When it comes to teaching visual arts, many often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. With so many art mediums it can be challenging to know which ones to start with in the classroom.
In this blog I want to offer some valuable resources and an important tip that will help you get started. Without feeling intimidated or lacking artistic expertise with art mediums.
Getting Started with Art Mediums & Material
Before you begin teaching it’s important to feel comfortable with art mediums. For example, you might not know the difference between an oil pastel and a soft pastel? Or you’re not clear why to use transparent over opaque paint or the difference?
To build your confidence I recommend experimenting. Try out differnt art mediums before taking into the classroom. By familiarizing yourself with materials, or which is appropriate for different ages. You will build the confidence you need to start teaching and using these with your students. I’ve spent a lot of time creating useful guides and books on art supplies. I have identifed which ones work great with chidren.
I have a couple of free resources to share in this blog. Plus a list of books I’ve written I recommend on the topic of choosing art supplies for children.
Free Recommended Materials for the Montessori Classroom
I have two valuable resources for art materials that you can download here. My lists feature the best art supplies I have used over the years. Both for early childhood and elementary students. Take a moment to download these resources and save them for future shopping. They will serve as a helpful guide when selecting materials for your classroom.
- Montessori early childhood Materials Guide (PDF DOWNLOAD)
- Montessori Lower & Upper Materials Guide (PDF DOWNLOAD)
Another invaluable resource is my book, “Montessori Art: Early Childhood Art Guide.” This comprehensive guide covers visual arts for children aged 13 months to 6 years old. In this book, you will find a wealth of tips and advice on purchasing art supplies. Additionally, the guide includes over 100 color pictures. This book is available in both digital format and paperback.
I also have a book that teaches you everything you need to know about setting up children with paints. This guide lists the best paints to use with children. There is also information on why these paints work best for different art projects. The book, titled “Kids Painting Book – Teach Young Kids How to Paint. Included is the materials and set-up guide to ensure successful painting experiences. I also give you my best practices on clean up and how to manage paints. You can order this book in both paperback and digital format.
Big Art Medium Teaching Tip
The most valuable tip I want you to take away is to embrace process-based art making. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, you can delve deeper by reading my books, or visit this blog. Essentially, process-based art making is about experimental and explorative open-ended art. Experimenting with different mediums and seeing where it leads you. It’s not about studying a famous artist’s technique. Or feeling the pressure to use the mediums perfectly.
To get started, I recommend purchasing some supplies like oil pastels and soft pastels. Play around on paper and explore how they work. You don’t need to create elaborate masterpieces. Just make basic art element marks to see how the mediums work. That’s it! Give them a try, see how they work, and share them with your students.
Your students will appreciate the autonomy you give them. Let them decide on what to create. and use the materials respectfully as they explore.
3 Recommended Children’s Paints:
Here are some fun options of different paints you could play around with. I use these regulary and children love trying them out. You can follow the links and order right off my art store website. If you are out of the US, reach out to me for shipping options.
Jumbo Dry Watercolor Cakes (3 Primary Colors) last long and washable watercolor
Sumi-e Ink – makes beautiful brush stroke marks.
Watercolor Crayons crayons that turn into paint!
Love to hear your feedback!
Need more information on art supplies, READ, THE HOTTEST & COOLEST ART SUPPLY BLOG.