How-to PAINT PAPER like Eric Carle | Montessori Art

Paint paper like Eric Carle

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

I like to give my students unusual tools, bright paint colors, different colored papers, and crazy things to make interesting textures and patterns. This also prepares papers for future projects that can be cut and be collage into interesting shapes.

Teach the Elements

Painting papers is a great way to teach the Elements and Principles of Design. You can teach texture and patterns, a vital art standard topic children should learn in Montessori art lessons. The artist and author Eric Carle is famous for doing this fun and vibrant method in his book illustrations. Eric Carle is famous for PAINTED PAPERS and collaging them into beautiful creatures featured in all his books.

Eric Carle, artist and children’s book author

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

What is paint paper?

Painted paper is basically paint applied onto paper. You can paint plain white paper or colored paper. Paper painting can be created with different mediums like watercolor, gel paints, tempera, or acrylic paints (any paint).

What can you do with painted paper?

Like Eric Carle, the famous artist, paint the papers first, let them dry second, then third cut them up into new collage artworks. Eric Carle’s famous painting papers created The Very Hungry Caterpillar book with this unique painted technique.

What tools do you need to make painted papers?

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

Painted papers can be taught in a process-based manner

Process-based painting is more about the experience rather than following directions. When kids paint process-based, they are able to go in any direction they choose. They can explore any texture, use any color, and have any outcome happen, but have very cool painted paper; they can later cut turn into another art piece. Process-based art lessons and painted papers are a great way to start teaching Montessori art lessons.

Spramani Elaun

Check out my Kids Painting Book Here

Early Childhood Guide – Book

You’ll learn:

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

Buy Guide Now!

Spramani’s Books

Teach children visual arts

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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

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.

February 4, 2020January 14, 2021

Montessori Early Childhood Art Collaging

Collaging gives students the ability to express their creativity and even helps them develop their fine-motor skills. That’s why Montessori early childhood art collaging activities are great to introduce to students! The activity involves the process of selecting, assembling, and pasting a variety of materials down into a unique arrangement.

It’s an ideal craft for early childhood students because collages are intuitive arrangements; they’re the perfect artful playground for kids to craft in.

This is part of a larger post, The Ultimate Montessori Art Collaging Guide, goes into further detail on the benefits and provides tips and resources for all Montessori levels.
You can read the blog by clicking here.

Montessori first plane students, 3-6 years, are ready for simple collage making crafts. This is an exciting age for art making, since they’re likely crafting and exploring different art mediums for the very first time!

Montessori Early Childhood Art Collaging, how to

Early childhood students are able to hold materials, practice scissor cutting, and explore the different collaging mediums tactilely. They can dip a paintbrush into glue, learn to paste, and make simple arrangements. It’s best to keep instructions simple—giving them just one- or two-step instructions. (For example, cut and paste; or paste and arrange.)

It’s best for early childhood students to work in process-based mode (or creative-mode), which means art making focuses on the process, not the outcome. Again, any copy-mode creating should be basic; with simple instructions meant to build implicit memory. You should allow students to try Montessori early childhood art collaging without any expected outcome. [You can learn more about process-based teaching by clicking here to read more about the method.]

Where to Start: Simple Montessori Early Childhood Art Collaging Activities

Children at 3-6 years are very curious about materials and how they can be used. At this age, they’re very quick learners! By introducing art collaging you can actually help refine their small motor muscles, since the activity involves making controlled movements through cutting, pasting, and manipulating the collaging mediums.

Keep collage materials very basic at first. I’d suggest starting with light-weight paper and glue sticks. This gives students the opportunity to learn more about how adhesive works, and they’ll be able to build upon that skill as they create more and more. After they’ve had a few chances to explore this type of art activity, you’ll see that they’ll likely have a decent understanding of how collaging works, and will want to create with new types of materials.

Collaging can be done with any type of material: paper, fabric, natural elements, recycled objects (buttons, tiny beads, pieces of cardboard, etc.), sequins, foil, glass, wire, and burlap. However, since young children are still developing their fine-motor skills, make sure the objects are easy to grasp, pinch, or hold.

They can also be a little impatient at this age, so you also want to make sure the objects they’re crafting with can be easily pasted onto their working surface. (You don’t want things falling off their canvas, and you don’t want to have to use a glue gun to make sure their designs stay in place!) Tape can also be used in place of adhesive glues and pastes; washi tape comes in a bunch of fun designs and can add to the art they’re creating!

Be sure to give children plenty of time to experiment with making different arrangements. It takes some time to understand how to paste, arrange, and press down or hold their design objects into place to create the look they desire.

