Today, there are thousands of Montessori schools across the globe in various nations. As you might already know, Montessori education bases its philosophy on the work of its founder, Maria Montessori. Over the past century, many changes have occurred in Montessori pedagogy, such as the expansion into elementary and middle school grades and the introduction of public Montessori schools. Additionally, there are various international training organizations. Another evolving aspect of Montessori education is the integration of science, technology, and the arts (STEAM), emphasizing adaptability to meet today’s challenges and the need for children to develop critical thinking skills. This article aims to help you understand how Montessori schools teach art today, covering a broad spectrum of topics to help your understanding.
While Maria Montessori wrote very little about the development of fine arts, some of her ideas on character development through art, art appreciation, aesthetic appeal, and variety are documented in her writings and materials. She connected her intention for free drawing to support writing development in classrooms by training the hand, which ties directly to the use of metal inset tools in the environment.
Another connection to aesthetics can be seen in the sensory Montessori color tablets found in most primary classrooms. These materials were designed to help children develop color discrimination by engaging with static color concepts. However, creative arts were not a primary focus in her philosophy, nor did she dedicate significant writings specifically to fine arts.
Modern Montessori Art in Schools
Over the past few decades, many Montessori schools have made efforts to integrate creative art studies with topics such as culture, the natural world, literature, science, performing arts, and technology. These integrations use traditional art mediums, materials, and modern techniques across all areas of fine arts. Visual arts education has significantly evolved during this time, with art standards developed for early childhood, elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary education.
Today, most schools follow national and international art standards, which support the progression of the artistic process. To advance these standards, Nature of Art® has been collaborating globally with Montessori schools to bridge the gap in visual art standards and awareness. Their efforts focus on linking Montessori philosophies with creative art-making experiences. By creating resources aimed at enhancing art literacy within Montessori education, Nature of Art® has introduced professional development programs in multiple countries, along with online courses, books, and art curricula to improve the quality of art education.
Importance of More Art in the Classroom
Many Montessori schools recognize the need to enrich the core Montessori curriculum with more creative art-making activities to support both creative and analytical thinking. Some Montessori schools offer traditional artistic projects in areas such as drawing, painting, and handicrafts like sewing. These activities are now more commonly seen in Montessori classrooms.
As Montessori schools evolve to meet the needs of the 21st century, Montessori guides are preparing their environments with an increasing variety of art materials to support creative expression and help children develop artistic skills.
Having worked with over 50 nations virtually and visited Montessori schools in various countries, I’ve observed a growing movement and desire for visual art literacy to become an integral part of core Montessori studies. This positive shift is reflected in the projects now being offered in schools and Montessori homes. Additionally, Montessori schools are striving to align with their countries’ STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiatives. They are providing their students with plenty opportunities for self-expression, emotional exploration, artistic skill development in the fine arts, and even hobby engineering.
The Montessori Teacher’s Role in Art
Most Montessori schools facilitate art lessons based on their individual training, often modeling an integrated approach. Currently, there is no standardized blueprint for teaching fine arts, progressing from concrete to abstract, in Montessori education. Instead, art lessons are typically woven into other subjects. For example, one classroom might offer art activities to support the study of a particular culture by connecting the arts, and then branch out into an extension focused on teaching a specific art technique.
It’s uncommon for Montessori schools to have a designated art classroom, so it’s helpful to inquire with your school about how they introduce visual arts. For guidance, resources like the Montessori Art Guide for Early Childhood or Montessori Art Guide Elementary can be invaluable.
Meanwhile, some classrooms may arrange a dedicated art shelf featuring specific lessons, such as watercolor painting, drawing, or crafting. These materials are often left available for free choice after students have received a demonstration in a focused group presentation. Additionally, some schools might have students work with a Montessori guide who specializes in visual arts, exploring particular art topics in depth.
I encourage Montessori guides explose children to a variety of art materials, give them direct experience using them. Leading to lots of opprotuty to go through the artistic process and self discovery.
The Montessori Way
Using the Montessori philosophy, teachers can connect art lessons by thoughtfully preparing their environments for more art-making. They can stage a Montessori art shelf and rotate different mediums over time. Teachers can connect repetition and refinement work to specific art techniques, allowing children time to construct art, practice making it, or present their ideas. Consider offering 3 to 4 art activities or focusing on one subject with concrete-to-abstract activities. Gradually introduce different steps to achieve proficiency in art medium techniques. Understand the ultimate goal of developing art skills progressively. Guide children to see how grace and courtesy connect to preparing, working, and cleaning up for the next art student.
