Consider selecting specific art mediums & materials to focus on isolated movements. For instance, you may choose to focus on paintbrush key lessons. For example painting can be the domain focus. You will want to stage paints, paintbrushes, painting paper, wash jars and napkins to wipe the paintbrush off between each brushstroke. A staged art shelf is a great way to introduce your students to art mediums they can explore and investigate. A stage center point for art study.

It important to demonstrate to your students how to use a staged shelf and prepare it for the next student. By providing clear instructions and showing them the proper use and maintenance. You can foster independence and responsibility. If you would like to learn all the details to staging a proper Montessori art shelf, check out my training below.


Get training on:

Take this 1 hour Training, How-to Stage A Montessori Art Shelf

How to Stage A Montessori Art Shelf
In this 1-hour pre-recorded video, Spramani shares her: – Proprietary staging system for Montessori classrooms – How to stage to meet the arts standards – What types of materials to stage – How to support group and independent work, and much more!


Strategies For Organizing an Art Shelf Summary:

This blog highlights the importance of properly staging shelves in a Montessori classroom. With a specific focus on Organizing An Art Shelf with Mediums & Materials. Spramani Elaun shares her background and motivation for teaching the significance of setting up a well-organized art shelf. She emphasize the benefits of creating a staged art shelf, such as promoting art literacy, supporting independent work, and engaging students’ imagination and creativity. The blog also provides tips for setting up a staged art shelf, including ensuring all necessary materials are accessible and demonstrating proper use and maintenance to students. Plus a resource video training on how-to stage a Montessori art self. Overall, encourages Montessori guides to prioritize the effective staging of art shelves to enhance students’ art learning experiences.

Source: Montessori Art Elementary Guide – Second Plane 6-12 by Spramani Elaun

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

How To Teach Children Drawing, Even If You Don’t Know How!

By Spramani Elaun

picture of children drawing a bird with color pencils, how to draw

“I can’t draw! I’m not creative! I can’t even draw a straight line!”

Yep, I have heard that from thousands of parents and teachers I have worked with in the past.

Are you struggling with the idea that you would love to teach your children or students basic drawing skills, but you never learned how to draw yourself?

No problem! 

I can guide you well. I have taught thousands of homeschool, early childhood, and elementary teachers and parents how to learn alongside their children. Today, I’m going to give you 7 secret lessons to get you started on how to teach drawing – even if you don’t know how!

First, let me assure you that you absolutely can teach elementary-grade students how to draw. Even if you don’t know how to draw—I promise. Let me explain how you can teach drawing lessons even if you don’t know how. 

Okay, let’s get started!

basic ideas to how to teach childrn to draw even if you don't know how. Picture is of child drawing self portriat

Lesson 1: 

Although I’m a professional illustrator, painter, and computer graphic artist, the truth is that I rarely have the opportunity to showcase these skill sets to elementary students. Why? Well, it’s because they are typically too young for such intricate instruction. My talents are more commonly shared with high school and adult-level art students because children are not yet developmentally fine-motor prepared for drawing lessons. For children to draw, they must exhibit maturity in three areas, and this is where my Science Art Method™ was founded.

These three areas of development intertwine and evolve gradually over time:

  1. Visual Perception: This involves the eyes’ capacity to collect and interpret optical information.
  2. Cognitive Processing: This pertains to the brain’s ability to remember and process visual as well as tactile input.
  3. Fine Motor Abilities: This encompasses the skill to have controlled hand movements.

After a long period of research, I discovered that these aspects are linked to the development of artistic proficiency. By the time adolescents reach this stage, typically, these areas are well-developed. Consequently, comprehending and mastering concepts like color value, three-dimensional perspective, and refined motor skills becomes significantly easier in the upper grades. This is why I can’t teach children from ages 6 – 12 years advanced art drawing skills. They need to start from the very basics, learning basic art elements such as different lines, shapes, and textures.

