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First year starting an art program For Montessori Children?

starting a montessori art program, how to start teaching art to childeren, picture of founder spramani elaun

I bet you’re excited and ready to start planning! There’s so many things you can start prepping for to make your teaching experience go smooth. These tips will help if you are new to teaching art, or even a couple years into it. If you are new or this is your first year starting an art program for Montessori Children this is the perfect place to get started. I’ll be sharing many resources here and tips in this blog.

Here’s what you should be prepping:

  • Building lesson plans & art curriculum
  • Art Scheduling & time segments
  • Getting your art supply list together
  • Ordering art supplies
  • Planning art storage
  • How to assess student skill-sets
  • Art procedures & routines
  • Art Project Make & Take

Building lesson plans and art curriculum honestly requires a bit of preparation and a basic understanding of your students’ learning capabilities. It can be challenging, even stressful, to create art lessons without prior experience in art. The common belief is that we should teach students about classical Masters and advanced Elements and Principles of Design from the start, but that’s not always necessary!

Students often find it difficult to grasp complex concepts without a solid foundation in simpler art lessons. Begin by focusing on the fundamental art elements; while there are many more to explore, starting with these basics for the initial months of art lessons is beneficial.

First year starting an art program For Montessori Children, making clay

Start With Easy Art Concepts

Start by teaching very basic art elements such as:

  • LINE
  • SHAPE
  • COLOR
  • FORM

The Elements and Principles of Design teach children how to communicate what they see in their artworks, as well as how to describe their process.

Art Scheduling & Time Segments

Trust me when I say I understand every teacher has a different schedule! Some may have 15 minutes to teach, and even have to see hundreds of children in one day. I’ve taught all these situations on an art cart, moving from one classroom to another.

So the most important thing is to ask yourself, what do you want to teach your students this year”? What mediums and techniques are important to teach this year? When you put some thought into this, you can plan lessons and time segments with purpose! For children to experience meaningful art lessons it has to take time.

If you see students once or twice a month, but only have limited time, its still plenty of time, so don’t worry! Plan out the sessions it will take to teach each new concepts.

Here’s an example of what I mean;

Collaging –The focus would be to teach how to cut, glue, and paste. And also learn how to arrange in space, learn balance, and composition ideas. This should take around 4 to 5 segments to teach.Time to introduce idea, explore mediums, have time to creat in a process-based way.

First year starting an art program For Montessori Children? where to start

How Long Should An Art Lesson Be?

My guide and rule for figuring this timeline out has to do with following The artistic process and the students’ cognitive processing, this is based on my science art method. An art lesson has 3 main parts to it, you can time art lessons out by my formula:

1. Setting–up

2. Artistic Process (Creative discovery, planning, and constructing)

3. Clean- up and storage

Timing mostly depends on the age of your student. If you are working with early childhood – toddler students, then you will be the person doing all the setting–up and clean–up. So the time of the art lesson will be much shorter. You might be teaching preschool ages and want them to learn setting- up and the clean-up process. So you will add in those times for 3-6 years.

Elementary ages will be more independent and most likely be in charge of their setting–up and clean–up, plus storing their own projects. But, if you are a teacher that is limited on time, you can do this part to move classes in and out quicker. I talk a lot about this in my professional development workshops on how to manage art lessons with limited school schedules.

Example:

  • Toddlers 15 – 20 minutes
  • Preschool 3-6 age 20 – 40 minutes
  • Lower elementary grades 30 – 40 minutes
  • Upper elementary 1 hour

Getting your art supply list together

Start making your wish list. You can use a amazon wish list. You can start taking advantage of back to school sales. You can start planning for the first few months of school and only pick up quality art materials. One of the most costly supplies you will need is drawing and painting papers!

Now is the time to start keeping an eye for good deals. Grab your cell phone and create your shopping list. You want to have that it inncase you’re shopping and need to remember what’s on that list. But nows the time!

