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Children love discovering and experimenting with various types of art mediums. Using charcoal for creative self-expression is a different experience from working with paint, markers, or pastels. A. was fully engaged in the process of learning fun ways to use charcoal for drawing.

Process art is an excellent activity for preschoolers as it encourages creativity, expression, and exploration. Unlike crafts, process art is focused on the experience rather than the final product. It allows children to use their imagination and problem-solving skills as they experiment with various materials such as paint, clay, and collage. Process art also helps in developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and boosts self-esteem. Preschoolers should be given the freedom to explore and create without the pressure of producing a finished product. The emphasis should be on enjoying the process and having fun!
Process art is an essential component of Montessori classrooms. It encourages creativity, exploration, and experimentation. Process art focuses on the process of creating rather than the final product. This means that children are encouraged to focus on the journey of creating, rather than the end result. This approach instills a sense of independence and self-confidence in children, as they are allowed to make their own creative choices without fear of being judged or evaluated. Process art also allows children to learn through trial and error, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are all crucial skills for their development.
Charcoal drawing is a fantastic art activity for preschoolers to indulge in. It offers a variety of textures, shades, and lines, which help develop fine motor skills and explore creativity. Encourage your child to make bold marks, use their fingers and palms, and blend colors to create unique artwork. Start with simple shapes and patterns and gradually progress to more complex designs. It is essential to use age-appropriate materials and supervise children at all times, ensuring the charcoal stays on paper and not on their hands! Charcoal drawing is a fantastic way to encourage your child’s artistic expression.
As usual, our primary focus was to enjoy the process and give my preschooler an opportunity to participate in an open-ended art activity where she could take complete control and help her develop fine motor skills.
“The Montessori environment promotes the use of nature in activities”(source) Majority of our art activities are done outside and are inspired by nature. You probably have read about shadow art or done it with children in your classroom before. Charcoal is excellent for drawing on concrete. So, first, we went outside looking for shadows to experiment with tracing it.
examples of Fun Process Art charcoal activities for preschool children
- Make a simple still-life setup using fruits or toys, and have the preschoolers draw it using charcoal. To make a simple still-life setup for preschoolers, gather some colorful and contrasting toys or fruits. Place them on a clean and flat surface near a sunny window. Hang a light-colored cloth or paper as a backdrop. Encourage the preschoolers to observe the objects and draw them using charcoal on a white sheet of paper. Emphasize using light and dark shades to make the objects appear three-dimensional. Encourage creativity and allow them to add their personal touch. Finally, display their artwork proudly for all to see!
- Have the preschoolers draw their favorite animals using charcoal and encourage them to add texture and shading. To have the preschoolers draw their favorite animals using charcoal, provide each child with a white sheet of paper and a piece of charcoal. Start by encouraging them to draw the basic shape of their animal, and then add details such as eyes, nose, fur, etc. To add texture, suggest they use a cross-hatching technique, making many small parallel lines in the direction of the animal’s fur or skin. To add shading, encourage them to leave some areas pure white and darken others by pressing harder with the charcoal. Give positive feedback and praise their efforts.
- Use masking tape to create shapes or patterns on paper, and have the preschoolers fill in the spaces with charcoal. To create a fun art activity for preschoolers, first, gather some paper, charcoal, and masking tape. Use the masking tape to create geometric shapes, letters, or any pattern you want on the paper. Make sure the tape adhesive is secure to prevent smudging. Next, give the preschoolers charcoal to fill in the spaces between the taped shapes. Encourage them to cover the entire page with charcoal and to press down firmly. Once they finish, remove the masking tape to reveal the finished design. This activity enhances fine motor skills and fosters creativity in young minds.
- Draw simple landscapes, such as a beach or a park, and have the preschoolers use charcoal to add detail and shading. To draw a simple landscape like a beach or a park, have preschoolers start with a basic outline of the scene using a pencil. Encourage them to include key features, such as sand and water for a beach or trees and grass for a park. Then, provide them with charcoal to add detail and shading. Show them how to blend the charcoal to create a gradient effect for the sky or to add texture to the sand or grass. Encourage them to experiment with different techniques to create a unique and personal landscape.
- Have the preschoolers draw portraits of each other using charcoal, focusing on facial features and expression. To have preschoolers draw portraits of each other using charcoal, start by explaining what facial features are and how they are important in expressing emotions. Demonstrate how to use charcoal to create different textures and shades. Then, have the children pair up and take turns sitting for each other. Encourage them to observe each other’s facial features and expressions and to try to capture them on paper. Provide plenty of guidance and support as they work, and be sure to display their completed portraits for everyone to admire.