Lesson 2: 

The second important thing you need to understand on how to teach children drawing lessons. Children require simpler and more accessible art lessons. And guess what? You can teach very simple basic drawing concepts. As an adult, you possess the experience and knowledge that equips you to teach the basics of drawing. 

how to teach drawing – even if you don't know how with basic art element line drawings. picture is line shapes

Lesson 3: 

Here’s what you need to know to teach basic drawing lessons. Let me ask you this: can you draw basic geometric shapes like squares and circles? Can you hold a pencil and doodle a stick figure? Can you purchase art supplies and materials? Can you follow and read basic directions? Can you make yourself available to guide your student or child? Can you manage and schedule art lessons, maybe 30 to 40-minute sessions? Can you keep track of completed drawing exercises? Can you explain two to three step instructions? Do you have the willingness to explore and learn alongside your student? Can you encourage your students to take the next step and even challenge them?

Well, my friend, so far, you are in good shape. Let’s keep going!

Lesson 4: 

I genuinely believe that children under the age of 12 are not receiving adequate foundational art education to support their progression toward drawing realistic images. They need to slow down! And do basic practice. If you’ve taught something, make sure to give them time to review and practice three to four times before moving on to the next set of skills. I often come across teachers and parents who haven’t given their students this fundamental guidance. Taking the time to teach these basic techniques will set a strong foundation for their drawing skills. 

Lesson 5: Learn some basic art elements:

  • How to draw different types of lines
  • How to doodle organic and geometric simple shapes
  • How to combine lines 
free download how to teach drawing – even if you don't know how! art element terms
This download explains the basic art elements children should learn first in their drawings.

Lesson 6: Drawing Skills:

  • Learn how to make sketch marks and erase effectively.
  • Learn how to doodle using different mediums.
  • Learn how to draw different types of lines accurately.
  • Learn how to combine lines to create textures.
  • Learn how to create patterns using lines.
  • Learn how to color your line drawings using various mediums.
  • Learn how to draw geometric shapes correctly.
  • Learn how to draw simple organic shapes.

Lesson 7: 

Should you desire to delve deeper into my scientific art method, please check out and buy my Drawing Curriculum. I have spent 30 years understanding the basic drawing lessons that you need to practice to start learning to draw. Once children master these foundational skill sets, they can start applying realistic principles and learn to draw well by you!

Teaching drawing to children is all about nurturing their creativity and helping them see the world through an artist’s eyes.

With these tips, you can start teaching your students how to draw – even if you don’t know how and you don’t consider yourself an artist. I promise!

Buy Drawing Curriculum HERE!

how to teach drawing – even if you don't know how with this curriculum

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

How to Choose Art Mediums for your Classroom

When it comes to teaching visual arts, many often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. With so many art mediums it can be challenging to know which ones to start with in the classroom.

In this blog I want to offer some valuable resources and an important tip that will help you get started. Without feeling intimidated or lacking artistic expertise with art mediums.

two classroom elelentary children wateroclor painting and experiementing with mediums

Getting Started with Art Mediums & Material

Before you begin teaching it’s important to feel comfortable with art mediums. For example, you might not know the difference between an oil pastel and a soft pastel? Or you’re not clear why to use transparent over opaque paint or the difference?

To build your confidence I recommend experimenting. Try out differnt art mediums before taking into the classroom. By familiarizing yourself with materials, or which is appropriate for different ages. You will build the confidence you need to start teaching and using these with your students. I’ve spent a lot of time creating useful guides and books on art supplies. I have identifed which ones work great with chidren.

I have a couple of free resources to share in this blog. Plus a list of books I’ve written I recommend on the topic of choosing art supplies for children.

Free Recommended Materials for the Montessori Classroom

I have two valuable resources for art materials that you can download here. My lists feature the best art supplies I have used over the years. Both for early childhood and elementary students. Take a moment to download these resources and save them for future shopping. They will serve as a helpful guide when selecting materials for your classroom.

How to Choose Art Mediums for your Classroom early childhood list pdf
  1. Montessori early childhood Materials Guide (PDF DOWNLOAD)

How to Choose Art Mediums for your Classroom, elementary grades
  1. Montessori Lower & Upper Materials Guide (PDF DOWNLOAD)

Another invaluable resource is my book, “Montessori Art: Early Childhood Art Guide.” This comprehensive guide covers visual arts for children aged 13 months to 6 years old. In this book, you will find a wealth of tips and advice on purchasing art supplies. Additionally, the guide includes over 100 color pictures. This book is available in both digital format and paperback.


Kids painting book, best for children.  Book cover. by Spramani Elaun list all art materials need for painting.