Ok, next week I’ll dive into the other topics:

  • Ordering art supplies
  • Planning art storage
  • How to assess student skill-sets
  • Art procedures
  • Art Project Make & Take

The truth is you CAN present art lessons without being an artist! Isn’t that great news!? You don’t have to be an artist to teach art literacy and concepts. (But I do have an online course, Art Teaching Blueprint, that does train you in how to teach art if you’re interested!)

art teaching books for montessori teachers, spramani elaun

Want to learn more start by ordering these books for more specific knowledge:

Spramani Elaun – International Art Teacher Trainer

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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Professional Development in Montessori Arts Education | Video Trainings

Professional Development in Montessori Visual Arts Education | 6 Video Trainings, yellow logo

6 Video Montessori Art Training

Earn 7 hours of professional development in visual arts education. Gain proper art literacy training to set up your classroom. Watch all 6 videos this summer. No more guessing on what art lessons you should be teaching!

There’s a lot of art advice out there that is not tailored to teach YOU proper art literacy for children. I’ve spent years designing curriculum and training courses to assist Montessori guides in effectively teaching 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 receive an invitation to a special Q&A session with me. This session aims to address all your questions and demonstrate the correct art materials to incorporate into your classroom. The live session is scheduled for mid-August (date TBA), allowing you ample time to watch and absorb the videos beforehand.


BUY 6 VIDEO BUNDLE NOW for instant access!
These summer 6-video trainings is on sale.
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What Visual Arts Looks Like For Children

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

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The Art Lessons You Should Teach First!


In this pre-recorded 1-hour training, Spramani delves into what Montessori art guides should prioritize teaching first. She outlines the key areas to focus on, provides examples of art lessons, and offers insights on what to present and demonstrate to children who are new to learning art. Gain access to a wealth of professional art teaching advice in this comprehensive session.
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How to Theme Art & The Natural World

Embark on a journey of discovery with Spramani in this enlightening 3-part video series spanning 2 hours. Discover how to engage your child outdoors, fostering scientific and artistic observation skills. Uncover the power of using art in conjunction with Montessori subjects to ignite a curiosity for the natural world and enhance knowledge. Learn how art lessons can intricately represent diverse aspects of Montessori topics found in nature, including 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

She shares examples of how these conversations should sound, drawing upon her 30 years of experience in positively and supportively engaging with students to encourage creative expression as an art facilitator.

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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.
Limited Time Art Sale!
Buy Art Training Now
Start Your Art Learning Today!

Get instant access to all 6 videos. Enjoy a 3-year viewing window, giving you ample time to delve into the pre-recorded live sessions led by the esteemed art teacher, Spramani Elaun.

Whether you choose to watch on your phone, tablet, or desktop, these videos are available for your convenience anytime, anywhere. Get the necessary training to start art programming in your classroom.
BUY NOW, CLICK HERE

arts and craft book by Spramani Elaun

Spramani’s Books

Teach children visual arts

Art Book Shop

Curriculum For Children

Get step-by-step art curriculum to teach visual arts. Check out our 4 art curriculums:
Painting
Drawing
Color Theory
Clay Modeling

Buy Art 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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PREPARING A MONTESSORI ART ENVIRONMENT AT HOME

Spell and Grammar Check:

Whether your child attends a Montessori school, or you are starting to homeschool using Montessori curriculum, one area you should consider teaching is visual arts.

Art is an often-overlooked aspect of Montessori education today. Even traditional Montessori classrooms struggle with providing art literacy.

Art Space Benefits

Teaching art lessons has a ton of benefits that go beyond beautiful art. There are some other important reasons to create an art environment in your home and give art lessons regularly. For example, art:

  • Supports problem-solving skills
  • Develops gross- and fine-motor skills
  • Supports implicit memory
  • Increases spatial awareness
  • Helps children regulate stress

Setting up an art environment might seem overwhelming if you don’t know how to teach art.

Have you dreamed of your child creating beautiful artwork but have no idea where to get started? As a first step, I recommend deciding on a place for your Montessori homeschool art space environment.

The secret to a good art environment is creating a space for working, uninterrupted. Additionally, you will want a space that offers children the freedom to explore and express ideas. After all, if you give them a space to make art, they will create!

Before we go into my art space tips, here’s a little perspective: If you don’t have a shelf filled with books, you won’t raise readers. You won’t raise a writer if you don’t have pens, papers, or a dictionary handy. So, guess what? You won’t raise an artist when you don’t have an art space filled with art supplies!