Montessori Early Childhood Art Collaging natural items

One Step Further: Register for My FREE Online Mini-Course

Introducing your lower elementary students to collaging concepts is just one Montessori art activity out of thousands. Lower elementary students are capable of so much when it comes to art! But if you want to keep your students interested in your demonstrations and keep the mess down to a minimum, you have to understand how they learn. That way you can find the perfect balance of teaching them without overwhelming or boring them. And I’ve developed a FREE digital mini-course—the Phases of Art Development—to help you do just that!

It’s an online course that explains how art making helps students develop their creativity, fine-motor skills, and focus. Not only will it help you teach your students, but I make it easier on you by giving you some examples of art projects lower elementary kids will enjoy creating.

Best of all—it’s free! To sign up for the course, click here.

A Short Cut Just for You: Early Childhood Art Guide

Art collaging is just one of the many art activities early childhood students are capable of doing. If you want more ideas, and more importantly, if you want to better understand how early childhood students actually learn art, check out my book, Early Childhood Art: Visual Arts Teaching Guide. It lays the groundwork for what your students need to know about art and provides tips and tricks for setting up an art environment, using proper art materials and mediums, and planning age-appropriate art lessons. Click here to get your copy of my Early Childhood Art guide!

December 12, 2019November 5, 2024

Montessori Early Childhood Scissor Cutting Guide

How to Teach Important Scissor Skills to Early Childhood Students

If I told you that I often lead students in Montessori early childhood scissor cutting, I’m sure you—and many other teachers—might be a little concerned (to say the least). Giving scissors to a young child might seem crazy, or dangerous, at the very least. But it’s an essential skill everyone needs, and if it’s taught correctly, early childhood students can master it too.

You see, using scissors is a great way for young students to develop their fine motor skills. So while it can be a little scary to hand a pair of (blunt-tip) scissors to a three-year-old, it’ll eventually help them perform many other activities around the classroom.

Montessori Early Childhood Scissor Cutting Guide, spramani elauj

In fact, the earlier a child can learn to use scissors, the better. The activity provides so many benefits to early childhood students! Being able to properly use scissors opens the doors to many other important skills, such as writing their names or ABCs, tying shoes, zipping jackets, cleaning up, and feeding themselves.

So, how do you know when your early childhood students are actually ready to start using scissors?

Montessori Early Childhood Scissor Cutting Guide, activities

If your students can sit and focus on an activity for at least 15 minutes, they should be able to learn and start practicing their scissor cutting. You’ll need your students to be able to sit through a complete Montessori early childhood scissor cutting demonstration, where you present the basic movements and show how to safely handle the tool. So, if they can keep their attention on your presentation and understand the necessary outcome, then they can start practicing. Just make sure you’re supervising early childhood students any time they are using scissors.

Importance of Scissor Cutting to Early Childhood Development

By showing young students—even as young as two or three years—how to use scissors, you’re helping them reach critical milestones that directly related to other areas of childhood development. The dynamic motion that comes from cutting activities—specifically, opening and closing scissors along a distinct path—helps them build muscle control, develop eye and hand coordination, deepen their tactile spatial awareness, and hone their fine-motor movements. It also helps them develop the coordination needed for handwriting, eating, dressing, and holding and carrying small objects.

A child that has scissor practice will be able to excel in complex steps to create and work independently. And they’ll be able to do so many artful and creative things in the classroom, such as cutting paper, following patterns, cutting strings and yarn, and cutting fabric.

Where to Start: Montessori Early Childhood Scissor Cutting Lessons

You can’t hand your early childhood students a pair of scissors and then walk away expecting them to create, it’s an early childhood art material that needs to be taught how to use. It’s important to give them time to practice the simple movements of just using scissors. Once they have that down, then you can start introducing students to cutting for copy-mode or process-based activities.

Materials:

Safety scissors (with a blunt tip)
Soft, thick yarn
Styrofoam sheets
Construction paper
Clay

Montessori Early Childhood Scissor Cutting Guide, arts and crafts

Early Childhood Scissor Cutting Lesson Ideas:

Have children cut small and large lengths of yarn
Students can cut large shapes from styrofoam, and then glue them onto paper
Show students how to roll out coils of clay, and then cut those into small pieces
Give students pieces of construction paper that have lines or shapes drawn onto them (or ask the kids to draw their own lines and shapes), and have them cut along the lines

Try incorporating some of these lesson ideas with other topics you’re already teaching in the classroom. For example, make some of the shapes organic, like leaves or simple animal silhouettes.

One Step Further: Sign Up for My FREE Art Phases Mini-Course

Knowing that your early childhood students are capable of safely using scissors opens up so many doors for all the amazing art projects and activities you’ll be able to do in your classroom! In order to keep them interested in the lessons you’re presenting—and able to handle whatever it is you’re teaching—you have to first be able to understand exactly how they learn art. I’ve developed a FREE online mini-course to help you do just that!