I also have a book that teaches you everything you need to know about setting up children with paints. This guide lists the best paints to use with children. There is also information on why these paints work best for different art projects. The book, titled “Kids Painting Book – Teach Young Kids How to Paint. Included is the materials and set-up guide to ensure successful painting experiences. I also give you my best practices on clean up and how to manage paints. You can order this book in both paperback and digital format.

Big Art Medium Teaching Tip

The most valuable tip I want you to take away is to embrace process-based art making. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, you can delve deeper by reading my books, or visit this blog. Essentially, process-based art making is about experimental and explorative open-ended art. Experimenting with different mediums and seeing where it leads you. It’s not about studying a famous artist’s technique. Or feeling the pressure to use the mediums perfectly.

To get started, I recommend purchasing some supplies like oil pastels and soft pastels. Play around on paper and explore how they work. You don’t need to create elaborate masterpieces. Just make basic art element marks to see how the mediums work. That’s it! Give them a try, see how they work, and share them with your students.

Your students will appreciate the autonomy you give them. Let them decide on what to create. and use the materials respectfully as they explore.

3 Recommended Children’s Paints:

Here are some fun options of different paints you could play around with. I use these regulary and children love trying them out. You can follow the links and order right off my art store website. If you are out of the US, reach out to me for shipping options.

Jumbo Dry Watercolor Cakes (3 Primary Colors) last long and washable watercolor

Sumi-e Ink – makes beautiful brush stroke marks.

Watercolor Crayons crayons that turn into paint!

Love to hear your feedback!

Need more information on art supplies, READ, THE HOTTEST & COOLEST ART SUPPLY BLOG.

Art Activities For Grace & Courtesy | Montessori

One of the aspects I love about Montessori pedagogy is the emphasis on teaching students Grace & Courtesy, which aligns perfectly with art activities like Thanksgiving, and National Giving Day.

The main focus of grace and courtesy is to nurture the development of social skills and manners in children, aiming to instill respect, kindness, and consideration for others. Here are some key teachings:
Respect for Others

Children are taught to treat peers, teachers, and the environment with respect, using polite language, attentive listening, and acknowledging the feelings of others.

Practical Life Skills

Greeting others, introducing oneself, and asking for help, helping children navigate social interactions with confidence.

Conflict Resolution

Teaching effective ways to resolve conflicts peacefully, promoting communication, listening, and finding agreeable solutions.


Empathy and Compassion

Encouraging the development of empathy and compassion by understanding and appreciating the feelings and perspectives of others.

Independence and Responsibility

Teaching children to care for their environment, clean up after themselves, and contribute to the well-being of the classroom community.

Cultural Awareness

Lessons on cultural diversity and global awareness, fostering appreciation and respect for differences.Politeness and Good MannersTeaching basic etiquette, such as saying “please” and “thank you,” waiting turns, and expressing gratitude for a positive social environment.

Positive Role Modeling

Teachers play a crucial role in modeling grace and courtesy behaviors, demonstrating kindness, patience, and respectful communication.


In a time where we can get wrapped up in our own concerns, Thanksgiving reminds us how we all can become socially and emotionally better, working on positive relationships. These are the thoughts I’ll be reflecting on around my dinner table this week.

Easy Art Activities For November

I had the idea of arts and crafts that can be given as gifts to someone – a veterans club, senior center, children’s hospital, school neighbors, family, or classroom. The idea is to create crafts to give as a thoughtful gift. Some of these are easy to gather simple materials.
I’ve gathered some resources to teach these art ideas. Some are outside link resoruces on youtube, other blogs besides my blog. Be sure to skip all the ads on youtube!

Mexican Yarn Weaving (Cat’s or God’s Eye)
[Watch Demo] By young student on Youtube

Make Gratitude Jar & ScrollsStory book – The Gratitude Jar 
[Watch Book] on Youtube
[Watch Why Gratitude Jars Work] on Youtube
[Watch Making one for home] on Youtube

Make Gratitude Cards
[Watch Making With Cards Easy ] Demo by Spramani
[Watch Leaf Crayon Rubbing Ideas] Demo by Spramani


Potato Stamping
Watch Quick Demo by Spramani
Blog Post by Spramani

Flower Arrangement
Great Blog by anaturalnester

Nature Mandalas / Coloring MandalasHow to make nature mandala 
Watch Demo on Youtube

Blog Montessori Art Mandala Activity For Stress by Spramani

Story Time Art Prompt

Reading the book “The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience” provides an excellent opportunity to encourage individual artistic expression using color pencils or watercolor paint. Lead your classroom into meaningful discussions about nature, trees, and botany. After having your students listen to the story, engage them in a conversation about the art featured in the book. Following this discussion, encourage them to create their own series of trees or images inspired by the story. They can express their feelings and interpretations through drawings and paintings. Additionally, students can write their own poetry or even create a book to accompany their images, fostering both artistic and literary skills.
Watch The Hugging Tree Story Time 
on Youtube

Happy Thanksgiving and joyful art-making!