PREPARING A MONTESSORI ART ENVIRONMENT AT HOME | Homeschooling

ART ENVIRONMENT FEATURES

As an art studio designer, art teacher, and homeschooler, I have had numerous opportunities to create various Montessori art spaces. Here are the essential components I recommend for every Montessori home art environment:

  • Table: All activities should be conducted on a flat surface.
  • Chair: In addition to a sturdy table, children require a safe place to sit while working.
  • Floor Covering: This protects your floors from spills.
  • Light Source: A good light source is essential for children to work with colors effectively.
  • Storage: Art storage solutions vary in shapes and sizes, ranging from baskets, jars, plastic bins, shelves, to an art closet.
  • Sink: While the sink doesn’t need to be directly in the art space, it should be nearby and easily accessible. You can utilize a sink in a bathroom or kitchen for washing materials and hands.

WHERE SHOULD YOUR FAMILY’S ART SPACE BE?

Because an art space doesn’t need to be elaborate, you can set it up anywhere in your home. You can dedicate an entire room as an art space or choose a corner of your child’s bedroom, the family living room, the yard, the basement, or kitchen.

One of my dear homeschool-mom friends set up a simple desk for her children in her kitchen. I loved seeing what her daughter would create when I visited for tea!

PREPARING A MONTESSORI ART ENVIRONMENT AT HOME

My own children’s art spaces have transitioned throughout the years. They moved around to different spots in our home. Now, my daughter likes to draw and paint in her bedroom, although when she was young, the kitchen table was where she liked to do art.

Before you unleash your little Picasso, be sure you and your child agree on the space where art will take place (the art environment). This is important! When I first started homeschooling, I was lax with this rule. Messes spread around our home. Eventually, my children stained my nice couch with paint and markers. Soon after, I decided there was only one space where art making was allowed!

ART AT HOME

PLANNING A MONTESSORI HOMESCHOOL ART SPACE ENVIRONMENT

Art space features to consider:

  • Where will the art space location stay?
  • Where will your child access their own art supplies?
  • Where will out-of-reach art supplies be stored?
  • Where will unfinished artworks be kept?
  • Where will artworks dry?
  • Which space will display current creations (home gallery)
  • Which sink will you allow your child to use to wash out paint, palettes, messy glue, and hands?

DESIGNING AN ART SPACE FOR INDEPENDENCE

You can support your child’s independence in the way the art space is prepared ahead of time. When planning this space, be sure it aligns with their level of fine-motor abilities. Arrange and prepare art materials that are easy for your child to reach but not for any toddler siblings to reach. Create a space with freedom of movement in mind. For children to become independent, there must be plenty of space to create freely.

Plan to demonstrate how the materials should be set up and put away. Also, plan to show your child how the mediums work and how to use them respectfully. I know when I have prepared an art space for independence, children can flow in and out of creative moments without me having to facilitate each activity.

PREPARING A MONTESSORI ART ENVIRONMENT AT HOME

For example, if I create a space for children to watercolor, I store materials in a handy way for them to gather, set up, and create. Eventually, they learn to set up and clean up without my assistance. Yes, I’m around for questions and new technique demonstrations, but my students feel like the space is an open, creative studio for creation when everything is initially set up for independence.

ART MATERIALS AND SUPPLY STORAGE

Storage can be challenging, particularly when your entire family shares a living space or workspace. Ensure you establish a system to store art supplies that children cannot access. Numerous art supplies can stain and pose hazards to younger siblings. It is simple for little ones to grab paints and transport them to areas where you wouldn’t want stains. You can store smaller plastic bins in cabinets or larger bins in a garage.

I trust that I have offered helpful tips and the information you require to set up your child’s at-home art room space.

If you want to learn more check out my books HERE

10 Back To School Art Tips
arts and craft book by Spramani Elaun

Spramani’s Books

Teach children visual arts

Art Book Shop

Curriculum For Children

Get step-by-step art curriculum to teach visual arts. Check out our 4 art curriculums:
Painting
Drawing
Color Theory
Clay Modeling

Buy Art 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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Choice and Self-Pacing in Montessori Classrooms

early childhood montessori boy drawing, self pace activity

In a Montessori classroom, children have the freedom to explore their interests. Montessori children learn at their own pace. Montessori education has been transforming parents, educators and students over a century. In this blog I will focus on why the Montessori method emphasis c and self-pacing. And how it leads to more engaged and confident students.