3 to 6 Art – Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Resources

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The Phases of Art Development is a quick digital course that explains how art making can help students develop their creativity, fine-motor skills, and focus. More importantly, I share what types of projects students at every age are capable of completing safely, and without making a mess.

Best of all—it’s free! To sign up for the course, click here.

The Phases of Art Development is a quick digital course that explains how art making can help young children develop their fine-motor skills. More importantly, I share what types of projects early childhood students are capable of completing safely, and without making a mess.

Best of all—it’s free! To sign up for the course, click here.

A Short Cut Just for You – Early Childhood Art Guide

And if you want an even fuller picture of how to really help your young students learn art, check out my new book, Early Childhood Art: Visual Arts Teaching Guide. It’ll help you understand the importance of art language for early childhood students and lay the groundwork for what your students need to know about art. I also provide tips and tricks for setting up an art environment, using proper art materials and mediums, and planning level-appropriate art lessons. Click here to get your copy of my Early Childhood Art guide!

Montessori Scissor Cutting for Lower Elementary

How to Teach Scissor Cutting Skills to Upper Elementary Kids

Spramani’s Books

Teach children visual arts

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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

December 6, 2019January 14, 2021

Montessori Early Childhood Art Guide

Isn’t it amazing to see the sparks fly and the little cogs in young students’ brains ignite when they start learning a new subject!? Whether it’s language, science, or the coming of the universe, introducing new subjects to early childhood students can be super exciting! Art is no different—in fact, I think it’s even more exciting! Montessori early childhood art is an essential part of a child’s intellectual and motor skills development and it should be included in early childhood students’ educations!

But for some reason, many people—including teachers—believe that young kids can’t learn art. Or that if they introduce art to early childhood students, it’s going to lead to a huge mess.

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

Toddlers and early childhood students CAN learn art! You just have to know HOW exactly to teach them.

Montessori early childhood art guide, toddler

After years and years of working with and teaching children about art, I’ve discovered the way they naturally learn and comprehend the subject. It’s led me to develop my very own teaching method that engages and excites early childhood students and introduces them to art in a way that makes sense to their developing brains. It’s all in my new book, Early Childhood Art: Visual Arts Teaching Guide!

Montessori early childhood art guide, preschool

Being able to present art concepts and lessons in a way early childhood students can understand is completely key in helping them understand the different aspects of this important subject. Early Childhood Art: Visual Arts Teaching Guide gives you the foundation for teaching art and presenting successful art activities in early childhood classrooms.

Montessori Guide

Early Childhood Art Guide

Visual Arts Teaching Guide
for 13 Months – 6 Years Old

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

Buy Guide Now!

This Montessori art guide is the accumulation of more than 20 years of experience in teaching visual art to early childhood students all over the world. I’ve taught thousands of children how to paint, draw, sculpt, craft, and mix colors, all while observing how they engage in art. My success is led by my observations and real-life practice of how children in early childhood cognitively and sensorially process different art matters.

Montessori early childhood art guide, teaching activities

I’ve seen Montessori teachers stress out and lose confidence when it comes to art because they have no previous experience in the subject. I know how intimidating it can be to jump into something so unknown. When we surround ourselves with fine works of art, we set extremely high expectations, but the truth is, art should be fun! What’s more, early childhood students should be encouraged to explore and experiment, not be held to strict standards. Art is all about experimentation and exploring, so you don’t need to be an artist to participate or even teach it!

Download a FREE Mini Course: Child Art Phase Development

Understanding how early childhood students comprehend and learn art is the first step. If you would like to learn more how to nurture children in the visual arts, register for my FREE mini digital course, Phases of Art Development Video.

Sign-up to receive video

Best of all—it’s free! To sign up for the course, click here.

You’re on your way to teaching art with confidence!

October 31, 2019January 14, 2021

Montessori Early Childhood Art Language

Not only is it important to teach young children how to create art, but it’s just as important to teach them how to use art language. Some people are surprised to learn that art has its very own language—the Elements of Principles of Design—that is used to describe art. Like many new subjects, it can be complicated to teach to young students, but I promise, there is a way to use Montessori early childhood art language in your classroom!

Art language has developed gradually over the history of mankind—more than 30 thousand years ago! Learning this abstract language can take a while to fully grasp, even for upper elementary students and adults—but the great news is that the original, abstract art language has been simplified over the last few centuries, so it’s much easier to use and understand.

