Freedom of expression is born from skill. To that end, The Montessori classroom provides children with many opportunities to strengthen their hand and their precision, therefore allowing them to begin to individually create representations of what is in their own mind with increasing confidence. The Montessori curriculum incorporates art into many areas of the classroom, as art can bring meaning and interest to complex concepts.

Through their Montessori journey, the curriculum exposes children to the work of great artists from around the world and the wide variety of styles represented. They practice their ability to discern information about the techniques and medias used. Older children may take field trips to explore area museums and participate in workshops!

The Montessori classroom includes a range of art activities. Art activities in the toddler and primary classroom are chosen by the child from the art shelf according to interest. The adult presents how the art materials are used and then the child is free to work independently. Without expectation of a specific result, there is true enjoyment of the process and freedom of expression.

As the child’s skills develop, their art naturally progresses. Cutting exercises move from very simple to quite complex exercises. Collage work follows practice with pasting work. There are coloring activities with various media (crayons, pastels, charcoal) available. The guide presents activities such as painting at an easel, watercolor, and clay work. Additionally, the child is taught handwork, such as sewing and embroidery. Seasonal inspirations are a prominent feature in our primary classrooms. All of the art activities help the child strengthen their hands and build greater precision.

All elementary classrooms have a range of materials available to the students. Therefore, many art projects take place in the classrooms. The students may illustrate and create clay or other artistic expressions as part of their research projects. The art process is a rewarding experience that allows each student the freedom to explore and experiment with various media and techniques. It is through this process of self-exploration that they begin to make connections between the artistic world and their natural environment.

Students begin with the basic elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, space, value, and form) and progress to more complex concepts throughout the elementary program. Additionally, students begin to make connections between them and begin to develop their own visual vocabulary. The guide names the presentation and demonstrates the proper use of the materials to ensure they are used safely and responsibly.