Numerous theories and lots of research expound upon the importance of artistic expression. For young children and adolescents, art is an especially crucial form of personal expression. As such, children need to experience their own process rather than to produce a piece that someone else wants.
Process vs. Product
For young children, the process of making art is much more important than the product. When infants and toddlers are engaged in art activities, they’re expressing feelings that they may not yet have words to express. Thus, during these early years, we focus on offering young children a variety of different artistic mediums.
When children are using different art materials, we first provide opportunities to work with larger spaces and then later move into the smaller more refined possibilities. For example, we start with painting at the easel, then as children develop more coordinated hand movements, we offer smaller paper or objects to paint.
Use of Tools
In addition to introducing different kinds of materials, we also show young children how to use different tools. We show how to use just a little water and the tip of the brush with watercolor paints. We explore different techniques with crayons. We introduce various tools–like knitting needles, crochet hooks, or looms–for fiber arts. Whatever the form of art, we offer the tools required for successful expression through that form.
We also open up a range of possibilities for children to explore. For example, in introducing clay, we show how to carefully get out the clay, how to use different techniques such as forming coils and slabs, how to cut, carve, or roll the clay, and how to store it when finished. We may also show examples of clay sculptures, whether in books or museums. With all of this information, children have a range of inspiration when they decide to work with clay.
Adult Response
To support young children’s artistic expression, we offer objective comments: “Oh how interesting…the lines go up and down,” or “I can see you used a lot of red and blue paint today.” We want to be very careful with what we say so we don’t give any indication of judgment, either good or bad. Young children do not yet have the language to explain their art. Therefore, we want to make sure our comments don’t inadvertently create expectations for children.
In Montessori, adults don’t insist that children express themselves artistically, or tell children what to express. When children choose some form of artistic expression, adults allow them the freedom to be with themselves while in the process of creating art. With this in mind, children’s artwork is individual, creative, non-competitive, and often connected to other subjects. We don’t expect children to learn to imitate adult creations or turn out products that all look alike.
Into the Elementary Years
From six to twelve, children start to use art in a more cognitive way. Often elementary-aged children begin to want their artwork to be very realistic. They may focus more on the finer details of a particular piece of art rather than on the overall composition. As a result, children of this age can become discouraged if they feel their art “doesn’t look right.” Their determination is relentless. Because they’ll often insist upon realism, even at the risk of giving up on their artistic ability, it’s important to provide them with different sub-skills to help refine their techniques.
Through Adolescence
During adolescence, young people need even more opportunities to form, shape, express, and clarify their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Artistic expression can be a vital outlet during this turbulent time and can allow adolescents to not only reach a better understanding of who they are but also to be able to connect deeply with others through shared expression.
Questions of identity and fitting in weigh heavily on adolescents. Without ample opportunities for expression, these already perplexing questions can fester. Adolescents need creative outlets to keep their spirits vibrant!
In addition, expressive opportunities allow adolescents to merge their emotions with their intellect. It’s best to have a variety of avenues for artistic expression: instruments readily available to pick up, an art studio to transfer complex feelings into visual art, or opportunities for dramatic interpretation of academic content.
Vital Form of Expression
In Montessori, we feel strongly that young people need artistic outlets so they can have balance in their physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, and creative development. A Montessori environment supports the development of the whole person, thus allowing children to explore their personal creativity.
Art is a vital form of expression throughout different stages of growth. Through art, children can express what they’re feeling, refine their skills, and better understand themselves and their connections to others. Creating art can allow them to reveal feelings that they could perhaps not express in words. Thus, we offer children a variety of art mediums and different experiences, as well as the freedom to choose and experience the form they have chosen.
As always, we invite you to come to visit Pearlily to see this artistic expression in action!
Share This
Recent Articles From Our Blog
Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Montessori Journey
A fresh new school year comes with lots of excitement, and often lots of questions from new and returning families alike. One of the most frequent questions we hear from parents is, “How can we support Montessori education at school by implementing Montessori at home?”
Tips on Effective Ways to Get Kids Back on Track
And just like that, summer is drawing to a close and a new school year is about to begin. Having been around the block a few times, we thought we’d share some tips and tricks to get the kids (and yourselves) ready!
Embracing Phase-In Days
As we gear up for another exciting school year, one important aspect of the Montessori approach that many parents might not be familiar with is the concept of phase-in days. This practice across authentic Montessori schools plays a crucial role in setting the stage for a successful and smooth transition into the new school year.
Pearlily Summer Reading List
As the school year comes to an end, it's the perfect time to dive into the wonderful world of books with your little ones. Reading together not only fosters a love for literature but also plays a crucial role in children's language development. In this week's blog post, we're excited to share a Montessori-inspired summer reading list tailored specifically for preschoolers and kindergartners.
Transitioning from Montessori to Traditional Schools
“How will my child adjust?” Whether a child is transitioning from a Montessori preschool or kindergarten to public first grade, or the transition takes place later, many parents find themselves asking this question. While children may differ from each other in terms of their response to changes and new environments, the short and simple answer is that Montessori children will more than do just fine.
Prepare your child for life.
Is your child a dreamer? A builder? A thinker? A storyteller? An explorer?
At Pearlily Montessori, we educate children 3-6 years old and support them in becoming independent, responsible students who love to learn. Learn more about:
Our Mission
The Prepared Environment
Our Early Childhood Program
To grasp the essence of a Montessori education, just step inside a classroom.
Explore Pearlily.
Please fill out this form to learn more about the school, tuition, or to schedule a visit. We will contact you at the first opportunity.