The Montessori Case for Art: Why We Ought to Encourage Messy Dabbing and Crumpled Papers

Teaching art to children is often dismissed as a mere pastime—a tactical move by adults to keep kids occupied. It is often seen as a compromise, something that slightly more wholesome than handing them a screen but somehow less valuable than teaching math or science. In Montessori education, however, art is far from an afterthought. It is a cornerstone of a child’s development, offering them a way to explore creativity, refine motor skills, and express emotions that words cannot always convey.

The Role of Art in Montessori Education

Maria Montessori believed that children learn best when they can engage all their senses in the process. Art naturally supports this philosophy. When a child dips their fingers into vibrant paint or fold paper into intricate shapes, they’re not just “doing art”; they’re learning problem-solving, fine motor control, and focus.

Art also aligns with the Montessori principle of freedom within limits. Children are encouraged to choose their materials, follow their interests, and experiment freely while being taught to respect their space, peers, and tools.

Art Activities We’ve Been Up To at ILM

Origami

Consider this humble art with its magnificence–how a fold here and fold there, step by step, can create a geometric marvel. Origami challenges the notion of what’s possible with a sheet of paper. It’s as much an art as it is math. This ancient Japanese art challenges children to rethink what’s possible, introducing concepts of mathematics, architecture, and engineering in a way that feels playful and tangible.

It’s a lesson in patience, precision, and problem-solving—all critical skills masked in the folds of a simple paper crane or star.

Tassel-Making
Our tassel-making sessions are pure joy. With every loop and pull, children learn patience, finesse, and the quiet joy of creation. What’s especially heartening to see is the last snip where their tassel is almost-ready and they are already excited about how they could adorn bookmarks, keys, and backpacks with their tiny creations.

Doodling:
Doodling is a playground for the imagination, where creativity roams free and there’s no such thing as a “wrong” idea. It’s art in its most unfiltered, joyous form.

Glass Painting on Plastic Sheets
For our kids, there’s was special thrill in painting on a transparent surface. Watching vibrant colors come alive on plastic sheets evoked nothing less than pure wonder. Children love watching how light interacts with their colorful designs. It was a deeply rewarding sensorial experience that let their ideas shine (quite literally).

Why Art Matters

Art for art’s sake should always be celebrated. But in Montessori education, art also plays a critical role in a child’s holistic development. Through activities like origami and tassel-making, children develop fine motor coordination, hand-eye precision, and patience. They learn focus and perseverance while discovering their creative potential.

At ILM, art is never an afterthought. True to the Montessori philosophy, we recognize its importance not just as a tool for development but as a joy in its own right.

The Enigmatic Effects of Art

As educators, we’ve witnessed the intangible magic of children engaged in art. The spark in their eyes as they fold the perfect paper corner, the giggle that follows a misplaced brushstroke, the pride that beams when their creations are complete—these moments are as meaningful as the skills they foster.

Art has a way of bringing growth and joy into a child’s life in ways that are hard to quantify but impossible to ignore. So let the dabbing be messy, the papers crumble, and the paint-streaked hands remain stained a little longer. For within these moments, children are building something much more enduring—they are building themselves.