Warmly,Spramani

Montessori | Benefits of Clay Play

Montessori | Benefits of Clay Play, early childhood 3-6 years

By Spramani Elaun

Have you ever set up a clay activity and found yourself unsure of where to begin? Or perhaps you’ve struggled with determining the desired outcome of the project?

Allow me to share my experience and shed some light on the importance of early childhood clay play sessions.

In fact, I refer to this approach as “Clay Play.” Engaging in clay play offers numerous benefits for a child’s overall development.

When it comes to teaching children, this process-based exploratory approach should always come first! This type of play should happen before getting into foundational clay modeling skills.This this play should happen before getting into foundational clay modeling skills.

Montessori | Benefits of Clay Play, student playing clay tools

Playing with clay provides a highly tactile and sensory experience. As children squeeze, press, and manipulate the clay, they are actively engaging their senses. Sending valuable sensory information to their brain.

However, the benefits of clay play extend far beyond the realm of sensory development. In fact, there are numerous cognitive advantages associated with this activity.  Montessori education highlights the importance of hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. Clay play aligns perfectly with Montessori philosophy.

Clay Play has been found to have positive effects on emotional well-being. Many studies and my first hand experiences have shown that playing with clay can help children regulate stress levels. In my early childhood art guide, I discuss this topic and provide more insights into Clay Play for emotional health.

I recommend incorporating clay play for young children in early childhood education. Montessori schools and daycare centers can introduce clay modeling stations into their classrooms to provide children with the opportunity to explore. Plus support creative and cognitive skills. To learn more about setting up clay modeling environments, please refer to this comprehensive guide Monessori Early Childhood Art Guide.

Clay comes in various forms, ranging from very messy to less messy Clay comes in various forms, ranging from very messy to less messy options. Additionally, clays can be homemade, which can be particularly useful for sensitive children. Earth clay, in particular, is a wonderful material to introduce to children, similst to making mud pies. If you’re interested in setting up earth pottery clay play stations, I recommend checking out this book, which contains numerous photos and examples illustrating how to arrange and select the most suitable clay play materials for exploring clay with toddlers and children aged 3-6 years old.

little girl making clay sculptures, clay play session at school

The important thing to understand about clay play is that it should be a process-based activity, providing children with ample time to freely play and explore clay. There are various ways to engage children in exploring clay, including the use of simple tools such as natural elements, beads, seeds, rolling pins, and cookie cutters. Emphasizing the play aspect of clay play is crucial, as it allows the child to take the lead in their learning and discoveries. By letting the child guide the fun, experiments, and creations, you can enhance their experience.

Clay Play book for preschool cover

When are children ready for guided clay modeling lessons? Once children have had ample opportunities for clay play and have reached the age of 4 or 5, you can begin introducing clay modeling skill sets. This includes teaching them how to create forms, attach pieces, cut, and carve. If you would like to learn more about my clay curriculum designed for ages 3-6 and elementary grades, you can explore the Clay Modeling Curriculum HERE. Order Clay Play Tools HERE

Montessori clay modeling curriculum for school art lessons
Clay Play Classes in San Diego with Spramani Elaun – Nature of Art® School
Clay Play Classes in San Diego with Spramani Elaun – Nature of Art® School

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

Montessori Art Certification Online Course

You know visual art education is valuable, however you might not know where to even start—Traditional Montessori certification does not offer how to learn to create art curriculum or how children really learn visual arts.  

• Do you dream of having organized art lessons throughout the school year?

• Do you want art projects to support your most important Great Lessons, or Cosmic Education?

• Do you want your students to have work that leads to innovative thinking and independance?

• No prior art knowlege is required to get trained!

