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3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum

3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum

Get Started With 3-6 Art Curriculum

If you’re excited to start teaching 3-6 Montessori art curriculum, this blog will help you and provide you with all the resources you need to begin teaching art lessons or even create your 3-6 Montessori art curriculum. 

First, let’s talk about the art lessons I recommend for building a 3-6 Montessori classroom. In early childhood, children should start learning the basic language of art. We call this the elements and principles of design. Giving children the language of art is the first and most important thing that should be taught. You can teach this basic language with Montessori art key lessons in are areas like drawing, painting, crafting.

3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum

I have created five areas of art domains that I highly recommend for children to experience throughout the 3-6 first plane school years. These five areas are balance to support sensory spatial awareness. If you want to learn more, you can pick up this primer Montessori Art Guide – Early Childhood First Plane here. So, if you are a Montessori guide or a Montessori homeschooling parent, this book is perfect for getting you familiar with the 5 domains.

But I will give you a general ideas below and where to start. If you are working with other age groups, check out these art teaching resources:

3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum

Start With The Art Elements

The term “Elements of Art” is a simpler way to refer to “The Elements and Principles of Design.” To create your curriculum, I suggest starting with these fundamental lessons for your students. Begin by teaching them how to create lines and shapes in simple art activities. Then, help them understand colors like warm, cool, primary, and complementary colors. Progress to exploring texture and patterns using various materials.

3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum, texture and painting ideas fish and bubble wrap

It’s essential to note that a good Montessori art curriculum should emphasize these art elements. By teaching students these concepts, we enable them to discuss and showcase their artworks by introducing them to the vocabulary of art terms, which I like to call “artsy terms.” You can download these terms for free [here]. They are also detailed in my art guide books, providing deeper explanations and definitions of how they are taught in a Montessori art curriculum.

Choose An Art Topic or Technique

Once you have a good understanding of the art elements, it’s beneficial to focus on a specific art domain for studying these are elements. For instance, in painting, there is a wide range of mediums, tools, and techniques you can explore within this single art domain. Here are some examples:

Children’s Painting Mediums:

  • Watercolor
  • Tempera
  • Acrylic
  • Homemade finger paint

Painting Lesson Ideas:

  • Color theory:
  • Mixing primaries to create secondary colors
  • Exploring values
  • Understanding tones and shades

Painting Texture:

  • Creating painting textures with sponges, brushes and objects
  • Crayon wax resist
  • Tape resist painting
  • Wet-in-wet watercolor
  • Painting elements such as lines, shapes, and textures

Montessori Art Topics for Painting:

  • Painting flowers
  • Depicting leaves and trees
  • Painting biomes

Painting on Nature:

  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • Canvas
  • Leaves
  • Rocks
  • Sea shells
  • Mono prints

By delving into a specific area like painting, you can introduce children to a variety of techniques and mediums, allowing them to express their creativity and learn through art in a structured and engaging manner.

Art in Montessori how to

Visual Arts & Maria Montessori 

Preparing a 3-6 Montessori art curriculum is important because it supports Dr. Maria Montessori’s pedagogical goals. Montessori education promotes self-directed independence, with visual art key lessons providing children the autonomy to be creatively independent. By preparing a well-rounded art curriculum, this will engage children, support creativity, and encourage self-direction.

Another focus in Montessori is providing freedom within limits. Art lessons can be prepared accordingly. There are various art teaching modalities that can be prepared to offer children these choices, including lessons, extensions, and a variety of art mediums. 

Curriculum Isolation Of Difficulty

One key thing to remember when creating art lessons is that they should isolate one focus per lesson. In Montessori education, guides focus on teaching isolated movements and concepts for children to build upon. Your art curriculum can be arranged and designed to teach these ideas.

For example, teaching painting can begin by isolating a single concept or movement, such as how to set up for painting. Another isolated lesson could cover brush strokes, while another might focus on mixing primary yellow with primary red to create a secondary color like orange. By structuring your Montessori art curriculum in this manner, you can stay true and focused on how Montessori lessons are taught.

