By Spramani Elaun

Understanding the importance of integrating a visual art curriculum into the classroom is crucial in today’s educational landscape, especially with the emphasis on STEAM programming. The “A” in STEAM signifies arts, showcasing the increasing recognition of arts within this educational movement across all grade levels. This approach, combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through project-based learning, not only prepares children for future jobs but also nurtures their creative problem-solving skills.

Where To Start With Montessori Curriculum

Crafting an art curriculum tailored for Montessori children in the first and second plane of development presents its unique set of challenges. But with proper guidance, you can confidently start. Many Montessori educators express a desire to enhance their students’ artistic skills. Yet they may lack expertise or training in visual arts instruction. By receiving appropriate support, you can begin incorporating engaging art lessons into your schedule and creating an art environment.

In the realm of Montessori training, visual arts have historically been underrepresented in certification programs. Recognizing this gap, my company, Nature of Art®, has been actively bridging this divide by teaching visual arts with Montessori curriculum. Through years of research and presentations, I’ve developed methods to assist Montessori guide. That aligns with the Great lessons, plus meeting art standards effectively.

Important To Start With Art Fundamentals

To excel in teaching visual art, it is essential to grasp the fundamentals of art literacy and the sensory systems of of a child. This knowledge sets the foundation for exploring various art teaching models. Like process-based, choice-based, or guided lessons, all of which play a vital role in delivering effective art instruction.

Getting familiar with art mediums and different ways to teach art further enhances your teaching experience. Before diving into developing your art curriculum, understanding the art element core concepts is important. Once you have a solid foundation, planning and art lessons becomes more straightforward.

I Offer Montessori Curriculum Building Resources

I offer a range of resources, including free art blogs, teaching books, video trainings, and access to recommended art supplies. Supporting your journey in teaching art effectively. With over three decades of experience, I am dedicated to providing the tools and guidance necessary for your success in art education.

My Art Program Framework

• Foundations of art literacy
• Various art teaching models
• Selection of age-appropriate art materials
• Creation of a conducive art environment
• Development of staged art activities
• teacher management routines
• Art scheduling and lesson plans

Other Art Resources:

• Reading recommended books on art education
• Participating in online art training sessions
• Pursuing art certification programs for professional development

Art Teaching book list:

Montessori Early Childhood Art Guide – First Plane

Montessori Art Guide – Elementary – Second Plane

Defining Visual Arts

Kids Color Theory

Kids Painting

Clay Play

Nurturing Children In The Visual Arts Naturally

Spramani Elaun travels internationally for Montessori professional development. Visit her events page.For speaking engagements or training inquiries, please contact via email at info@spramani.com.

About the Author

Spramani Elaun is an accomplished author and art curriculum developer based in San Diego, California. As a dedicated homeschooling mother and art teacher, she implements a unique science art methodology in her teaching approach. Spramani’s success stems from her keen observations and hands-on experience in understanding how children process art both cognitively and sensorially.

She is the visionary founder of Nature of Art® Art school & Art supply company, as well as the innovative Art Teaching Blueprint Montessori Certification Training Program. Spramani’s educational background includes degrees in Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Visual Communications, Print Media, and Fine Arts.

All Rights Reserved, © Spramani Elaun 2024

Get Started With 3-6 Art Curriculum

If you’re excited to start teaching 3-6 Montessori art curriculum, this blog will help you and provide you with all the resources you need to begin teaching art lessons or even create your 3-6 Montessori art curriculum. 

First, let’s talk about the art lessons I recommend for building a 3-6 Montessori classroom. In early childhood, children should start learning the basic language of art. We call this the elements and principles of design. Giving children the language of art is the first and most important thing that should be taught. You can teach this basic language with Montessori art key lessons in are areas like drawing, painting, crafting.

I have created five areas of art domains that I highly recommend for children to experience throughout the 3-6 first plane school years. These five areas are balance to support sensory spatial awareness. If you want to learn more, you can pick up this primer Montessori Art Guide – Early Childhood First Plane here. So, if you are a Montessori guide or a Montessori homeschooling parent, this book is perfect for getting you familiar with the 5 domains.

But I will give you a general ideas below and where to start. If you are working with other age groups, check out these art teaching resources:

• 0-3 Montessori Art – Training Video, First Plane
• 6-12 Montessori Art Guide Book – Elementary Second Plane

Start With The Art Elements

The term “Elements of Art” is a simpler way to refer to “The Elements and Principles of Design.” To create your curriculum, I suggest starting with these fundamental lessons for your students. Begin by teaching them how to create lines and shapes in simple art activities. Then, help them understand colors like warm, cool, primary, and complementary colors. Progress to exploring texture and patterns using various materials.

