Art
The truth is that when a free spirit exists, it has to materialize itself in some form of work, and for this the hands are needed. Everywhere we find traces of men's handiwork, and through these we can catch a glimpse of his spirit and the thoughts of his time. The skill of man's hand is bound up with the development of his mind, and in the light of history we see it connected with the development of civilization. — Dr. Maria Montessori
Art is essential in the environment of the child from birth on. It is a way of approaching life, of moving and speaking, of decorating a home and school, of selecting toys and books. It cannot be separated from every other element of life. We cannot “teach” a child to be an artist, but we can help him develop, in the words of Maria Montessori:
An eye that sees
A hand that obeys
A soul that feels
Art Materials
Children benefit from having a variety of art materials available to them at all times and a space to work, uninterrupted, when they are inspired. It is important to provide the best quality that we can afford—pencils, crayons, felt pens, clay, paper, brushes—and to teach the child how to use and care for them.
Art Activities
Individual artwork connected with other subjects is more creative, non competitive, and successful than group projects or models created by the teacher for children to imitate. Children should not learn to imitate the creations of an adult, to turn out products that all look alike. They are shown carefully how to get out the clay, for example, to use each of the tools, to form basic coils and slabs. They are introduced to clay sculptures in museums and books. It is the child who will decide when to work on clay, and exactly what to make.
Just as any work in the 3-6 class, each art activity is kept complete and ready for use. If a child is interested in painting for example, he will find an apron, paper, paints and brushes, all clean and ready.
After watching a seed grow into a plant a child might be inspired to draw, to make leaf rubbings, a clay sculpture of a plant, or to paint the leaf or plant. Building with blocks, visiting a museum, listening to or making music, eating ethnic food, any activity can lead naturally to an artistic creation by the child.
Art Appreciation & Art History
Reproductions of great masterpieces, as prints, cards, or in books, inspire an appreciation of beauty at any age. We hang the pictures at the child's eye level, and provide art postcards to sort into groups, such as by artist. Stories about artists, especially as children, are interesting for children. Good art books can engage a child for hours.
At home or in the classroom, we can designate a museum table or museum shelf where beautiful art objects can be placed as a temporary art exhibit. Since everything else in the room is available for handling, this gives practice in just looking, as in a real museum, and allows close exposure to special items and beautiful objects that the child might not otherwise have.