Art Lessons for Children?
... Why Montessori does not teach art or provide schedules
Adorable video explains much,
This mother did an excellent job of following her baby’s natural instincts.
Imagine if this baby had been constrained by an “art lesson” or her mother’s predetermined teaching schedule. What a shame it would have been to stifle such independent exploration!
When parents first learn about Montessori, they often request teaching schedules and art lessons. However, true Montessori methodology offers neither!
I know that these parents often end up purchasing products labeled as Montessori, which is unfortunate for their children. They miss out on the wonderful opportunity to embark on their own independent learning journeys that true Montessori education offers.
What we provide is equipment in the practical life and sensorial areas to help children develop the skills they need to pursue their own interests.
I remember one teaching assistant who confided in me that the children were drawing tree trunks in black, white, and green. She felt she should correct them and encourage the use of brown for the trunks. Fortunately, she knew better than to do this without consulting me first.
Looking out the large picture window next to our art area, I noticed that the drizzling rain had streaked the trunks of the large trees in the yard with those very colors: black, white, and green. When I asked her what color the tree trunks were, she confidently replied brown. Even when I asked her to look again, she still insisted they were brown.
It was a fascinating moment as the children watched her, puzzled that she could not perceive the reality right in front of her. This served as a true testament to the fact that we cannot teach someone to see colors or create art.
Of course, regardless of the colors of the tree trunks, I would not have allowed her to “correct” the children or interfere in any way.
What colors do you see outside your window today?