It’s essential to note that a good Montessori art curriculum should emphasize these art elements. By teaching students these concepts, we enable them to discuss and showcase their artworks by introducing them to the vocabulary of art terms, which I like to call “artsy terms.” You can download these terms for free [here]. They are also detailed in my art guide books, providing deeper explanations and definitions of how they are taught in a Montessori art curriculum.

Choose An Art Topic or Technique

Once you have a good understanding of the art elements, it’s beneficial to focus on a specific art domain for studying these are elements. For instance, in painting, there is a wide range of mediums, tools, and techniques you can explore within this single art domain. Here are some examples:

Children’s Painting Mediums:

• Watercolor
• Tempera
• Acrylic
• Homemade finger paint

Painting Lesson Ideas:

• Color theory:
• Mixing primaries to create secondary colors
• Exploring values
• Understanding tones and shades

Painting Texture:

• Creating painting textures with sponges, brushes and objects
• Crayon wax resist
• Tape resist painting
• Wet-in-wet watercolor
• Painting elements such as lines, shapes, and textures

Montessori Art Topics for Painting:

• Painting flowers
• Depicting leaves and trees
• Painting biomes

Painting on Nature:

• Paper
• Cardboard
• Canvas
• Leaves
• Rocks
• Sea shells
• Mono prints

By delving into a specific area like painting, you can introduce children to a variety of techniques and mediums, allowing them to express their creativity and learn through art in a structured and engaging manner.

Visual Arts & Maria Montessori 

Preparing a 3-6 Montessori art curriculum is important because it supports Dr. Maria Montessori’s pedagogical goals. Montessori education promotes self-directed independence, with visual art key lessons providing children the autonomy to be creatively independent. By preparing a well-rounded art curriculum, this will engage children, support creativity, and encourage self-direction.

Another focus in Montessori is providing freedom within limits. Art lessons can be prepared accordingly. There are various art teaching modalities that can be prepared to offer children these choices, including lessons, extensions, and a variety of art mediums. 

Curriculum Isolation Of Difficulty

One key thing to remember when creating art lessons is that they should isolate one focus per lesson. In Montessori education, guides focus on teaching isolated movements and concepts for children to build upon. Your art curriculum can be arranged and designed to teach these ideas.

For example, teaching painting can begin by isolating a single concept or movement, such as how to set up for painting. Another isolated lesson could cover brush strokes, while another might focus on mixing primary yellow with primary red to create a secondary color like orange. By structuring your Montessori art curriculum in this manner, you can stay true and focused on how Montessori lessons are taught.

These key lessons start very simply with a few steps, and as students progress through your art curriculum, the steps become more complex, building upon foundational skill sets required to transition into self-directed independent creative work.

Preparing The Environment For Art Work

Another Montessori aspect of creating a proper art curriculum is to prepare the art environment as the source from which the creative process unfolds. One of the key concepts of the Montessori classroom is the care in preparing the environment for children’s cosmic education.

A prepared environment, as goes without saying, allows children their independence, access to the right materials to work with, and the flexibility to think and invent creatively. The Montessori art curriculum can also involve a well-staged art shelf for this purpose. Learn more about why a proper Montessori art stage shelf supports art literacy [here], and consider taking this training [here].

Montessori Art Curriculum Resources

Art Learning Blogs:

Over the last 20 years, I have compiled numerous art lesson and curriculum ideas in blog posts. Here is a list to kickstart your journey and inspire you with innovative ideas. I recommend joining my art newsletter where I share the latest art lesson ideas, free training, and resources for professional development in art teaching on a weekly basis.

The resources are listed in the following order:

• Art Blogs
• Art Books
• Done-for-You Art Curriculum
• Art Video Training
• Professional Development
• Montessori Art Certification

Learn more about the best art materials for a 3-6 Montessori Curriculum Here:

Get started creating your 3-6 Montessori Art Curriculum!

As a Montessori guide, I’m sure you understand the significance of staging shelves. 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 an art shelf?

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 other important Montessori lessons together.

I’m thrilled to share some ideas on staging an art shelf. Before diving into that, I’d like to share background on why stage an art lesson. I will also share the importance of setting up a staged 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. It became evident that most schools did not have a designated art shelf in their classrooms.

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. © 2024 Excerpt from: Montessori Art  Elementary Guide – Second Plane 6-12 by Spramani Elaun

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 that would emulate the aesthetics of an art studio, but within the confines of a staged shelf. Thus, my proprietary art staging system was born. A staged art shelf solves many challenges.

