Montessori and Creativity

One of the perennial topics of conversation (or controversy) in the Montessori world is that of the role of specialists in the elementary classroom.  That is, how do we fit art, music, foreign language and PE into the Montessori curriculum if we are adhering to the AMI requirements of an uninterrupted three hour work-cycle?  And furthermore, how can we balance scheduled “specials” with respecting the child’s freedom of work choice and concentration?

I’ve been thinking a lot about art in particular during the past few days, as we’ve been receiving lectures in art in the Montessori classroom.  The Montessori approach to art differs quite substantially, I think, from that of other alternative education models, and Waldorf in particular.  From my reading of Waldorf, it’s my understanding that art is taught as a core subject, with all the children doing the same art project at the same time, whether it’s knitting, painting, clay work, felting, etc.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I think Waldorf art is beautiful and the children learn incredible subtlety with technique.  But then I notice that all the Waldorf art tends to look the same, and I have to wonder how it really fosters individual creativity if the children are all experimenting with the same techniques–techniques that are guided by the adult.

The Montessori approach to education in general is to consider each individual child’s needs and interests and to tailor lessons to take advantage of innate, internal interest.  So, I may give a lesson on pencil drawing techniques to one group of children, and painting technique to another, and an art history  to  a third…but it’s driven by their interests and motivation, not mine.  And, art is not taught once a week by someone who comes into the classroom, but rather by the classroom teacher herself, as the interest arises in the child.

I love that art is spontaneously woven into the daily life of Montessori.  Although we certainly explore techniques, media and history in isolation, our ultimate goal is to foster the development of creative self-expression, in all its diversity.  Art, when taught by the Montessori teacher, rather than an outside specialist, becomes something that everyone can do, not just the expert. The children learn to share their discoveries with each other.  And, children are so inspired when they see a teacher who clearly is not a perfect artist explore with technique and improve just as they do.  It takes some of the burden off the children when they realize that art is not all about innate talent, but also about practice, about seeing in a new way.

Ultimately, what I find refreshing about the Montessori approach to art–and to all subject areas–is that it is driven by the interests of the child…and since it’s impossible to be an expert in every field, I get to explore everything.  That means I get to learn along with the children as they make discoveries.  And that makes for a very rewarding job as a teacher, because no two lessons will every be the same.