Lakewood Montessori

I am looking forward to being able to share art with your child at Lakewood Montessori this year! Art is something that I love and believe is an important part of our lives.

My experience teaching art to children (and my research) has revealed some important philosophies that I want to share with you.

* We are all artists! An artist is a person who freely expresses him or herself originally with different materials and motivations.

* There is no "right way" to express an idea or feeling through art, this means that each artist can feel satisfied and successful.

* The process of creating art is more important than the final product.  Their "scribbles" are important because they express something now, for the child, then evolve into more.   So, sometimes "quantity" art is appropriate. Remember your child at age 2 - 5 is developing fine motor skills and needs to go through some   motions with repetition.  Drawing lines and circles, etc. over and over is really practice and experimentation and thus, very valuable.

* Real creativity extends into other aspects of life and aids a person with problem solving and invention.

* Originality and uniqueness are to be valued.  Models and outlines will inhibit a child's creativity, and limit their ability to innovate.

* Your positive response to your child's art can encourage creativity.  Listen to your child's description of his or her artwork. Ask questions about the process, and how they were feeling when they did it,   then quietly and genuinely praise his or her efforts, without making any judgments. No false praise or criticism, remember that their work is an extension of themselves.

If we all understand the value of creative experiences, we will have more success in freeing these amazing children to express themselves through art.   
                            
Elizabeth Scoggin
Lakewood Montessori, Boise, Idaho