Art Staging System

Here are eleven compelling reasons why I recommend creating a staged art shelf. I do elaborate on each of these points in my book: Montessori Art  Elementary Guide – Second Plane 6-12

• Ensures an art literacy program is happening in the classroom
• Represents all areas of art literacy
• Can support the artist process
• Supports sensory tactile learning
• Provides a framework for teaching an art lesson
• Helps students work independently
• Engages
• Stimulates the imagination and creative flow
• Provides flexibility for semi-motor control
• Supports choice
• Can track follow-up work
• Supports the Montessori Great Lessons

Learning to stage art lessons will make your students curious. They will get excited to experiment with each lesson you prepare. When it comes to staging art lessons, one of the key benefits is it helps you stay organized. Especially when you have a busy schedule. This staged area can support all areas of visual arts like : drawing, painting and crafting.

Organizing Mediums & Materials

It is important to create a dedicated shelf that remains accessible to your students. This shelf serves multiple purposes, such as showcasing examples of demos and presentations. Your students can reference your examples in demos. Additionally, you can set up anticipatory sets for future lessons.

Make sure all the necessary art materials are organized within this designated area. Consider selecting specific art mediums & materials to focus on isolated movements. For instance, you may choose to focus on paintbrush key lessons. For example painting can be the domain focus.

You will want to stage paints, paintbrushes, painting paper, wash jars and napkins to wipe the paintbrush off between each brushstroke. A staged art shelf is a great way to introduce your students to art mediums they can explore and investigate. A stage center point for art study.

It important to demonstrate to your students how to use a staged shelf and prepare it for the next student. By providing clear instructions and showing them the proper use and maintenance. You can foster independence and responsibility. If you would like to learn all the details to staging a proper Montessori art shelf, check out my training below.

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 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!

Strategies For Organizing an Art Shelf Summary:

This blog highlights the importance of properly staging shelves in a Montessori 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. She emphasize the benefits of creating a staged art shelf, such as promoting art literacy, supporting independent work, and engaging students’ imagination and creativity. The blog also provides tips for setting up a staged art shelf, including ensuring all necessary materials are accessible and demonstrating proper use and maintenance to students. Plus a resource video training on how-to stage a Montessori art self. Overall, encourages Montessori guides to prioritize the effective staging of art shelves to enhance students’ art learning experiences.

Source: Montessori Art Elementary Guide – Second Plane 6-12 by Spramani Elaun

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.

When it comes to teaching visual arts, many often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. With so many art mediums, materials and tools 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 materials.

Experiment With Different Materials

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 not clear why to use transparent over opaque paint, or the difference?

To build your confidence I recommend experimenting. Try out different art mediums before taking it 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 identified which ones work great with children.

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 Download – Materials Checklist

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 art materials.

1. Montessori early childhood Materials Guide (PDF DOWNLOAD)

1. 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 topics 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. For Elementary Grades check out my Montessori Art Guide here.

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.

Choosing Art Materials

Visual arts covers variety of broad topics. The first tip I recommend is to decide on which art area you want to teach your students. Do you want to focus on drawing, painting, or crafting? These are just a few things you can teach in the visual arts. These are what I refer to as art domains. Getting clear on which area you first want to focus on is important. To get details on domains, both my early childhood and elementary art guides cover all the domains you should be exposing children to.

After you decide on which area you want to work with, then move to purchasing safe non-toxic art mediums. There’s no exact right medium or tools you have to purchase. But you should first focus on an area so you can invest in those art materials. For example, if you want to start teaching watercolor painting, I recommend starting with these materials:

• Watercolor paints
• Paintbrushes
• Watercolor paper
• Wash jars
• Painting key lesson curriculum

Explore Process-based Art First

The most valuable tip I want you to share is to embrace process-based art making. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, you can learn more by reading this process-based art blog. Essentially, process-based art making is about experimental and explorative open-ended art. Try experimenting with different mediums and materials in a process-based way. Don’t worry about studying a famous artist’s technique. Or feeling the pressure of how to use the mediums perfectly. This is the best way to get use to art materials.

Start by 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 elements 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. After awhile you can go into more focused step-by-step art key lessons.

Painting & Paint Art Materials (Order Now)

Here are some fun options of different paints you could play around with. I use these regularly, and children love trying them out. You can follow the links to order directly from my art store website. If you are outside the US, please reach out to me for shipping options.

• Jumbo Dry Watercolor Cakes (3 Primary Colors): These last long and are washable watercolors.
• Sumei Ink: This ink makes beautiful brush stroke marks.
• Watercolor Crayons: Crayons that turn into paint!

Need more information on art supplies, READ, THE HOTTEST & COOLEST ART SUPPLY BLOG.