The Montessori Philosophy: A Brief Overview

Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori method is a child-centered educational approach. Montessori education focuses on nurturing the whole child. This includes cognitive, emotions, physical and socially. By hands-on, experiential learning in a carefully prepared environment. Guides and facilitators rather than traditional teachers. One of the core principles of Montessori education is allowing children to choose. Students have the freedom to choose activities that interest them and work at their own pace.

montessori student working independently at table with clay

The Importance of Choice and Self-Pacing in Montessori Classrooms

1. Fostering Intrinsic Motivation

When children have the freedom to choose activities they develop a natural curiosity. This intrinsic motivation is a powerful driving force, leading to more engaged learning. The student takes ownership of their education. Intrinsic motivation also promotes love for lifelong learning. A Child will develop a genuine interest in acquiring knowledge and skills.

2. Encouraging Self-Confidence and Independence

As children make decisions about their learning, they build a sense of independence. They trust their instincts, and follow their passions. Taking responsibility for their own growth. This prepares them for future success by fostering resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

Choice and Self-Pacing in Montessori Classrooms

3. Catering to Individual Learning Styles and Needs

Each child is unique, with different learning styles, strengths, and needs. Montessori children work at their own pace. Montessori education acknowledges and embraces these differences. This ensures that every child has the opportunity to progress at a speed that suits them. It also enables teachers to provide personalized support, further enhancing the learning experience.

4. Cultivating a Collaborative Learning Environment

In a Montessori classroom, children often work in mixed-age groups. This encourages collaboration and peer learning. They can learn from one another, share ideas, and develop essential social skills. This collaborative environment fosters empathy, communication, and respect. Qualities that are vital for success in an interconneced communities.

Choice and Self-Pacing in Montessori Classrooms

The Lasting Impact of Choice and Self-Pacing on Learners

The Montessori approach’s emphasis on choice and self-pacing has many long-term benefits. Fostering intrinsic motivation, self-confidence, and independence, children develop strong foundations. This effects their lifelong learning and personal growth. They become adaptable, resourceful, and innovative thinkers. Montessori children grow to be able to take on challenges of today’s complex world.

The Montessori method’s focus on choice and self-pacing. Which sets it apart from traditional educational models. Creating an empowering and engaging learning environment. By embracing each child’s unique interests, learning styles, and needs. Montessori education cultivates confident, motivated, and well-rounded individuals. Preparing them to thrive in all aspects of life.

Want to learn more about Montessori Education:

Families & Montessori Education American Montessori Society

Association Montessori Internationale

Montessori Foundation Families

PREPARING A MONTESSORI ART ENVIRONMENT AT HOME

Montessori Art Guide – BUY NOW ONLINE

How to Teach Montessori Art Lessons Without Compromising Creativity
Montessori art curriculum, how to choose for students

arts and craft book by Spramani Elaun

Spramani’s Books

Teach children visual arts

Art Book Shop

Curriculum For Children

Get step-by-step art curriculum to teach visual arts. Check out our 4 art curriculums:
Painting
Drawing
Color Theory
Clay Modeling

Buy Art 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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Why Is Art Important in Montessori Schools?

Children doing art in a Montessori school, early childhood clay

In the Montessori approach, art holds significant importance as it plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development. Here are some key points highlighting why art is important in Montessori schools.

  1. Self-Expression : Art provides a medium for children to express themselves freely, exploring their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. It encourages them to tap into their own creative own unique artistic voice. Read more on creataive expression here.
  2. Tactile & Sensorial : Art activities in the Montessori environment often involve hands-on experiences. This provides sensorial neural messages for cognitive wiring and memory. Read more on tactile sensory art here.
  3. Fine Motor Development: Engaging in art activities builds fine-motor movement. They learn to control their hand movements, develop hand-eye coordination, and strengthen their manual dexterity. Read more on fine motor development here.
  4. Concentration and Focus: Art tasks in Montessori require sustained attention and concentration. Children learn to get into flow stages of mind. Immersing themselves in the creative process, fostering their ability to concentrate on tasks. Watch my free 1 hr. video training on art flow and normalization here.
  5. Observation Skills: Art activities encourage children to observe the natural world around them, paying attention to details, colors, shapes and space.
  6. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Engaging in art allows children to explore different solutions and make creative decisions. They learn to think critically, solve artistic problems, and make choices that reflect their artistic process.
  7. Cultural Awareness and Appreciation: Through art, children have the opportunity to explore various artistic styles, techniques, and cultural arts. They develop an appreciation for diverse artistic traditions and gain insights into different cultures.
  8. Emotional Development: Art serves as a means for children to express and process their emotions. It provides them with a safe outlet for self-expression and emotional release, fostering emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Learn more about emotional literacy and art journaling here.
  9. Confidence and Self-Esteem: When children engage in art, they experience a sense of accomplishment. This boosts their self-esteem, self-confidence, and belief in their own abilities.
  10. Integration of Learning: Art is integrated into the broader Montessori curriculum, connecting it with various subjects such as language, math, science, and cultural studies. This integration allows children to make connections between different areas of learning and fosters a holistic understanding of the natural world. Sign up to learn how to integrate art lessons with Montessori nature science lessons here.