Now, do I feel that early childhood students should start learning complex art terms when they’re just learning to talk and write? I don’t believe students, especially early childhood students, need to be taught art language in an academic sense, but I do recommend you to start introducing them to simple, easy-to-understand art terms through normal discussions. Montessori early childhood art language will become much easier to understand the more students are exposed to it, and for students in upper elementary, it can be weaved into art lessons and presentations.

teaching kids the artist way and art language, montessori art teacher

Learning art language is the traditional way to study visual arts. The Elements and Principles of Design are what we study in the arts and what we use to describe visual dimensions in artworks. By teaching students Elements and Principles of Design terms, you’re helping them learn to communicate what they are creating, how they’re going through the artistic process, and what they see and admire in their and other artworks.

montessori art curriculum, elemen — Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography | aquarium.ucsd.edu

If you’re new to art language, practice using simple art terms yourself. Look at your favorite artworks and try to describe what you see in them. Bold warm colors? Jagged gray lines, flower shapes? I went to fine art school, and trust me, you don’t have to to become an artist to be able to use artful terms. You’re more than capable of teaching your students the basics! And the more comfortable you are with using art language, the more comfortable your students will become with it too.

Where to Start: Simple Terms for Montessori Early Childhood Art Language

Learning the Elements and Principles of Design helps us communicate in art language. There are many words in the art vocabulary that can be learned and used, but you should start with the very basic terms—especially with younger students.

elements of art, talking to kids about art, montessori

Early childhood students are seeing and experiencing everything for the first time; they don’t quite understand how visual art fits into their little world yet—but they can still be introduced to art language! As they explore and start to really get to know what art is, using art language with your young students will become easier. More than likely, their inquisitive little minds will start making connections (like, “if I use this color paint, this paint brush, it’ll come out like this”), and they’ll probably start asking questions (such as, “what color is this?” or “why did this do this?”).

When you’re first introducing Montessori art language to your students, keep things basic and simple. Start by describing what you see when you’re looking at art or what’s going on as you make art.

One of the easiest ways to start using art language is to point out colors while reading to your students, try:

“The leaf is all green, would you like to color something green today like this leaf?”

“Let’s cut out some shapes, like circles and squares, with scissors.”

“Let’s make some squiggly lines and straight lines. How many different colored lines can we do?”

One Step Further: Download My Beginner Elements & Principles of Design Cheat Sheet

You might not realize it, but you’re probably already using some of the Elements and Principles of Design vocabulary words already! Some words, such as “color,” “line,” and “texture” are simple enough to use and understand when talking about art, but there are many other terms I’d encourage you to use too.

Download my Beginner Elements and Principle of Design Cheat Sheet for a list of Montessori early childhood art language terms. I’ve included definitions for each term as well, so you’ll feel more confident using them, knowing you’re using them correctly. In truth, these art language terms can be used in all Montessori classrooms, no matter how old your students are!

To download the Art Language cheat sheet, click here.

A Short Cut Just for You – Early Childhood Art Guide

Early Childhood Art Guide

Visual Arts Teaching Guide
for 13 Months – 6 Years Old

Buy Guide Now!

October 17, 2019November 11, 2024

Montessori Sensory Art For Early Childhood

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography | aquarium.ucsd.edu

You may know that students learn in a variety of styles, so giving them a variety of options—including tactile and sensory experiences—will greatly benefit them. That’s one of the (very many) reasons I love art! Montessori sensory art activities and projects give students the chance to explore and use their senses as they learn and better understand new concepts and ideas.

Tactile learning happens when students touch things with their own hands. When a child touches an object, information is sent through the sensory nerves in their fingers to their brain. Almost all art making requires using direct touch to construct, build, or express.

Visual art uses direct sensory touching; students use their hands to create artworks. It stimulates learning in different ways, beyond just visual or auditory learning. For a developing child, tactile exploring can also lead to better fine-motor function and control.

Tactile learning is recommended for highly active children or kinesthetic learning styles; these types of children learn better by physical action and tactile sensations. Visually, hearing, and linguistically impaired children greatly benefit by tactile learning sensations.

It’s becoming increasingly important for young children to have tactile exploring opportunities. Montessori sensory art projects are a perfect way for tactile sensations to take place. Without these opportunities, a child can miss out on important spatial learning. Creating and making through touch helps with brain connectivity that can’t come from just sight and hearing sensory systems.

Montessori Sensory Art For Early Childhood

Sensory tactile art exploration is very important for young children to have. I recommend providing lots of tactile art experiences for the students in your classroom. Experiment and try out a variety of sensory art projects that can aid in learning and be experienced by hand manipulations. The more they can use their hands and fingers directly, the more connections they’ll build.