These key lessons start very simply with a few steps, and as students progress through your art curriculum, the steps become more complex, building upon foundational skill sets required to transition into self-directed independent creative work.

3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum, collage ideas with glue and tissue paper

Preparing The Environment For Art Work

Another Montessori aspect of creating a proper art curriculum is to prepare the art environment as the source from which the creative process unfolds. One of the key concepts of the Montessori classroom is the care in preparing the environment for children’s cosmic education.

A prepared environment, as goes without saying, allows children their independence, access to the right materials to work with, and the flexibility to think and invent creatively. The Montessori art curriculum can also involve a well-staged art shelf for this purpose. Learn more about why a proper Montessori art stage shelf supports art literacy [here], and consider taking this training [here].

3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum

Montessori Art Curriculum Resources

Art Learning Blogs:

Over the last 20 years, I have compiled numerous art lesson and curriculum ideas in blog posts. Here is a list to kickstart your journey and inspire you with innovative ideas. I recommend joining my art newsletter where I share the latest art lesson ideas, free training, and resources for professional development in art teaching on a weekly basis.

The resources are listed in the following order:

Learn more about the best art materials for a 3-6 Montessori Curriculum Here:

Get started creating your 3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum!

Montessori art guide for first plane
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Color Tablets – Montessori for Art Lessons

Montessori color

Have you ever wondered if you can use Montessori color tablets for art lessons? For example the Montessori color tablet box? 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. Because Montessori children already have experience working with color matching using color tablets. We can use this background knowledge to bridge art ideas.

You can use color tablets as an anticipatory set. These color tablets can be a creative way to peak our students’ interest. So by connecting learned knowledge from tablet matching work, to brand new color knowledge. So yes you can use Montessori color tablets for preparing art colour lessons. And 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 information.

Montessori Color Tablets in different colors

Color tablet work needs to be dynamic

Working with color tablets in the Montessori classroom is a valuable aspect of practical life. However, when it comes to fostering art literacy, it’s important art making 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 art exercises.

In my books and training, I explain the importance between static and dynamic learning. Matching color tablets is considered static information. Whereas color mixing involves dynamic movment. Then transition them into dynamic color mixing art lessons.

To learn more on 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 color mixing activities with Montessori curriculum. Remember, art should include learning the basics and trying things out to develop a better understanding.

Color Work Is Open-ended

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 important not to rush children into this phase. So ample practice (play) in exploring colors even experimenting with different types of mediums.

color tablet work, blue and yellow paint mixing image with water jar and paintbrush

Building a 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. Because this knowledge will later help them achieve desired colors.

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

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 Color Mixing Activity: Exploring One Color at a Time
Montessori Art – Why Teach Primary Color Mixing Curriculum
montessori art early childhood

Buy Kids Color Theory Digital or Paperback Book HERE

Buy : Kids Color Theory Curriculum Digital or Paperback HERE

Montessori Colour, color mixing with students, curriculum

All rights reserved © 2024, 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.

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Organizing An Art Shelf with Mediums & Materials

Montessori Staged Drawing Shelf, color pencils, oil pastels and drawing mediums with drawing lesson on bugs. Spramani

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?

Encourage Independent Shelf Work

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.

drawing with the color purple tray for early childhood Montessori first plane students.

Why Guides Struggle Art Shelf Work

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

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.

Montessori staged shelf, collage for early primary grades. spramani nature of art.

Art Staging System

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 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!

LEARN 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

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All rights reserved © 2024, 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.

Ultimate Guide to Staging A Montessori Art Shelf
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How To Teach Children Drawing, Even If You Don’t Know How

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. 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 with their children. Today, I’m going to give you 7 secret to get you started on how to teach drawing – even if you don’t know how!

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

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!

Children Must Be Mature in Three Areas

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:

  • Visual Perception: Involves the eyes’ capacity to gather and interpret optical information.
  • Cognitive Processing: Relates to the brain’s ability to remember and process visual and tactile input.
  • Fine Motor Abilities: Encompasses the skill of controlled hand movements.

