As a Montessori guide, I’m sure you understand the significance of staging shelves with materials. They provide students with the freedom and opportunity to work independently. While learning other important subject matter. But did you know that you can apply the same concept to art literacy?
Encourage Independent Shelf Work
Many guides have expressed their frustrations of organizing an art Shelf with mediums & materials. Plus worry about students using it appropriately without overusing it. Fortunately, there is a method to stage an art shelf! You can set up the work, all while encouraging independent art learning. This can even complement your Montessori environment.
I’m thrilled to share some ideas on staging an art shelf.
Why Guides Struggle Art Shelf Work
“After traveling too numerous continents and visiting hundreds of Montessori schools worldwide, both AMS and AMI certified, I had the opportunity to observe firsthand the struggles teachers faced in presenting art lessons.
While materials and nomenclature were organized for other subjects, art was often overlooked. This realization led me to understand why schools were struggling with offering art literacy.
Occasionally, I did come across shelves that contained art materials, although without proper organization for student work. Motivated by this, I set out to create an art system all pedagogies could use. Thus, my proprietary art staging system was born. A staged art shelf solves many challenges.
Organizing Mediums & Materials
It is important to create a dedicated shelf that remains accessible to your students. Make sure all the necessary art materials are organized within this designated area. Consider selecting specific art mediums & materials . For instance, you may choose to focus on painting.
You you could set up paints, paintbrushes, painting paper. A staged art shelf is a great way to introduce your students to art mediums they can explore. A stage center point for art study.
Get training on:
Take this 1 hour Training, How-to Stage A Montessori Art Shelf
How to Stage A Montessori Art Shelf
In this 1-hour pre-recorded video, Spramani shares her: – Proprietary art litearcy staging system for classrooms, How to stage, What types of materials to stage,How to support group and independent work, and much more!
Strategies For Organizing an Art Shelf Summary:
This blog highlights the importance of properly staging shelves for classroom. With a specific focus on Organizing An Art Shelf with Mediums & Materials. Spramani Elaun shares her background and motivation for teaching the significance of setting up a well-organized art shelf. Plus a resource video training on how-to stage a art self.
Source: Montessori Art Elementary Guide – Second Plane 6-12 by Spramani Elaun
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