• Do you want to do all this without any stress??


That’s why I created:

Montessori Art Certification Online Course, logo and company

Get art certified to bring art literacy into the classroom in less than 7 weeks!

Choose from two online training options:

1. Self-paced video training (No certification included)

2. Video training, art certification, one-on-one coaching, and practicum

Montessori Art Certification Online Course video training center

7 Week Online Digital Course (3 year access!)

Who is This Program For

This training is for anyone who wants to learn how to teach children art lessons or take their art skills and learn how to apply them to teaching children in a Montessori setting.

All types of teachers

This course is designed for guides working with students in early childhood, ages 3-6 or 6-12. It’s a premium online training course that provides focused and up-to-date professional development. Teachers and parents with no Montessori certifications can also register. No prior art training is required.

Montessori professional development

Art Teaching Blueprint is comprehensive and broad in scope. It lays the foundation for understanding how children learn art, allowing you to start implementing art lessons into your classroom. Art Teaching Blueprint also comes with optional personal development certification and personal coaching.

Improve your teaching skills with a focused visual arts teaching curriculum guided by an expert with 30 years of experience in child art instruction.

Florida montessori founation

International Art Teacher & Author Spramani Elaun

About Instructor:

Spramani Elaun is an author and art curriculum developer from San Diego California. She is a art teacher with a science art methodology. Her success is led by observations and real-life practice of how children cognitively and sensorially process art over thirty years. She is the founder of Nature of Art® Art school & Art supply company, Art Teaching Blueprint Montessori Certification Training.

Sparamani holds degrees in Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Visual Communications, Print Media, and Fine Arts. She has published seven art education books and five sequential art curriculums for early childhood, lower, and upper elementary levels. She is also a regular exhibitor at the U.S. AMS annual conference and frequently travels internationally for in-service training.

Get Montessori Art Training

Many international Montessori schools and training centers offering Montessori certification have utilized my art in-service personal development training, art digital courses, art curriculums, and consultancy services. Some of our valued customers include The Montessori Accreditation Council on Teacher Education (M.I.T.E), The American Montessori Society (AMS), Association Montessori International (AMI), and MACTE.

Teaching art doesn’t have to be stressful (and you don’t have to be an artist to do it)!

I train you over 7 weeks with my proprietary Science Art Method®

Montessori Art Certification Online Course

This training curriculum not only meets but also exceeds the national and international core arts standards for children. The Art Teaching Blueprint covers the Elements and Principles of Design, the artistic process, and Spramani Elaun’s proprietary Science Art Method® and system of sequences.

Nature of Art® Science Art Method uses 3 key components :

  • Visual Perception (the visual cortex)
  • Cognation (Cognitive Neural Network Model)
  • Phases of Art Development (gross – Fine-motor development)

Here are common struggles Montessori teachers had before taking the Art Teaching Blueprint:

“Learning how to motivate kids to explore art and understanding how to work with different age groups.”

I learned how to simplify my art lessons, and that sculpting and building adds to the young artists 3-dimensional understanding. I have also learned that the process is just as or more important than the masterpiece. I have implemented reflection times into my classes as well, which helps me observe how they create and learn more about my students.

Kaelee R. – Montessori Guide


Here’s what we’ll cover in 7 weeks:

Lecture 1: Identifying what a quality visual art education is for children (8 videos totallying 40 minutes)

  • Introduction to visual arts
  • International art standards
  • Art language
  • Teaching Areas of Focus
  • Artist Techniques
  • Art Materials
  • The Artistic Process
  • Spatial & Dynamic Art Understanding

Lecture 2: How children learn visual arts, Proprietary Science Art Method®  (10 videos, totalling 54 minutes)

I share the important patterns I recognized in my 20+ years of teaching visual arts to children. This lecture is all about connecting the science to how kids use their senses to evolve into artists.

3 key components parts to learning visual arts:

  • Visual Perception
  • Cognative Art Processing
  • Gross to Fine-motor
  • Phases of Art Development

Lecture 3: How to teach children visual arts (11 videos totalling 45 minutes)

I explain what art skills and teaching methods help make children become successful artists. This includes my proprietary system of sequences to help nurture creative development.