Through extensive research, I found a connection between these factors and the growth of artistic skills. As adolescents progress, these areas usually mature. As a result, grasping complex concepts like color value, perspective, and precise motor skills becomes simpler in later grades. This explains why teaching advanced art drawing techniques to children aged 6 to 12 is challenging. They must begin with the fundamentals, mastering basic art elements like lines, shapes, and textures.

Children Need Easy Line Drawing Lessons

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

Simple Drawing Directions

To effectively teach basic drawing, consider the following points. First, can you draw fundamental geometric shapes like squares and circles? Next, are you able to hold a pencil and sketch a simple stick figure? Do you have access to art supplies? Can you understand and follow basic instructions? Will you be present to assist your student or child? Are you capable of organizing and scheduling 30 to 40-minute art sessions? Can you monitor completed drawing tasks? Are you able to explain instructions in two to three steps? Are you open to learning alongside your student? Will you motivate them to progress and take on challenges? If you answered positively to these questions, my friend you are on the right tack to teaching drawing even if you don’t know how!

Beginning with the Fundamentals

I hold a firm belief that children below the age of 12 lack sufficient foundational art instruction to enhance their ability to create realistic drawings. It’s important to encourage them to take it slow and focus on basic exercises. After teaching a concept, allow them ample time to review and practice it three to four times before progressing to the next skill set. I frequently encounter educators and parents who overlook this essential approach. Providing thorough instruction on these fundamental techniques will establish a solid groundwork for their drawing abilities.

Learn some basic art elements:

  • Steps to Draw Different Types of Lines
  • Techniques for Doodling Organic and Geometric Simple Shapes
  • Tips for Combining Various 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.

Use Sequential Drawing Lessons

If you wish to explore my scientific art method further, please consider purchasing my Drawing Curriculum. I have dedicated 30 years to comprehending the essential drawing lessons necessary for beginners. Once youngsters grasp these foundational skills, they can progress to applying realistic principles and enhancing their drawing abilities under your guidance!

Teaching children how to draw involves fostering their creativity and enabling them to perceive the world from an artist’s perspective.

By following these guidelines, you can initiate drawing lessons for your students, even if you lack experience or don’t identify as an artist. I assure you!

Buy Drawing Curriculum HERE!

how to teach drawing – even if you don't know how with this curriculum
How-to Teach Kids Art Journaling | Drawing

All rights reserved © 2024, 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.

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How to Choose Art Materials 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, materials and tools 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 materials.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_2790-1024x753.jpeg

Experiment With Different Materials

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 not clear why to use transparent over opaque paint, or the difference?

To build your confidence I recommend experimenting. Try out different art mediums before taking it 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 identified which ones work great with children.

how to choose art materials for Montessori students.

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 Download – Materials Checklist

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 art materials.

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 topics 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. For Elementary Grades check out my Montessori Art Guide here.

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.

What Are The Best Montessori Art Materials For Beginners?
How to Choose Art Materials for your Classroom

Choosing Art Materials

Visual arts covers variety of broad topics. The first tip I recommend is to decide on which art area you want to teach your students. Do you want to focus on drawing, painting, or crafting? These are just a few things you can teach in the visual arts. These are what I refer to as art domains. Getting clear on which area you first want to focus on is important. To get details on domains, both my early childhood and elementary art guides cover all the domains you should be exposing children to.

After you decide on which area you want to work with, then move to purchasing safe non-toxic art mediums. There’s no exact right medium or tools you have to purchase. But you should first focus on an area so you can invest in those art materials. For example, if you want to start teaching watercolor painting, I recommend starting with these materials:

  • Watercolor paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Watercolor paper
  • Wash jars
  • Painting key lesson curriculum

Explore Process-based Art First

The most valuable tip I want you to share is to embrace process-based art making. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, you can learn more by reading this process-based art blog. Essentially, process-based art making is about experimental and explorative open-ended art. Try experimenting with different mediums and materials in a process-based way. Don’t worry about studying a famous artist’s technique. Or feeling the pressure of how to use the mediums perfectly. This is the best way to get use to art materials.