Charcoal is also very effective for leaf rubbing activity. Using charcoal for leaf rubbing activity is a fun and educational way to introduce preschool children to nature and art. With this activity, kids can explore different leaves and their unique textures, while also practicing their fine motor skills. Simply place a leaf under a piece of paper and rub a piece of charcoal or crayon over it to reveal the intricate details of the leaf. Afterward, children can compare and contrast their different rubbings, creating a beautiful and diverse collection of nature-inspired art. This activity is a great way to encourage creativity and an appreciation for the natural world in young children.
Here is what we did:
– collected leaves – this was the creative part when the kid got to choose what shapes of leaves she wanted to use and how she would like to arrange them;
– folded A3 paper in half and A made a leaf collage by gluing leaves to the bottom part of the paper;

– then we covered it with the top piece of paper and masked it with tape it to the table
– A had a go at rubbing leaves with charcoal and saw the magic of leaf shapes appearing on paper uncovered.

The important thing we discovered is not to press too hard when rubbing, otherwise, prints do not come out very clear. Dried leaves and flowers will work beautifully with this activity as well!

The most attractive and preferred charcoal activity was a simple free drawing. As my daughter learns how to manipulate and effectively use a different medium, it becomes available to her. Now she can access it with other familiar art materials whenever she wants.
Art Resources You Might Find Helpful in Your Classroom
Art Appreciation Montessori Resources and Books for Children
Art and Artwork Research Worksheets
Invite your students to learn more about their favourite artists and artworks.
This printable is suitable for students in Grade 1-3
Native American Musical Instruments - Preschool Picture Cards
This resource is great for preschool and kindergarten students for learning about the cultural aspects of Native American culture. It presents 16 different types of musical instruments with realistic and accurate clipart. Invite your students to match cards and trace labels. Bind labeled cards to make a picture book.
Cards for Low-Hanging Wall Art for Babies
Uniquely designed by an artist for little people and inspired by nature.
Music Preschool Pack - "I am a Musician"
Learning activity pack for preschool children aged 3-5 that perfectly complements the musical handbells.
Musical Instruments Nomenclature Cards
Families of Musical Instruments and Keyboard Instruments Flash Cards for sorting.
My Book of Families of Musical Instruments and Keyboard Instruments – for practicing writing and for coloring in.
Sheet for self-check
This printables is also included in the Music Preschool Pack
Nature Journal - Children's Activity Book with Prompts I see I wonder I create
Contains 20 beautiful pictures illustrated by an artist – Alexandra Burda
The book invites children to use their imagination and experience in nature to complete each picture.
Angels in Art - Montessori Nomenclature Cards
Montessori Inspired Angels in Art – Montessori Nomenclature Cards
Art History Timeline
Twenty-two 3 part cards with art periods from Stone Age to Postmodernism and Deconstructionism.
every card includes key characteristics of the period,
major works,
main artists
one piece of art that represents this art period.
This is an overview of Art History.
This printable also includes a whole-page format for each card for those who would like to hang it on the wall for display.
40 World Landmarks Nomenclature Cards
World Landmarks Printable contains:
40 Control cards
40 Picture cards
40 Label Cards
Natural Landmarks and Artificial Landmarks in Europe | Sorting
Sorting activity – natural and artificial European landmarks. Invite your students to discover the most beautiful landmarks in Europe.
Study of Europe - Montessori Inspired Bundle
Introduction study of Europe that contains hands-on resources to teach students about unique aspects of the continent while developing their concentration, logical thinking, comprehension skills, reading and so much more.
Famous Artists of Europe Pack - Bio
Europe has an incredibly rich art history. This art study of the greatest European artists of all time is a wonderful way to introduce students to the world of art and art history, inspire them to create their own masterpieces.

