| 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 |
Teach art in the Montessori classroom, art lessons, curriculum, art training