Most teachers don’t know that you can teach very basic art simply by using a child’s curious sensory system. Plus, kids can relate to the topics they are touching and feeling much better than abstract ideas they can’t feel or see first hand.

Where to Start: Montessori Sensory Art Projects That Utilize the Senses

Approach teaching lessons by thinking of the ways kids use their sensory system. Then frame your art activities to help students discover the topics you’re teaching and see details differently.

I teach my science art method by focusing on these three sensory systems:

Visual perception
Cognitive
Fine-motor

If you plan your art specials to incorporate all three of these sensory systems, you’ll be helping your students better understand their Montessori lessons.

Sensory Art For Early Childhood — Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography | aquarium.ucsd.edu

One Step Further: Integrating Science with Drawing

When I’m leading a lesson that focuses on sensorial experiences, one of my favorite things to do is take my students outside to closely observe the different aspects of nature. I’ll talk about how scientists and naturalists record their findings using drawings and paintings. Then I’ll ask my students to look closely and observe the natural patterns.

We’ll look at natural objects with a magnifying glass, and feel the specimens with our fingertips. I then ask my students to describe in words what they noticed and could feel, and ask them what they know about the specimens in relation to nature and where they came from. Finally, I’ll challenge students to record their findings by drawing each one with a pencil. Encouraging them to record the details on each object they saw, and allowing them to trace the different items if they didn’t yet feel confident in free-hand drawing. Then I’ll give them the choice to finish their drawing with colored pencils or watercolor paint.

Here are some ideas for nature specimens for your students to observe and record:

A variety of leaves
Bird feathers
Starfish
Lemon (or other citrus) slices
Wood chips
Seashells

A Short Cut Just for You – Professional Development

Sensory art and sensorial art experiences are just one part of teaching students art literacy and artist habits. If you want the tools to help your students become little artists, then you need a foundation of knowing how children are able to learn art. In my online course, Art Teaching Blueprint, I give you everything you need to easily start successfully teaching art to your your Montessori students.

Art Teaching Blueprint is about to open!

I’ve been helping Montessori teachers all over the world bring art into their classroom for more than 20 years. And I’ve honed and perfected my own art teaching method, and have developed it to complement and support Montessori philosophy, so that you can start teaching art in your classroom too. From setting up a proper art environment and art shelf, to giving your students age-appropriate mediums to explore with, I cover everything a Montessori teacher needs to know.

I’m so excited to be opening up the course one more time for this year! You can sign up for the course starting November 1. But if you want a reminder, and to save your seat now, click here to join the waitlist!

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

August 8, 2019January 23, 2023

25 Montessori Art Materials for Early Childhood Classroom

montessori early childhood art materials

It’s back-to-school season, and I’m sure you all are in the middle of shopping for new materials for your classroom. While you’re out finishing up your shopping, make sure you’re picking up the right and best Montessori art materials for early childhood. There are a ton of products and wonderful things to work with, I’d encourage you to explore and purchase anything that inspires you.

25 Montessori Art Materials for Early Childhood Classroom

Choosing the Most Appropriate Art Materials for Early Childhood

There are so many awesome tools and supplies, but not all of them will be appropriate for an early childhood classroom.

The reason why some art supplies and materials are not suitable for this age group is because early childhood students are in what I identify as the Young Exploratory Phase™. This means they make and create by exploratory and discovery play. Children in these beginning years do not understand the placement of visual arts, and are very curious about different mediums; they’re still working through gross-to-fine motor abilities and are often still putting objects in their mouths. So it’s important to choose the right safe mediums and materials as an introduction to visual arts as they experiment and learn from the results they create.

I’ve met thousands of teachers all over the world who want to start teaching art in their classroom, but they don’t know where to start or what materials they need. It’s taken me years to amass my own art material collection, so I can understand why trying to purchase the right art material for a classroom all at once can be overwhelming—especially if you have no idea where to start.

When you’re teaching art to early childhood Montessori students, you can get by with just a few basic materials. It’s just important to be smart and strategic in purchasing those materials. I’d encourage you to start buying a few items from the list below to get you started, then adding to it as the year goes on and you start to see your students grow in excitement and interest!

montessori art materials for early childhood toddler, 3-6 casa house

Where to Start: Which Montessori Art Materials for Early Childhood to Purchase First

I typically teach visual art within five domains. If you’re really on a budget when you’re shopping for back-to-school art materials, start with purchasing materials for just one domain, then build from there. For instance, you can create dozens of art lessons using just a few essential materials from the painting domain. (If you’re looking for other money-saving tips, read this blog.)

One Step Further (Download My Montessori Art Materials for Early Childhood List!)

