INDUSTRY INSIGHT
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
SPONSORED CONTENT
Art
Education
at Montessori Centre Academy
A
t Montessori Centre Academy, we believe
art education is essential in a child’s
development and future success. As our country
becomes increasingly diverse, and the world more
interconnected, a strong foundation and appreciation
of the arts becomes even more important in helping
students relate to the world around them.
Plus, our students just love to create!
Don’t tell the kids, but the arts play an important
role in brain development and maintenance. We all
have a left and right brain. The left brain is used in logical thinking and
analytical processes. This is typically trained in schoolwork involving
math, reading and science. The right brain is used in emotional
perception, intuition and creativity. This side is involved with our
creative endeavors. But it’s important to recognize that for the brain to
be most efficient, each side must work together. When a student paints
or sculpts, he/she helps to strengthen this connection between the two
sides of the brain.
Making art also develops and
strengthens our motor skills. Drawing,
painting, sculpting, and using tools
supports gross motor (large muscle)
and fine motor (small muscle)
development.
My art classes are often centered
on an individual artist or technique.
When looking at an artist’s work, we
review the history, culture, and other
influences that may have shaped
the work. Take LeRoy Neiman as an example: After sharing several
examples of his work, I encourage the children to observe, describe,
and interpret the pieces. This helps to promote critical thinking and
builds skills that will support children in other subject areas.
After our initial discussion, the children get to work on their own
project inspired by the artist; in this case, a hand-drawn and painted
lion. Students are encouraged to envision what their lion may look like,
and how its personality will come through in the artwork. And then,
using the materials provided, bring that lion to life.
Just as important as what goes on the paper or canvas, how a
student reacts to the work of others is not understated. These critiques
reinforce other skills that help round a student’s development: selfcontrol, collaboration and empathy.
Art can be intimidating: it is not easy putting your feelings and
talents out there for all to see. Picasso once said, “All children are
artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” At
Montessori Centre Academy, we try to break down these barriers and
foster a creative and supportive environment for young artists to shine.
Lion portraits, inspired by the artist LeRoy Neiman, painted by the
third grade students at Montessori Centre Academy in Glenshaw.
Marla Kress is an artist and photographer living in Indiana Township.
She is the art teacher for first through sixth grade students at
Montessori Centre Academy.
Hampton | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 29