Art Important in Montessori Schools

Montessori Art Lessons For Early Childhood

By recognizing the importance to why visual arts is important to Montessori schools. You can provide children with:

Self-expression

Insependence

Creativity

Skill sets

Sensory learning

Creativity

Holistic development

How to Start Brining Art Into Your Montessori Schools:

Introducing “Early Childhood Montessori Art Guide” Book

Visual Arts Teaching Guide for 13 Months – 6 Years Old

✅ Proper and Complete List of Art Materials

✅ Staging and Environment Set-up Guide

✅ Tips and Art Lesson Ideas

✅ Paperback & Digital

For the longest time, teachers of early childhood students have been told, “young kids can’t learn art.” And based on that misinformation, as well as out-of-date art teaching practices, you might be thinking that’s true too.  

ORDER MONTESSORI ART GUIDE HERE

I’m here to tell you that’s not the case!  

Toddlers and early childhood students CAN learn art!  

It all comes down to HOW you teach them. After years of observing art, I’ve developed my very own teaching method that engages and excites young children; it introduces them to art in a way that makes sense to their little developing brains.  

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10 Fun Art Activities

By Spramani Elaun

Share With Your Montessori Students

As a Montessori teacher, you know it can be overwhelming to choose the right fun art activities. But, that is why I’m here with some guidance on which Montessori art activities for The Great Lessons are appropriate for your classroom and enjoyable! Art activities related to The Great Lessons are my favorite to teach. Because 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.

color pencil mandala fun art lesson idea

Integrating Art Into Your Lessons

Integrating art with science helps children express ideas creatively, stimulates their senses, and provides tactile experiences. So when it comes to teaching the universe, there is no reason you can’t integrate art and science to have some fun. To get started, take a look at some of your classroom books for visual inspiration. One of my favorite books to use is “Born With a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story” by Jennifer Morgan. The illustrations are colorful and beautiful and can be used for many art activities.

art activities, blow paint

And for more fun art ideas, download my top 5 Montessori Big Bang Art Activities.

art download for Montessori children

Adjustable Activities

These activities can easily be adjusted to fit early childhood, lower elementary, or upper elementary classrooms. Older students will, of course, pay more attention to details, while the early childhood students will engage with these art activities in an open-ended fashion. Fun and fascinating science topics you can incorporate into art projects. Below are ten art projects that Montessori teachers can use to teach elementary students.

collage paper art activities

Art Ideas

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.

Science 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.

children making clay objects in a montessori classroom with spramani

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

Montessori Art Activities | Big Bang Art Lessons
montessori art curriculum

Order my Montessori Art Books & Curriculum HERE

arts and craft book by Spramani Elaun

Spramani’s Books

Teach children visual arts

Art Book Shop

Curriculum For Children

Get step-by-step art curriculum to teach visual arts. Check out our 4 art curriculums:
Painting
Drawing
Color Theory
Clay Modeling

Buy Art 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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Art Creation as a Way to Understand the Natural World

In this blog, I want to share my passion for combining art lessons with the natural world. I love sharing art activities that can be integrated with nature. It’s truly rewarding to witness children making connections to the natural world through flowers and insects and engaging in real learning like a scientist.

Influence Learning About The Environment

This hands-on art learning experience is memorable! There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing children deeply curious and excited about discovering our planet. As Montessori educators, you understand the immense benefits of exposing children to nature and fostering a sense of connection and responsibility towards the environment from a young age. This influence can have a profound impact that lasts a lifetime.