Here’s the thing with early childhood art: it needs to be taught specifically for early childhood students using art materials that are designed or appropriate for them. Here’s a list I’ve curated based on my years of experience teaching art to early childhood, 3 to 6 year-old, students. Every art material listed here is suitable for their age group and will make introducing art concepts and lessons to them much easier, account for control of error, and result in less (to zero) mess in your classroom!

You can download 25 Montessori Art Materials to Have in Your Early Childhood Classroom by clicking here.

Montessori Art Toddler, early childhood, 3-6

A Short Cut Just for You – Buy Guide Book

Having the right art material for your early childhood classroom is just the first step. If you want more information on how to use each material, how to set up an art shelf with the materials, and how to teach lessons that actually help early childhood students learn art (YES, they can learn art at that early of an age!) then I have some good news for you!

I’m currently selling my brand new, E arly Childhood Art Guide . It includes everything you need to know to successfully bring art lessons into your early childhood classroom—without the stress. I go into more detail about art materials (such as how to use them and where to find them), give you step-by-step art presentations, and a ton of other valuable information that makes teaching art and setting up your shelf so much easier. And, right now, you can order yours today!, so don’t miss out!

Early Childhood Art Guide

Visual Arts Teaching Guide
for 13 Months – 6 Years Old

Buy Guide Now!

February 21, 2019November 11, 2024

3 to 6 Art – Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Resources

Sensory Cognitive Child Art Method, montessori

This is a guide to teaching art literacy to 3 to 6-year-old students. There is a downloadable resource available for Montessori guides. In this blog, I will highlight the important aspects of teaching early childhood art lessons. Below, you will find more information on Montessori Early Childhood for ages 3-6, following the International Arts Standards.

Children of all ages can learn visual arts and benefit from guided artistic exploration. Each developmental stage necessitates specific teaching methodologies and approaches. After extensive research and observation of children’s art education. I have discovered that youngsters acquire diverse artistic skills at various developmental planes. You can get more insights by ordering the book Montessori Art Guide – Early Childhood First Plane HERE

3 to 6 kids painting rocks, early childhood

Art Overview for Ages 3-6

Art making for young children involves exploration and discovery. Montessori students in the first plane, 3 to 6 years old, are prepared for simple art tasks. The most effective approach to teaching art lessons at this stage is through process-based art.

Process-based art focuses on the experience rather than the final artwork’s appearance. It emphasizes exploration and imaginative expression rather than creating recognizable pieces.

3 to 6 Art – Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Resources kids making clay

When implementing process art, provide a brief introduction to how art mediums function and can be utilized. Children in the 3-6 age group are highly curious about art materials and are rapid learners. Art lessons in Montessori early childhood education should encourage students to experiment freely. Without predetermined outcomes, fostering a spirit of exploration.

Incorporating specific activities in the Montessori art curriculum can aid in enhancing young students’ fine motor skills. Engaging in art activities helps refine both large and small muscle groups, promoting controlled movements in young learners. Introducing activities like clay modeling, brush stroking, and safe scissor usage can expedite the development of fine motor skills in children at this stage.

Exploring Different Nature of Art® Modes

Creative-Mode: This mode serves as the foundation for process-based art learning, where children initiate their art-making journey. In creative mode, students are encouraged to explore art mediums without a specific reference or image to replicate. They rely on their imagination, thoughts, and ideas to craft unique creations.
Introducing Copy-Mode: Copy-mode entails structured, step-by-step art instruction. However, in early childhood education, direct replication of images should be avoided. Children at this stage enjoy imitating simple tasks observed in adults, like cleaning, painting, or gardening. Incorporate these activities into art lessons, allowing them to mimic your actions.
Transitioning to Copy-Mode: Begin with students replicating a basic design involving one to two steps. Once they grasp the initial concept, encourage them to transition back to creative-mode. This helps them to personalize and complete their projects according to their imagination and preferences.

Art Activities & Mediums

Explore these engaging Montessori Early Childhood art projects designed for children aged 3 to 6. These activities aim to enhance fine motor control and strengthen small muscles in the fingers and hands. All while providing opportunities to engage in both creative-mode and copy-mode techniques. For the necessary non-toxic and kid-friendly art supplies, you can check out Nature of Art for Kids.

Doodling: Utilize crayons, colored pencils, tempera sticks, and more.
Painting: Experiment with watercolor paints, tempera paints, finger paints, homemade veggie dyes, etc.
Color Theory Play: Engage in activities like watercolor painting, dropper painting, and squeeze bottle painting to explore color theory.
Clay Modeling: Work with materials such as earth clay, homemade playdough, sculpting tools, beeswax, and non-hardening plasteline clay to mold and create.
Simple Crafts: Enjoy activities like paper cutting, string weaving, gluing, block building, and constructing with large popsicle sticks to foster creativity and dexterity.

