Toddler Art

As we get ready for our upcoming Art Show, I would like to explain how we see art in a Montessori classroom.

First of all, in a Montessori classroom, we emphasize the process of creating art versus the product. This means that children should be encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of art mediums without being made to feel that they should complete a specific project that looks a certain way. That is why most Montessori classrooms have an art shelf that has materials available daily that allows children to practice cutting, coloring, gluing, etc.

One important difference in how the art shelf is presented in a Montessori classroom as opposed to a traditional preschool classroom is that all children have access to it at all times and they may freely choose which skills to practice at any given time. In a more traditional setting, art materials may be out only at certain times, and/or their use may be more directed by the adults than by the children themselves.

When art projects are presented, they are presented as an option. There is no pressure or even direct encouragement from adults in the classroom for children to complete the art projects. You will never see a bulletin board in the school with 20 identical art projects hanging on it. We do have an art wire where children's work is displayed for drying.

The projects are set up to be completed independently by individual children which are in keeping with the Montessori philosophy. In a traditional setting, all children might be directed to sit down at the same time to complete a project under the supervision of an adult.

One more reason I have for putting out art projects is the sense of accomplishment that children feel when they have completed something. Many young children rarely have opportunities outside of school to make something completely by themselves using a variety of materials and multiple steps. In the home setting, they may have access to art materials and be able to make their creations. That is great, however, it is still very empowering for a little one to be able to independently go to a shelf, carry all the needed supplies to a table on their own, sit down and follow multiple steps using several fine motor skills and have something beautiful that they have created when they are finished. Enjoy the masterpiece!

-Butterfly Teacher