Understand Nature by Going Outdoors

However, it can be challenging to know where to begin this journey and lack the resources or knowledge about art lessons. Although the natural outdoor spaces available to us may vary greatly, ranging from parks, backyards, hiking trails to small farms and everything in between, what truly matters is taking the first step towards connecting with nature and getting them outdoors.

I recall that during the first half of my children’s homeschooling journey, we immersed ourselves in nature by going on hikes, gardening, planting flowers, collecting natural specimens, and visiting various natural spaces. There were so many opportunities to capture this learning and follow up with an art project. When I began teaching art classes in my home to my community, we took our drawing and painting activities outdoors! My students thoroughly enjoyed these outdoor sessions, sparking numerous engaging conversations about nature and biospheres.

Tips for combining art and the natural world:

  1. Foster a Scientific Approach: Encourage your child to observe nature like a scientist would.
  2. Artist’s Perspective: View nature through an artist’s eye, paying attention to shapes, textures, and elements.
  3. Artistic Creations: Engage in creating art using natural materials.
  4. Observation: Experiment with drawing, crafting, and painting representations of various natural elements like soil layers, energy, rocks, minerals, fossils, landforms, water, flora, fauna, and the atmosphere with fun art mediums.

Check out my top nature-based art blogs for more inspiration on blending art with the natural world.

5 Montessori Rocks and Minerals Art Lessons
How to Make Paint, Inks & Dyes from Nature | Montessori Activities
Montessori Art in the Natural World: How to Teach Nature Journaling

One Step Further: Outdoor Nature Journal Checklist

How-to Teach Nature Journaling to Montessori Kids

Get Your Free Outdoor Nature Journal Checklist!

Ensure your students delve into nature like true scientists with this Outdoor Journal Checklist. It covers everything they need to kickstart their exploration, from collecting specimens to observing nature, sparking inspiration for their artistic creations.

How-to Teach Nature Journaling to Montessori Kids

You can print it out or save it on your phone so you have it with you the next time you lead your students outside to journal.

To download the checklist for FREE, click here.

Take My Video Training

And don’t miss out on my video training course “How to Theme Art & The Natural World.” Join now for a creative adventure!

Enroll here: Register Now: Montessori Course: Theme Art & The Natural World |

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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Creative Activities for 3-6 Montessori Students

Exploring the World Through Art: Creative Activities for 3-6 Year Old Montessori Students

Hello are you new to teaching your Montessori student about visual arts? In this blog I want to give you some general art information if this is totally new to you. I’m a Montessori Art Teacher and the author of several Montessori art guides. And I want to share creative activities 3-6 for your Montessori students. So lets get started… Montessori education is focused on hands-on, experiential learning, and this approach extends to art education as well!

3-6 Art

Art lessons for 3 to 6 Montessori students should be designed to engage all their senses, promote creativity, self-expression, fine-motor movement and independence. To give you an idea of what art lesson activities might look like here are four types of lessons that are well-suited for Montessori students in this age range:

Sensory Art

Nature Art

Process Art

Storytelling Art

Sensory Art

Sensory art lessons are a great way to engage young children in the creative process. This type of art involves using materials such as clay and paint to support tactile experience. Sensory art projects allow children to explore different textures, colors, and shapes. Sensory art activities support good cognitive function. There are plenty of creative activities that are sensory!

    Exploring the World Through Art: Creative Activities for 3-6 Year Old Montessori Students

    Nature Art

    Montessori education emphasizes the importance of connecting with the natural world, so nature-based art projects are a great fit. Nature art can include activities such as making leaf rubbings, creating collages with natural materials like sticks and leaves. Or even painting on these types of natural materials.

    Process Based Art

      Process Art: Process art is all about the creative process, rather than the end product. This type of art encourages children to experiment with different materials and techniques, and to focus on the experience of creating rather than the final result. Process art projects can include activities such as painting, collages, 3D sculptures and doodling. 

        Exploring the World Through Art: Creative Activities for 3-6 Year Old Montessori Students art supplies

        Storytelling Art

        Montessori education emphasizes the importance of storytelling. Storytelling is a wonderful way to connect children to art language through beautiful books. Sharing stories and pointing out the art elements helps children build a rich art language. Art can be a catalyst to teaching primary vocabulary.