Early Childhood DOWNLOAD FREE GUIDE

Having the right art material for your early childhood classroom is just the first step. If you want more information on how to use each material. Or how to set up an art shelf with the materials. Plus how to teach lessons that actually help early childhood students learn art.

I’m currently selling my brand new, Early Childhood Art Guide. It includes everything you need to know to successfully bring art lessons into your early childhood classroom—without the stress. I go into more detail about art materials (such as how to use them and where to find them). And a ton of other valuable information that makes teaching art and setting up your shelf so much easier. And, right now, you can order yours today!, so don’t miss out!

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Best of all—it’s free! To sign up for the course, click here.

3 to 6 Art Resources

If you would like to understand more about which types of art projects children can work on, register for my free video course, Phases of Arts Development.

You can learn about Art Literacy Standards and the benefits of visual arts by reading Defining Visual Arts Paperback (paperback book).

3 to 6 art guide for Montessori education

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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

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February 14, 2019November 6, 2024

Preschool Art Teaching Methods

Preschool Art

In Montessori preschool art, children of all ages can learn visual arts with personalized guidance. Different developmental stages require different teaching techniques. Here’s a simple guide for teaching preschool Montessori art, following international standards for arts education and sensory visual arts. This method aligns with a child’s growth. Having worked with thousands of preschool children over 25 years, I’ve found that preschoolers develop artistic skills at different levels. In this blog series, I’ll share effective methods and ideas for teaching art to preschoolers.

Art Teaching Resources

To explore art projects suitable for children, enroll in my free video training, “Phases of Arts Development,” which focuses on teaching methods for preschool aged learners. Discover art literacy standards and the benefits of visual arts by reading my Montessori Early Childhood Art Guide available in digital and paperback. Learn how to incorporate preschool art lessons into the Montessori environment.

Preschool Montessori Art Teaching Methods

Art Exploration

In preschool, creating art is an exploration and discovery journey. Children in the Montessori first plane are still grasping the concept of visual arts and are filled with curiosity about different art mediums. During this stage, it’s important for preschool children to freely explore art materials without any predetermined expectations.

Process-Based Learning

Process-based art is a fantastic way to introduce art lessons. It’s all about the experience and the journey, rather than focusing on creating a final piece that resembles recognizable art. The emphasis is on exploration and using one’s imagination.

When teaching process art to preschoolers, start with a simple explanation of how different mediums work and demonstrate a few techniques for using them. This helps children see the possibilities of each medium.

After the introduction, let them freely explore their own ideas and techniques. Encourage them by emphasizing that there are no right or wrong ways to use the medium. Allow them to add to their projects and experiment with various ways to finish their artwork using the introduced medium. Remember, process-based art is all about trying new things and uncovering creativity! Learn more about process-based learning.

Building Fine-Motor Skills

A key focus is engaging children in tasks that develop fine-motor skills. Creating art helps enhance both major and minor muscle groups, improving young learners’ coordination. It’s important to provide plenty of opportunities to practice these skills.

Typically, preschool to kindergarten-aged children have limited finger and hand strength. Recognizing the importance of fine-motor growth is crucial, as it affects various aspects of a child’s daily life, from self-care tasks to early cognitive functions.

In your Montessori art classroom, incorporating specific activities can help young students strengthen their small muscle groups. Starting with activities like clay modeling, brush stroking, and safe scissor use can effectively boost their fine-motor skills development. Learn more about fine motor art development methods here.

Engaging Preschool Activities & Mediums

You can find safe and child-friendly art supplies for these activities at Nature of Art for Kids online store. Here are some wonderful art projects suitable for preschool grades, designed to enhance fine motor skills in their fingers and hands:

Doodling & Drawing: Use crayons, colored pencils, tempera sticks, and more.

Painting: Explore watercolors, tempera paints, finger paints, homemade veggie dyes, and other mediums.

Color Theory Play: Engage in activities like watercolor painting, dropper painting, and squeeze bottle painting.

Clay Modeling: Experiment with earth clay, homemade play dough, sculpture creation, beeswax forming, and more.

Simple Crafts: Include tasks like paper cutting, string weaving, gluing, building with jumbo Legos, and creating large popsicle-stick structures. (Note: Avoid crafts with small parts for students under 3 years old.)

Buy Montessori Art Guide – Early Childhood

Looking for a shortcut? Consider purchasing the Early Childhood Guide for tailored guidance on art materials, setting up an art shelf, delivering effective art lessons to early childhood students, and more. This resource offers detailed insights and step-by-step instructions to simplify the process of teaching art to young learners.

