Art is a language which we all understand but need to learn the vocabulary to speak it. The teacher's role is as a facilitator who introduces each medium, and then lets the children enjoy the process.

At the primary level, students learn the elements of design: line, shape, form, color, value, texture and space with corresponding experiences in various art mediums. The students are introduced to artwork produced by famous artists and learn about the mediums they employed.

At the elementary level, we introduce students to the timeline of art to guide the lessons and teach about notable artists as well as different cultures. Art projects are more in-depth at this level and often involve more than one medium. Each year we have projects involving painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. We spend time at the beginning of most classes with a drawing project. The process of creating is still given great importance.

One of the most important aspects of making art is the process of learning how to see. Students learn why things work best together visually by studying the details of how they look and what makes up each work of art. From this study, they learn how to notice these details in future art that they both see and make.

Maria Montessori said, "We cannot create observers by saying 'observe', but by giving them the power and the means for this observation, and the means are procured through education of the senses." At Safety Harbor Montessori Academy, we believe that art educates the senses!