          Storytelling Art: Montessori education emphasizes the importance of storytelling

          So this is just a few examples of what visual arts lools like for 3 to 6 year old Montessori students. Get on my newsletter to start gettting free advise and offerings how to teach art. Sign-up HERE

          So overall, art lessons for 3 to 6 year old Montessori students can engage their senses, promote creativity and self-expression, and develop fine motor skills. Sensory art, nature art, process art, and storytelling art are all great options for Montessori students to start with.

          If you would like to learn more and get all my resources for teaching for 3-6 Year Old Montessori Students check links below and on the top menu. I have a great FREE video you can take to understand what visual arts should look like for Montessori student.

          By Spramani Elaun – Montessori Art Trainer

          EARLY CHILDHOOD ART VIDEO INFO
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          Routines & Using Art Language Stops Chaos

          Last week I started a series on the topic of art routines Part 1. By having routines in place you can stop chaos during art sessions. Having these routines in place has helped me in art classroom management.

          • Art Smocks
          • Art Material Set-up
          • Art Language

          Continuing on this topic I’m sharing my insights on art talk & the artist language we teach. If you are not familiar with what art language means, it’s how we describe artworks and our process. It’s art’s own language. You can learn more by reading these books Defining Visual Arts, or Early Childhood Art Guide.

          Montessori Art Routines

          Routines & Language

          Art literacy is not only about making art, but also teaching students how to communicate. Keep in mind I’ve been teaching children for over 30 years. These routines and expectations came together over a long period of time. So it will take time for you to practice.

          Over the years I’ve had my share of students disrupting my art classes. At some point I reflected on the times I spent in fine art studios working with other artists. I wanted my teaching sessions with kids to have that same feeling of expressive openness. So I came to the conclusion that my role was not just to show them how to make art, but also how to behave and talk like an artist. I created fine art studio behavior models (art expectations).

          • Only communicate in art language
          • No negative peer critiquing
          • Observe like an Artist
          • Reading Instead of Disturbing

          As a now roaming art specials visiting classrooms across the county, I use these with all ages from 3 – 12 years.

          Communicate in art language

          This means you are talking about your art, your art process, or helping someone with their art. Not what you are eating for lunch, or what happened at recess. This is also how I can hear when my students are getting off track.

          No negative peer critiquing

          Unnecessary comments could affect a students confidence to express openly in the classroom. I make time to explain how acceptable critiquing is using art language. I explain that I will make time for open refection time. And any student can volunteer to share with the classroom their art. I describe what positive critiquing sounds like.

          Example

          Negative – “Why does that nose look like that, it looks weird!”

          Vs.

          Artful talk – “I noticed he used thick wavy green lines to create the nose. That’s not something I expected to see in his drawing.”

          or ,

          “I wonder why he put purple leaf shapes in his nature drawing, rather than making green shapes”.

          You can model this type of art language with practice. If you would like to learn how to talk to children artfully, check out this mini art training course.

          Observe like an artist

          I explain that if they want to look at someone’s art, to walk quietly around them, and observe with eyes only. So not to interrupt a working artist. In fact I show my young students how to observe by putting their hand behind their back. The action is like they are viewing art in a museum, to not disturb the art. I explain it’s OK to be curious and look at everyone’s work, but observe like an artist.

          Reading Instead of Disturbing

          When a student is disturbing the classroom, I give them a choice. Join us in art, or dismiss yourself into reading quietly until we are done with art. This usually works because the student feels left out when everyone is enjoying art. Generally students usually ask to return back to art. I will ask if they agree to participate artfully, leaving it up to them.

          Love to hear your feedback!

          arts and craft book by Spramani Elaun

          Spramani’s Books

          Teach children visual arts

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          Get step-by-step art curriculum to teach visual arts. Check out our 4 art curriculums:
          Painting
          Drawing
          Color Theory
          Clay Modeling

          Buy Art Curriculum

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          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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          Montessori Art Routines & Expectations– Part 1

          I have been getting some good questions from parents and teachers about art routines. So I will be doing a 3 part series explaining my most successful Montessori art routines and expectations.

          Montessori Art Routines & Expectations

          Art Routines

          Art routines can help you not worry about prepping daily, plus stop classroom chaos! When students understand routines they know how to encounter the art space. When you design art routines there’s less guess work for the student. Plus children actually thrive and succeed with routines in place. Outlining routines lays the foundation for actions and expectations from your students.