  • Process-based
  • Choice-based
  • Copy-Mode
  • Creative-Mode
  • Art Teaching Practices

Lecture 4: Complete art supply & materials list, seasoned practical tips (7 videos totallying 56 minutes)

Here’s where we get practical! I share my list of the best art supplies to use for teaching each area of visual arts; I also give you the tips and suggested ideas to help you easily teach art for years to come.

  • Medium
  • Materials
  • Demonstrations
  • Shopping List
  • Art Supply Prompts

Lecture 5: Art environment (9 videos, totallying 40 minutes)  

  • Set-up
  • Art Environment
  • Managing mess
  • Storage
  • Staging

Lecture 6: Staging a Montessori art shelf (10 videos, totallying 50 minutes)

A well-staged art shelf can be super powerful! You’ll learn how to set up your art supplies and art shelf to support on-going art literacy and active, engaged, self-learning.

  • Staging
  • Material Themes
  • Focused Group
  • Independent work
  • Guided Lessons
  • Presentation & Demonstration Tip

Lecture 7: Art lessons & planning formulas  

This final lecture will help get you in the right mindset to start teaching your students with confidence! I break down how to teaching art lessons so that you can schedule a year’s worth of lessons with ease.

  • Art Lesson Framework
  • Art Lesson Development
  • Scheduling Formula
  • Art Observation
  • Making it Montessori
  • Art Albums
  • Art Assessment Guides

New trainings added this summer!

Lecture 8: Making it Montessori (1 video)

How to make visual art literacy integrate with the Montessori Pedagogy. Topics:

  • Sensitive periods
  • Sensory 
  • Environment
  • Staging
  • Montessori Curriculum

Lecture 9: Art Observing (1 video)

Learn what we observe in visual art development, how to use the observation cycle to observe, take notes , assess, and modify art lessons.


READY TO REGISITER / PAYMENT DETAILS HERE!

Got a question? Email: Info@Spramani.com


Visit my websties:

www.Montessori-Art.com

www.EcoKidsArt.com

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

Nature of Art® Is A Registered Company. All Rights Reserved © 2023

Montessori – Using Visual Arts to Support Language Development

By Spramani Elaun

Montessori - Using Visual Arts to Support Language Development

In today’s Montessori classrooms, students often miss out on opportunities to express their thoughts and emotions about artworks. However, your classroom can be an exceptional environment for empowering students to develop critical thinking skills and proficiency in the language of art. By encouraging students to engage in open discussions and reflective exercises, you can enhance their communication skills and foster a deeper understanding of art while also meeting art standards. Emphasizing the importance of self-expression and thoughtful analysis creates a nurturing space to support language development.

When we look at art, we usually focus on what we see. But it’s also important to talk about art with friends, family, and teachers. As art teachers, we can help students understand how different elements of art fit together. This means they can learn words to describe their own artwork, like colors and textures. For example, they might say, “I used light blue in the background of my picture and made wavy lines to show clouds.” By using these special art words, students can explain their choices and practice language development.

Montessori - Using Visual Arts to Support Language Development, Art Lessons For Teachers

Art language includes specialized vocabulary for discussing art, such as elements like colors, shapes, lines, and the emotions evoked by artworks. Teaching art language in the classroom provides students with a valuable tool for expressing their thoughts and ideas more effectively. Engaging students in discussions about art not only enhances their ability to communicate but also fosters their overall language development. Through the exploration and use of art terminology, students can expand their expressive capabilities, broaden their understanding of artistic concepts, and develop a deeper appreciation for the power of language in the realm of art.

Using the language of Visual Arts can also have a profound impact on brain development! When children create art, their brains are buzzing with neural activity. Not only have neuroscientists, science researchers, and art therapists recognized the correlation between early childhood art and brainpower, but my own two decades of studio-based observations have reaffirmed these findings. Through art, children have the opportunity to enhance their cognitive abilities and bolster their brain function. By encouraging and supporting their artistic endeavors, we can simultaneously nurture their intellectual growth and language development. Art truly has the power to shape young minds in remarkable ways!