Start by 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 elements 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. After awhile you can go into more focused step-by-step art key lessons.

Painting & Paint Art Materials (Order Now)

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

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

Montessori Art Materials: The New, Hottest & Coolest
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Art Activities For Grace & Courtesy | Montessori

Art Activities For Grace & Courtesy | Montessori, girl drawing thank you cards

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. So for that reason I want to share some of these ideas and art activities that follow these important lessons.

Types of grace and courtesy

Respect is important for demonstrating how to treat classmates, teachers, and nature with kindness. Like using polite words, practicing active listening, and acknowledging others’ emotions, children learn valuable interpersonal skills.

Moving on, Learning Practical Skills is another essential lesson that helps students with the ability to greet others, introduce themselves, seek help when needed. And even navigate social interactions confidently. Additionally, Conflict Resolution teaches effective methods for peacefully resolving disagreements. By promoting communication, fostering attentive listening, and seeking mutually agreeable solutions, students develop valuable conflict resolution skills.

Another fantastic grace and courtesy lesson centers on Empathy and Compassion, aiming to foster these qualities by helping students understand and value the emotions and viewpoints of others. Moreover, additional lessons address Independence and Responsibility, guiding children on caring for their surroundings. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness, and actively participating in the classroom community.

Using Art Activities

You can use simple art activities to teach other important lessons like like Cultural Awareness. Lessons on cultural diversity and global awareness, fostering appreciation and respect for differences. And politeness and Good MannersTeaching basic etiquette, such as saying “please” and “thank you,” waiting turns, and expressing gratitude for a positive social environment.

Another fantastic grace and courtesy lesson centers on Empathy and Compassion. Moreover, students understand the value of emotions and viewpoints of others. Finally, additional lessons address Independence and Responsibility, guiding children on caring for their surroundings, maintaining cleanliness, and actively participating in the classroom community’s welfare.

Connect art with grace and courtesy

So, start with simple crafts to support these ideas. You can create arts and crafts using basic materials like crayons, paper, and colored pencils. These easy art projects can be wonderful gifts for various recipients such as veterans clubs, senior centers, children’s hospitals, schools, neighbors, family, or classrooms. The focus is on crafting thoughtful gifts. Many of these projects require readily available materials.

I have curated resources to help in teaching these art concepts, including links to external resources on YouTube and other blogs apart from my own. When using YouTube, remember to skip past any ads to get to the content directly.

Blog Montessori Art Mandala Activity For Stress by Spramani
Reading the book “The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience” offers a great chance to inspire individual artistic expression using color pencils or watercolor paint. Start by leading your classroom in meaningful conversations about nature, trees, and botany. Once the story has been shared with the students, initiate a dialogue about the art depicted in the book. Encourage them to then create their own tree series or artwork inspired by the narrative. This allows them to convey their emotions and interpretations through drawings and paintings. Furthermore, students can enhance both their artistic and literary skills by crafting their poetry or even composing a book to complement their illustrations.

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Benefits of Clay Play | Montessori Arts and Crafts

Montessori | Benefits of Clay Play, early childhood 3-6 years. Montessori Art and craft | Benefits of Clay Play

Montessori Clay Play has been found to have positive effects on emotional well-being. Playing with clay can help children regulate stress levels. 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. Clay play aligns perfectly with the Montessori philosophy. In my early childhood art guide, I discuss this topic and provide more insights into clay play for emotional health. You can learn more by reading about the benefits of clay play in my early childhood book.

Montessori arts and crafts| Benefits of Clay Play, student playing clay tools

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. Allowing children to take the lead in their learning and discoveries. By letting the child guide the fun, experiments, and creations, you can enhance their clay experience.

