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How to Set Up a Montessori Art Area

Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1852), namesake and creator of the Montessori method of education, believed a child should have access to learning materials, along with the freedom to explore an interest in them until satisfied he was finished. The resulting contentment and peace in the child was evidence to Dr. Montessori and those who admired her that children learn best when allowed to pursue knowledge and practice skills in this manner. Apply the Montessori method to set up a child-friendly art area so children can experience the freedom to choose their work and the joy of uninterrupted time to complete it.

Things You'll Need

  • Open shelves
  • Baskets
  • Boxes
  • Easels
  • Child-size tables and chairs
  • Pencil holders
  • Assorted containers
  • Crayons
  • Colored pencils
  • Glue
  • Glitter
  • Scissors
  • Collage items
  • Paper
  • Paints
  • Plastic cups
  • Paintbrushes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place open shelves in the space designated for the Montessori art-area. Place baskets and boxes on the floor, close to the shelves. Set one or two art easels in the space, ideally near a window. Place a child-size table and chairs in the art area also.

    • 2

      Fill pencil holders with colored pencils and markers. Set these on a shelf where the children can easily reach them. Place crayons and scissors in plastic containers and store them on a shelf. Store glue, glitter and small collage items in plastic containers. Place them on a shelf.

    • 3

      Place assorted colored stacks of construction paper, side-by-side on a shelf. Designate a basket for all unused paper scraps. Position the scrap-basket near the paper shelf. Fill more baskets and boxes with poster-size art paper, card-stock and newspaper.

    • 4

      Line up jars of paint on an open shelf. Place plastic cups and paint brushes on the same shelf or on the shelf just below.

    • 5

      Place additional empty boxes, baskets or plastic containers on the shelves to be filled with seasonal or specialty art supplies through the year.

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