Brining Art Standards Into The Montessori Classroom
If you’re a Montessori guide or art teacher seeking clarity on what constitutes art literacy, there are numerous resource books available to guide you. See this Montessori art teaching guide list for helpful suggestions. There are many good reasons to support adding more art into your Montessori curriculum. Here are my important reason:
Art Connects Wellbeing
- Cultural Awareness and Appreciation
Art offers children a window into various artistic styles and cultural traditions. They build an appreciation for diversity and gain insights into other cultures. - Emotional Development
Art serves as a safe outlet for children to express and process their feelings. This fosters emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Learn more about emotional literacy and art journaling here. - Confidence and Self-Esteem
Completing art projects gives children a sense of pride and accomplishment. This boosts their confidence, self-esteem, and belief in their abilities. - Integration of Learning
Art ties into other Montessori subjects like language, math, science, and cultural studies. This holistic approach allows children to make meaningful connections across different areas of learning.
learn how Art Creation as a Way to Understand the Natural World
Art Phases of Development™
The second thing to know and become aware of is that art lessons have varying levels of difficulty. Understanding how the Montessori planes of development — first, second, and third — play a role in teaching visual arts is essential. All planes of development are capable of incorporating art, from infants and toddlers to lower and upper elementary students, as well as middle and high schoolers.
Recognizing the phases of art development will help you plan appropriate art activities for your students. You don’t need to be an artist to introduce these areas, but it’s important to grasp basic instruction and understand where your child or students are developmentally.
I’ve dedicated an entire book to the topic of art development through a sensory art approach, titled The Way Children Make Art – The Science Art Method. This book explains the importance of delicately introducing fine art skill sets, progressing from concrete to abstract. If you’re looking to connect Montessori principles to a sensorial style of teaching, this is a must-read.
Montessori Art Subjects To Study
Understanding Montessori art subjects to study can initially feel a bit overwhelming. I recommend starting with what you and your students are genuinely interested in learning. Explore fine art areas together, such as painting or drawing. Once you’ve chosen an area, move on to selecting the appropriate art materials.
By thoughtfully preparing the environment, you can integrate your own passions and cultural traditions into the space, allowing students to experiment and create with these materials. Next, focus on presenting and staging activities to encourage artistic practice.
You can find more detailed recommendations for art areas suited to Montessori children in my books, I’ve coined the phrase “the five domains of visual art study for children.” This list has been carefully compiled over many years, combining my experience as a practicing fine artist and teaching visual arts to children of all ages.
Creativity & Creative Arts
The word “creativity” carries immense significance when it comes to teaching children. At its core, creativity means inventing a novel idea, something entirely new that hasn’t been thought of before, rather than merely copying. It’s about thinking and imagining something fresh, whether it’s a concept, an idea, or a creation.
While this article focuses on visual arts, creativity expands into all areas of a child’s life. Encouraging children to flourish creatively is important for their overall development. When it comes to visual arts in the classroom, it’s crucial to support the artistic process by allowing complete creative freedom. Self-expression plays a critical role, giving children the chance to express themselves freely. For some children, it’s hard to voice their thoughts, but art-making provides a window for them to communicate in ways words cannot. This is why visual arts are so vital in the Montessori classroom.
Children thrive creatively when fewer expectations are imposed by adults. As a positive mentor, it’s essential to offer guidance only when necessary, avoiding dictating what they should create. Use rules and guidelines sparingly, focusing on nurturing the learning process instead. Positive artlful words (art language) and ongoing support are key to encouraging children to stay engaged in the arts for longer periods. From my experience, a child faced with harsh, judgmental criticism is far more likely to abandon art altogether. This emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment that fosters artistic growth and builds confidence.
Montessori Teaching Styles
There are many exciting and effective art techniques and elements to teach your students, many of which align with the Montessori philosophy. These approaches help children connect with their own innate abilities while encouraging a sense of independence as they explore and discover various art modalities. They also support the development of self-discipline in the classroom.
Several art teaching methods complement this style of learning, including process-based art, freedom of choice, and guided presentations. These methods give children the autonomy to direct their own learning and advance their skillsets independently.
For more on these topics, check out the blogs listed below. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding or wish to become a certified Montessori art teacher, explore the Art Teaching Blueprint Certification for professional development in art teaching methods. Learn how to teach art in a Montessori school! You will learn more ideas on how Montessori schools teach art?