Montessori Art and Craft | Benefits of Clay Play, little girl making clay sculptures, clay play session at school
Montessori Art and Craft | Benefits of Clay Play

When to start clay 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 forms, attaching pieces, cutting, and carving. If you would like to learn more about my clay curriculum you can view the Clay Modeling Curriculum HERE. Order Clay Play Tools HERE

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

Where To Start Clay Play

Unsure of where to begin with clay play? Perhaps you’ve struggled with determining the desired outcome of art activity? Allow me to shed some light on the importance of early childhood clay play sessions.

In fact, I refer to this approach as “Clay Play.” Engaging in type of play offers numerous benefits for a child’s overall development. When it comes to clay play, this process-based exploratory approach should always come first! Clay play should happen before getting into foundational clay modeling lessons.

Montessori Art and Craft | Benefits of Clay Play book
Montessori Art and Craft | Benefits of Clay Play

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.

Montessori Clay Play

Clay comes in various forms, ranging from very messy to less messy options. Additionally, clays can be homemade. Earth clay, in particular, is a wonderful material to introduce to children, similar to making mud pies.

If you’re interested in setting up earth pottery clay play stations, I recommend checking out this book. It contains numerous photos and examples illustrating how to arrange clay play. How to choose suitable clay play materials for children aged 3-6 years old.

Preschool Arts & Crafts Curriculum
Montessori clay modeling curriculum for school art lessons, Montessori Art and Craft | Benefits of Clay Play

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Montessori Art Certification Online Course

Montessori Art Certification Online Course, logo and company

You know visual art education is valuable, however you might not know where to even start. Traditional Montessori certification does not offer how-to create art curriculum or how children really learn visual arts cognitively. Nature of Art® the Science Art Method@ offers Montessori Art Certification with online courses and live professional development internationally.

  • Do you dream of having organized art lessons throughout the school year?
  • Do you want art projects to support your most important Great Lessons, within the Cosmic Education?
  • Do you want your students to have work that leads to innovative thinking and independence?
  • No prior art knowledge is required to get trained!
  • Do you want to do all this without any stress??

Montessori Options:

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.

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

Spramani holds degrees in Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Visual Communications, Print Media, and Fine Arts. She has published several art education books and five sequential art curriculums for early childhood, lower, and upper elementary levels. 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 our art in-service personal development training, online course, 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).

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®“

“When you complete the Art Teaching Blueprint, you will have the confidence to start teaching and creating Montessori art curriculum for your school.”

Spramani Elaun

Montessori Art Certification Online Course

This training meets 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 her carefully crafted teaching 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)

Common Montessori struggles

“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, total 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
how to teach children visual arts online course, spramani elaun

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
get Montessori art trained

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

Here’s where we get practical! You will learn about the best art supplies to use for teaching each area of visual arts.

  • Medium
  • Materials
  • Demonstrations
  • Shopping List
  • Art Supply Prompts
Montessori environment, art set up

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

  • Set-up
  • Art Environment
  • Managing mess
  • Storage
  • Staging
art teaching blueprint art training for teachers
Staging a Montessori art shelf

Lecture 6: Staging a Montessori art shelf (10 videos, total 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!

  • 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 REGISTER / PAYMENT DETAILS HERE!

Got a question? Email: Info@Spramani.com

Visit my websties:

www.Montessori-Art.com

www.EcoKidsArt.com

All rights reserved © 2024, 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

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Using Visual Arts to Support Critical Thinking

Montessori students using critical thinking skills to clay model

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.

Critical thinking with art elements

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.

Visual Arts and Brain Development

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!

art teaching books to support Using Visual Arts through Critical Thinking

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 © 2024, 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.

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The Power of Anticipatory Sets: Energize Your Classroom with Art

The Power of Anticipatory Sets: Energize Your Classroom with Art

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 I’m excited to dive into the power of anticipatory sets and how they can energize your classroom.

The Power of Anticipatory Sets: Energize Your Classroom with Art

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!

Engaging Art In The Classroom

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. 

The Power of Anticipatory Sets: Energize Your Classroom with Art, samples to draw

Easy Anticipatory Ideas

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

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

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

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

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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All rights reserved © 2024, 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.