How to Get Started Teaching Visual Art Language:

If you’re looking to enhance your art education skills, my book “Defining Visual Arts” is a must-have resource. This book is specifically designed to provide a solid foundation in art literacy. Inside its pages, you’ll discover valuable insights, including:

  • The true meaning of art literacy
  • How to align with art standards
  • The connection between artist language and teaching children
  • Suitable art projects for different age groups
  • Recommended art mediums for children
  • The intricacies of teaching artist techniques
  • The importance of spatial understanding in the visual arts
  • A comprehensive understanding of the artistic process

[Order the book online HERE]

All rights reserved © 2023, Nature of Art®

No part of this blog may be used or be reproduced in any manner whatsoever including reproducing, publishing, performing, and making any adaptions of the work – including translation into another foreign language without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Nature of Art® Publishing P.O. Box 443 Solana Beach, California 92075.

The Power of Anticipatory Sets: Energize Your Classroom with Exciting Art Lesson Starters

I’m excited to share a little secret with you about having an engaging art lesson opener. However, at times, we tend to overlook its significance, and that’s something we need to change.

As educators, it’s imperative that our lesson openers not only pique interest but also align with our students’ existing knowledge. If the opener fails to captivate or doesn’t resonate with the students, its impact dwindles. My art method is firmly grounded in this principle; I love connecting art lessons with what my students are already familiar with or studying in the classroom! In some educational approaches, anticipatory sets are used in a similar manner.

So, what exactly are Anticipatory Sets?

In simple terms, anticipatory sets function like a warm-up or introduction to prepare you for something exciting. Just like stretching before exercising or watching a movie trailer before the main film, anticipatory sets serve to prime your mind, ignite curiosity, and generate excitement about what’s in store for your learning journey. In the realm of education, anticipatory sets are activities or prompts that teachers employ at the start of a lesson to activate your prior knowledge, stimulate curiosity, and get you enthusiastic about what you’re going to learn. It’s like setting the stage for a fantastic learning experience!

Sadly, in some lessons, anticipatory sets are absence, which can lead to boredom or disengagement among students. Anticipatory sets effectively convey what students will be learning that day, which can fuel their engagement. We need to infuse creativity and engagement into our openers. For instance, we can kick things off with a short video highlighting a artist, delve into an intriguing news article, or foster interactive discussions. Technology, such as an appealing slideshow, can peek interest!

Now, let’s delve into the process of creating engaging art starters (Anticipatory Sets). Before crafting one, it’s a fantastic idea to gauge your students’ existing knowledge. You can accomplish this by asking them questions or conducting surveys. Simply inquire about their familiarity and interests related to the topic.

Furthermore, strive to establish a connection between the opener and your students’ lives. What’s currently capturing their interest or fascination? You can unearth ideas by exploring online resources or staying updated with the latest news.

Here’s where the fun begins – let your creativity soar! Think outside the box and devise unique ways to present your opener. When developing it, consider drawing comparisons between the new material you’re introducing and concepts your students are already acquainted with. This helps them forge connections and deepen their comprehension. 

Here are some fun easy to use an anticipatory set to introduce an art project:

Artifacts and Props: Begin by gathering intriguing artifacts or props relevant to the upcoming art project. For instance, if your project involves clay sculpting, display small clay sculptures or pottery pieces in the classroom.

Mystery Box: Introduce a mystery box adorned with colorful wrapping paper, placing it at the center of the classroom. Share with the students that it holds a special surprise connected to their art project.

Sensory Exploration: Launch the anticipatory set by allowing students to explore the displayed artifacts and props. Encourage them to touch, smell, observe, and interact with these objects. Pose open-ended questions like, “What do you notice about these sculptures? How do they feel? What do they remind you of?”

Predictions and Discussion: Following the sensory exploration, facilitate a class discussion where students can share their observations and make predictions regarding the art project based on the artifacts and props. Encourage them to employ their imaginations and make educated guesses about the upcoming activity.

Unveiling the Surprise: This is my favorite!, unveil the mystery box to reveal the materials or tools required for the art project. Explain the connection between the artifacts and props and the project, detailing how students will have the opportunity to create their own artworks inspired by these items. 

By using an anticipatory set, you’ve sparked curiosity, engaged their senses, and generated excitement for the forthcoming art project. In my art teaching method, I use inspiration to set up an art shelf, creating the same type of student curiosity. If you want to learn more about this topic, order my books and curriculum HERE.

I hope these suggestions and tips will inspire you to approach openers with creativity!

And remember, integrating art lessons with other academic subjects can create a comprehensive learning experience.

Warm regards,

Spramani

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HOW TO STAGE A MONTESSORI ART SHELF TRAINING