Montessori Art Materials
This art supply list is the result of hands-on experience, with every item personally tested during art lessons I’ve conducted with children of all ages. I always prioritize recommending safe, non-toxic art supplies to ensure a nurturing and secure creative environment. For more insights on this topic, explore the blogs linked below.
Painting Art Materials
Start with basic, easy-to-use materials:
- Paintbrushes
- Watercolor paper
- Various watercolor paints (liquid, dry tempera cakes, watercolor crayons, watercolor pencils)
- Paint palettes
- Aprons or smocks to prevent messes
You can also use alternate surfaces for painting, such as sticks, rocks, or wood crafts. However, I do not recommend starting with acrylic paints or canvas work. Begin with watercolor paints to build foundational skills before moving on to acrylic paints. To make painting activities enjoyable and safe, I recommend using non-toxic, high-quality materials.
Painting Resouces:
1. Kids Painting Book Early Childhood
2. Painting Work, Art Album Elementary
4. Montessori Paint Materials Store
Blog resources:
2. Ultimate Guide To Montessori Painting
Color Theory Art Materials
3. Painting Curriculum For Children
Color theory should be an integral part of Montessori art education. Teaching children to mix primary colors and use various paints is highly beneficial. Color theory helps children control their use of color while working with different art mediums, and it teaches them the basics of aesthetics, complementary colors, and more. I recommend starting with:
- Primary watercolor paints (red, yellow, blue)
- Paintbrushes
- Watercolor paper
- Paint palettes
Another engaging way to teach color theory is by using glass droppers for mixing colors.
2. Kids Color Theory Curriculum
3. Color Theory Materials Store
Blog Resources:
2. Painting With Primary Colours, Color
3. Montessori Color Mixing Activity, Exploring one color at a time
Montessori Art Drawing Materials
Over decades of experience, I’ve compiled the ideal list of drawing materials. Start with:
- Drawing Pencile (soft graphite)
- Tempra paint sticks
- Wax crayons
- Colored pencils
- Oil pastels
- Markers
Additionally, include tools like pencil sharpeners, erasers, compasses, magnifying glasses, and rulers for older students. These materials provide a strong foundation for developing drawing skills and exploring basic art elements.
Drawing Resouces:
Color Theory Resources:
Blog resources
2. Why You Should Schedule Drawing Lessons Weekly
3. https://montessori-art.com/best-drawing-painting-papers-size-for-kids/
Montessori Clay Modeling Activities
For clay-based activities, start with simple, child-friendly materials:
- Non-hardening clay (e.g., Plastilina)
- Magic model clay
- Air-dry clay or beeswax
Include tools like rolling pins, stamps, carving tools, and cookie cutters. Clay activities are also great for integrating 3D-making projects with other subjects.
Clay Modeling Resources:
2. Montessori Clay Modeling Curriculum, early childood, elementary grades
Blog Resources:
2. How Clay Modeling Can Reduce Stress
Handicrafts and Construction Activities
Crafting is a significant component of Montessori classrooms. The possibilities are nearly endless. Common crafts include:
- Collage work with scissors and glue
- Sewing activities
- Beading
- Working with felt and wool
- Woodworking
- Paper crafts and origami
Crafting Resources:
Crafting & Building Curriculum
Blog Resources:
Conclusion summary
Here’s a quick summary of the important ideas about How Do Montessori Schools Teach Art. Montessori schools see art as a core part of helping children grow and thrive, blending creativity with hands-on discovery. Modern Montessori art programs encourage kids to express themselves while exploring and solving problems in their own way. These schools value creativity just as much as academics, knowing it’s key to shaping well-rounded, curious learners.
Montessori teachers play a big role in this process. They guide kids by introducing them to fun materials and techniques, all while honoring each child’s individual artistic path. The Montessori way focuses on a child-centered approach, creating a safe space where kids can explore, learn, and build confidence. Adding art standards into this mix helps kids develop important skills while still letting their imaginations roam free.
The Art Phases of Development™ show how art evolves alongside a child’s growth, offering just the right amount of challenge at every stage. Whether kids are studying new art topics, creating unique projects, or experimenting with specialized Montessori tools, they learn that art is so much more than something pretty. It’s a way to build skills, tell their stories, and express who they are.
Art in Montessori isn’t just another classroom activity; it’s a powerful way to nurture critical thinking, self-discovery, and an appreciation for beauty.