Happy Thanksgiving to All You Montessori Teachers!

Happy Thanksgiving to All You Montessori Teachers!

Hello from San Diego!

This is my favorite blog to write each year because it gives me a chance to pause, count my blessings, and give thanks for all the things I’m most grateful for in 2019.

As teachers, we have a responsibility for raising and teaching our students the meaning of gratitude, including being mindful of world peace. And I know at times it can be truly difficult since there’s so many negative things going on across the globe. But, as Mark Frost put it, “there is no light without darkness;” that means, in spite of the darkness, there is still so much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving to All You Montessori Teachers!, Spramani Elaun

So this season, pause with me. In fact, I’d encourage you to grab a piece of paper or notebook and jot down a few of the things you’re grateful for this year. As for me…

I’m grateful for so much this year—my children, my work, my dearest friends (coaching me daily), my mother’s recovery from a heart surgery, traveling and meeting beautiful friendly people in different parts of the world—but I have to say, this year, my gratitude focus is on being a teacher and being able to share my passions with all my young students.

I’m also grateful for and want to acknowledge the amazing teachers that get up every day to teach young minds. I work with children almost every week, but it’s been a while since I’ve had to teach a class daily like most of you do.

Happy Thanksgiving to All You Montessori Teachers!

When I am teaching a class, one of my favorite things is listening to my art students share stories of things they’ve learned in their classrooms and all the fun they’ve had at school; you might not realize it in your day-to-day, but you are truly appreciated!

This year, I’ve also heard some very tragic stories from teachers I work with, about young students dying and having to help their whole classroom cope with such loss, or learning some students only get to eat at school and realizing those children are going home to poverty or broken homes every night. I’ve also talked to so many teachers that are battling it out with students who have behavioral problems—even some physical altercations or violent outbursts—and if you’re experiencing anything like that, my heart goes out to you!

I am very grateful for all you beautiful teachers who head into class every morning. Our children need their teachers!

A teacher recently told me that he had a student track him down on Facebook this year to thank him for his support and encouragement in the classroom. It had been more than 25 years since the student was in his class, but he clearly had left a great impact on this young person’s life.

Happy Thanksgiving to All You Montessori Teachers!, Gracias

I can relate to this story, and I’m sure if you’re a teacher, you can too. I remember my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Martinez. She gave me the desire to be adventurous and want to travel and she supported my creative spirit.

So while you are off and out of the classroom this week, spending time with your loved ones, just know that I—and so many others—are grateful for all you do.

Thank you for touching the lives of your students, and thank you for showing up here and sharing my art teaching adventures with me!

Wishing you and your family a very warm, happy holiday in this season of Thanksgiving!


谢谢, gracias, cảm ơn bạn, teşekkür ederim,

Warmly,

Spramani

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.

Montessori early childhood

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!

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.

How to Bring Art, Beauty, and Relaxation into YOUR Space This Summer

If you’re not fortunate enough to travel to far-off, exotic places this summer, then, chances are, your home is your oasis for the next couple months. I love summer! It’s a time to relax and enjoy colorful sunsets, refreshing libations, and gorgeous warm days.

If you’re anything like me, you tend to celebrate a new season by (slightly) redecorating your house. I love incorporating brighter works of art or fresh flowers in the summertime—it makes me feel like I’m on a little holiday every day. And you know what, Montessori teachers need vacay vibes and beautiful spaces too!

I can’t tell you how excited I got planning this blog!

First of all, hats off to you for spending another year in the classroom supporting our future young minds! I want you to really take stock in how lucky parents are for having you working with their children all day (you Montessori-at-home folks too!). I’ve seen the beautiful, inspiring spaces you create for your students.

And that brings me to why I’m writing this blog.

I know if you’re an educator, you have a soft heart and you put everyone first…right?!

I’m a mom of two—a teen and a young adult— and still I worry about  them first. But, you know what I’ve learned as they’ve gotten older? It’s like the emergency presentation on planes, you’ve got to put your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else with theirs. In order to do your best in taking care of others—your students, and your own family too—you have to take care of yourself first. And, what better time than summer break to give yourself a little TLC?

Art making is relaxing and an excellent form of emotional therapy. These benefits aren’t just for kids; art can help you unwind too. 

So I want to share some lovely ideas to help you put yourself—and your space—first. Doing little things to bring beauty into your home gives you the chance to relax, be creative, and start feeling those carefree, summertime vibes.

Here’s a roundup of fun, easy, gorgeous ideas that you can do to make your home a creative haven—even if you don’t consider yourself a crafty person. Click and follow the links for more instructions and inspiration…now, dig in!

How to Bring Art, Beauty, and Relaxation into YOUR Space This Summer

Make a Succulent Garden this summer

Succulents are still a huge home trend, and it makes sense—they’re very chic, very versatile (there are so many varieties), and very easy to take care of. Here’s a guide to making your own terrarium to fit your home’s style. 

Organize Your Closet Space

Time to achieve your own closet goals! I dream about having a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy closet all the time. This link goes back to a great article with advice and practical tips from a celebrity closet designer to help you get there.