What Are The Best Montessori Art Materials For Beginners?

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

January 27, 2019February 1, 2020

Montessori Art Early Childhood Guides

Below you’ll find a general arts literacy guide for Montessori Early Childhood ages following the International Standards for the Arts Education & Sensory Visual Arts method that aligns with a child’s growth – Nature of Art®.

Children of all ages can be taught visual arts and guided through the artistic process.

Each developmental phase requires different teaching styles and approaches.

Resources

If you would like to understand more about which types of art projects children can work on, register for this free video course Phases of Arts Development discussing Early Childhood, 3 – 6, and 6 – 13 years age.

You can learn about Art Literacy Standards and the benefits of visual arts read Defining Visual Arts Paperback (paperback book).Get information on how to bring art lessons into the Montessori classroom by reading Introducing Visual Arts into the Montessori Classroom (paperback book).

Get information on how to bring art lessons into the Montessori classrom by reading Introducing Visual Arts into the Montessori Classroom (paperback book).

Early Childhood, Toddler Art Teaching : 18 months to 3 years

For young children art making will be an exploratory and discovery based experience. Early childhood children do not understand the placement of visual arts, and are in a very curious state about mediums. Children should explore art mediums without any expected outcome.

So the best instruction method to introducing art lessons will be process based art, Process based art is about the experience and the process, and not focused on the child’s final piece of artwork, or whether it resembles art adults recognize.

And finally the important thing you want to focus on is giving children task for fine-motor skill development. Art creating helps develop muscles both small and large, which improves controlled movements. Be sure to provide plenty of opportunities to practice these skills.

Art Activities & Mediums For Early Childhood

Doodling – crayons, color pencils, tempera sticks

Painting – watercolor paints, tempera paints, finger paints, homemade veggie paints

Color Theory Play – water color paints

Clay Modeling – earth clay, homemade play dough

Simple Crafts – cutting paper and weaving string. I recommend waiting to do crafts with small parts till after age of 3 years.

Learn more by registering for this free mini digital course, Phases of Art Development Video.

Paint paper like Eric Carle

Teach the Elements

Eric Carle, artist and children’s book author

What is paint paper?

What can you do with painted paper?

What tools do you need to make painted papers?

Painted papers can be taught in a process-based manner

You’ll learn:

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Curriculum For Children

Where to Start: Simple Montessori Early Childhood Art Collaging Activities

One Step Further: Register for My FREE Online Mini-Course

A Short Cut Just for You: Early Childhood Art Guide

How to Teach Important Scissor Skills to Early Childhood Students

Where to Start: Montessori Early Childhood Scissor Cutting Lessons

One Step Further: Sign Up for My FREE Art Phases Mini-Course

A Short Cut Just for You – Early Childhood Art Guide

Spramani’s Books

Curriculum For Children

Montessori Early Childhood Art Guide

Montessori Guide

Visual Arts Teaching Guidefor 13 Months – 6 Years Old

Download a FREE Mini Course: Child Art Phase Development

Where to Start: Simple Terms for Montessori Early Childhood Art Language

One Step Further: Download My Beginner Elements & Principles of Design Cheat Sheet

A Short Cut Just for You – Early Childhood Art Guide

Visual Arts Teaching Guidefor 13 Months – 6 Years Old

Where to Start: Montessori Sensory Art Projects That Utilize the Senses

One Step Further: Integrating Science with Drawing

A Short Cut Just for You – Professional Development

Art Teaching Blueprint is about to open!

Spramani’s Books

Curriculum For Children

Choosing the Most Appropriate Art Materials for Early Childhood

Where to Start: Which Montessori Art Materials for Early Childhood to Purchase First

One Step Further (Download My Montessori Art Materials for Early Childhood List!)

A Short Cut Just for You – Buy Guide Book

Visual Arts Teaching Guidefor 13 Months – 6 Years Old

Art Overview for Ages 3-6

Exploring Different Nature of Art® Modes

Art Activities & Mediums

Early Childhood DOWNLOAD FREE GUIDE

3 to 6 Art Resources

Spramani’s Books

Curriculum For Children

Preschool Art

Art Teaching Resources

Art Exploration

Process-Based Learning

Building Fine-Motor Skills

Engaging Preschool Activities & Mediums

Spramani’s Books

Curriculum For Children

Resources

Early Childhood, Toddler Art Teaching : 18 months to 3 years

Art Activities & Mediums For Early Childhood

Visual Arts Teaching Guide
for 13 Months – 6 Years Old

Visual Arts Teaching Guide
for 13 Months – 6 Years Old

Visual Arts Teaching Guide
for 13 Months – 6 Years Old