          Montessori art routines can be simple and last only minutes. While others may be complex with students working up to an hour. Children already have routines that start the minute they get out of bed each morning. Like brushing their teeth, dressing, eating, and getting to school. In most cases you usually have your students in routines at the start of the day. So why not set them up for art.

          Today I will share what some of these routines look like. I’ll share two key important routines to start with, and the others in part 2 and 3 in this series:

          • Art Smocks
          • Art Material Set-up
          • Art Language
          • Process-Based
          • Creative Flow

          Montessori Art Routines & Expectations

          Art Smock Routine

          These routines have worked with tens of thousands of children I’ve worked with. The first expectation is that art is messy and I have a system in place to ensure messes don’t spread around the room. This system keeps wet mediums from spreading around the room or on clothes. I have this conversation before children touch any mediums. Here’s how that might sound.

          “Today I thought I would introduce you to the art space I’ve designed to work in, and how to manage the artist materials. The art space is available to those who agree to follow my simple rules.”

          With that agreement, then you can move into the smock demonstration.

          I explain how messes accrue from spills, hands and splatters. I further explain how the space is designed to manage that type of mess. The first thing I do is introduce the artist’s smock (apron). I explain how artists wear a smock when working on art projects. Then I explain the function of a smock is to keep their clothes and hands clean. I explain when their hands become spoiled, they will use their smock to wipe them, kind of like a big napkin. I explain that artists do not go back and forth cleaning their hands while working. This helps to keep mediums from spreading around. They stay in their work space and use their smock to manage that type of mess.

          I don’t have rags or napkins nearby to wipe with. This eliminates paint, glue or pigmented mediums from smearing around the space. Cleaning hands happens after everything is put away, and they are ready to transition out of art. Then I show them what this action looks like by wiping my hands on my smock. I also show them where to find their smock, how to put it on, and where to return it.

          I recommend you have your students always wear a smock or art tee-shirt when working in these spaces. If they are working like an artist, they should dress like an artist. It may take time to implement. But if you keep reminding them, everyone in the class starts to behave artfully.

          Material Set-up Routines

          Set-up presentations are key and can support your students in many ways. By introducing these routines children will be able to set-up independently. This helps with getting into creative flow states. They will be able to construct and use the materials in artful ways. And be able to clean-up the materials on their own. They will also take on the responsibility of leaving the materials ready for the next student to use.

          So what type of material set-up routines should you introduce to your students:

          • How to gather art materials
          • The expectations of how they will work in the art space
          • How to use tools & mediums properly
          • Where to store artworks
          • How to clean up the materials
          • How to return them for the next student
          • How to transition out of the art space

          Most art activities require students to get everything they need to construct. So beforehand you will need to decide which materials to stage for easy access. Group work is where you set-up stations for students to pick up their materials, or you pass them out. Independent work is when you stage the materials for students to collect on their own. Either way you will have to be sure everything is ready to access. For both you still want to explain the expectations and procedures and order of work flow.

          Example: You will gather around the circle so I can discuss the art mediums, how they work, and show art technique. And even share some artist samples. Then direct when it’s their turn to get their materials. How long they work, and where to store completed artworks. How-to return the materials back to their station, how-to be dismissed to put their smock away and wash up.

          After you have presented a few times, your students will understand these routines.

          Diverse Learners

          Chaos happens when students don’t understand their individual role. You might have diverse learners in your classroom. Some might be good at art, but not good at following the linear work flow. In this case you may need to group your diverse learners into a smaller group. To process the instructions slower giving them more time to go through the flow of the activity.

          Some might get distracted or confused in larger group commotion. In this case I would recommend you set aside time to work with them in a slower smaller paced group.

          You or an assistant can work throughout the work cycle showing them the steps. You may have to slow down every step. Showing them how each step looks like. Picking up the materials, working along side them, and how to store finished artworks. Even how-to gather and clean and return materials. Make time to answer their individual questions. You will eliminate the chaos and your studwents will fall into routines.

          If you would like to know more about my art method, check out my books, curriculum and teacher professional development [PD] HERE.

          Warmly,

          Spramani Elaun – Art Instructor

          arts and craft book by Spramani Elaun

          Spramani’s Books

          Teach children visual arts

          Art Book Shop

          Curriculum For Children

          Get step-by-step art curriculum to teach visual arts. Check out our 4 art curriculums:
          Painting
          Drawing
          Color Theory
          Clay Modeling

          Buy Art 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.