Press and Keep Your Flowers and Memories

If you’ve been on this blog before, you know how much I love nature! This decor idea brings bits of nature into your home in a way that’ll help preserve your memories too. If you don’t have anything to work with yet, keep an eye out for fallen leaves or flowers next time you’re on a summer adventure out in the wild.

Peg Your Walls This Summer

You know how I said I like changing up my space a bit with every new season? This wall peg idea will make is so much easier! I can’t wait to give it a try in my home office.

Display Your Baskets Artfully

I love this idea, I’m always admiring and using baskets in my art classroom, but never keep the beautiful works of art for myself. I love buying baskets when I travel or peruse yard sales, so I think I’m going to try this idea this summer too.

ArtSpace

Create a Personalized Ring Dish

I’m excited to try this one out too. I’ve been following their A Beautiful Mess for years, and I love their ideas! This ring dish can be personalized for your home, or it makes a great, meaningful gift too!

 How to Bring Art, Beauty, and Relaxation into YOUR Space This Summer

Become Your Own Barista

Save money this summer by learning how to make your own Starbucks drinks at home! Of course, running into a coffee shop might be a lot easier, but this way, you can add special touches to make it your own then put it in a beautiful, eco-friendly glass and style it to feel luxurious.

How to Bring Art, Beauty, and Relaxation into YOUR Space This Summer

Catch Up On Summer Reading

Once you’ve added these special touches to your home, cozy up and catch up on some reading. I created a summer reading list full of fun and inspiring books, take a look and let me know which one you choose to read!

Montessori Art Newsletter

Make sure you subscribe to my newsletter for more creative ideas—for your home, classroom, and beyond!

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3 to 6 Art – Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Resources

Sign-up to receive video

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.

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.

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 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.


3 to 6 Art – Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Resources

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.
3 to 6 Art – Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Resources

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.


Sensory Cognitive Child Art Method, montessori

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!

3 to 6 Art – Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Resources

Sign-up to receive video

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.


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

Buy Guide Now!

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.

Ways to Stimulate Positive Art Talk in Montessori Classrooms

I know that if you’re reading this blog right now, then you want to teach your Montessori students visual art! And I applaud you for that! It’s such an awesome thing to see kids get excited about art and making things with their own hands—and one way to do that is through positive art talk.

I’ve worked with so many Montessori teachers over the years, and for the most part, their number one fear is that because they don’t have a background in art they won’t be able to teach it to their students. If this is your fear, I’d suggest enrolling in my new online course Art Teaching Blueprint; in just seven modules, I go through how children learn art, and break it down so it’s easy for you to understand and then turn around and teach—I even include several step-by-step lesson guides!

The truth is, you can get students interested in art without having a strong background in the subject, you just have to know how to talk to them and encourage them. Here are a few pieces of advice for the next time you talk to a student about his or her artwork.

Ways to Stimulate Positive Art Talk in Montessori Classrooms

Remember Their Skill Level

When kids are creating and then sharing their artworks, it’s important to remember rein your expectations. Depending on your students’ ages, they might be brand new to art still learning how to paint, draw, and craft. Most artworks made by young kids are simply experimental, led by curiosity and art play. For them, the point of art is just to create, and their finished pieces won’t look like anything at all. That’s perfectly fine—it’s still art!

Listen First

As students get older, they might be creating art to represent actual ideas or objects…but their finished work still might not look like what they intend it to. My advice is to listen first. Let them describe what they’ve made on their own. Listening is very supportive and won’t make a child feel judged or bring focus to their artistic skills.

Speak Second

I encourage you to listen first because you don’t want to ask too many questions about what your students painted and why, because it can quickly overwhelm them. One of the most common mistakes teachers is trying to analyze a student’s work like an art critic. We want students to create art for themselves, based on their own ideas, interests and creativity. If you judge their work—even positively—it can cause them to begin creating work they believe you’ll like or appreciated, which can stump their own expression in the long run.

Slowly Introduce Art Language

If you have a child that shows interest in discussing their artwork and skills, try to introduce art language slowly. Supportive and nurturing language can sound like, “I like your work, do you want to share with me what you created?” If they still look for some type of confirmation from you, then use neutral, observational comments about their work. For example, acknowledging their use of colors, shapes or textures can give them the approval they want, since it shows you’re paying attention to their creation, without putting a “good” or “bad” stamp on their finished work.

Montessori Early Childhood Art
Click here!

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.

Remember That Actions Speak Louder Than Words

At the end of the day, you can create positive reinforcement of a child’s creativity by simply showing off their work. After the child has explained all they can about their art, ask if they want to save, showcase, or maybe give it away to someone special. A reassuring smile of approval and displaying it in your classroom’s inspiration gallery can do so much for their confidence when it comes to visual arts!

Of course, this is just the beginning. Positive art talk is the start building up a child’s confidence and creativity. For more ideas and tips on creating a positive art environment sign up for my newsletter and keep up with my blog. I also strongly recommend that you register for my course, Art Teaching Blueprint. I share the very best way to teach art to your students—it’s taken years of study and experience on my end—but you get all the secrets in one place, in a flexible, easy-to-digest online course. It’s awesome, it’s fun, and I know you’ll love it and learn so much from it!

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.