How to Use the Child Size Masterpieces
How to Use Child-size Masterpieces by Aline D. Wolf is a manual that enables adults, who need not be art experts, to present beautiful paintings to young children.
Dispensing with the words "Don't touch," which normally accompany the study of fine art, this program invites youngsters ages 3 through 12 to handle postcard-size reproductions (sold separately in the Child-Size Masterpieces books) in a delightful series of graded activities.

Child Size Masterpieces of Steps 1, 2, 3 - Matching, Pairing, and Sorting - Level 1 Easy
This beautifully printed volume is the first in the 8 book series, Child-size Masterpieces for Art Appreciation, by Aline Wolf. This volume contains 36 postcard-size art reproductions to be cut out and used for the first 3 steps of the program: matching identical paintings, pairing two paintings by the same artist and grouping four paintings by the same artist. Carefully chosen to appeal to young children, the selections include a wide variety of subjects and styles. Appropriate for 3-7 year-olds in 3 levels of gradually increasing challenge. Using the How to Use Child-size Masterpieces Handbook, also by Aline Wolf, is suggested.

Wooden Montessori Puzzles, Picasso Art Puzzle Play Set 26 Wooden Parts, Kid Montessori Stem Travel Toy, Gifts for Children
Wooden Montessori puzzles "Pablo Picasso" will train children’s imagination and creativity. Such pretend games will allow children to learn a lot about artists and their world masterpieces, and help them become an artist.

Kids' Flower & Leaf Press Nature Crafts Wooden Art Kit Outdoor Play Learning Toy Creativity Pressed Flower Art Kit DIY Recycle Floral Press Gift for Kids & Teens, Girls & Boys
This flower and leaf press is a fun, beautiful, and well made press for preserving botanical samples for study or just for art purposes

Making Music in Montessori
Infused with a warm, affable tone, Making Music in Montessori is the Guide’s guide to music education, providing Montessori teachers all at once a snappy, practical handbook, music theory mentor, pedagogical manual, and resource anthology. The book’s goal: To give teachers confidence in music, so that when their children walk away from a lesson all fired up to compose their own music, their teacher will know how to guide them.

Wonder Art Workshop: Creative Child-Led Experiences for Nurturing Imagination, Curiosity, and a Love of Learning
In Wonder Art Workshop, educator and educational development expert Sally Haughey shares her approach to hands-on, play-based learning with parents, teachers, and other facilitators, offering 25 activities that let your child take the lead in developing their own sense of intrinsic motivation to imagine, experiment, and discover.

Art Workshops for Children
A guide to twelve children's art workshops by one of the world's most innovative facilitators and best–selling bookmakers.
Art Workshops for Children is a guide for parents and teachers to organize and execute artistic workshops for children. 12 workshops are featured, each offering a list of materials needed, a step–by–step guide to facilitation, practical tips, illustrated examples, and photos of workshops in progress.

Introducing Visual Arts to The Montessori Classrooms: The natural art method that aligns with a child's growth
How children learn visual artsThe 5 domains of visual art programmingHow to set up an classroomHow to stage art suppliesMaterials ListArt Supply ListTeacher Management Tips

Montessori Crafts: 101 Montessori-Inspired Crafts to do with Children Ages 2-6 at Home or in the Classroom
From Montessori teacher, Rachel Peachey, comes 101 easy-to-follow Montessori-inspired craft activities that you can do with children ages 2-6 at home or in the classroom. This book contains crafts inspired by locations all over the world. They help children learn about cultures and geography from every continent. Other activities teach practical life skills, such as letter writing and creative skills like botanical painting. Each activity gives a short introduction, followed by a list of materials needed and steps to complete.

Women Artists A to Z
An empowering and educational alphabet picture book about women artists, perfect for fans of Rad American Women A-Z.
How many women artists can you name? From Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe, to Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Xenobia Bailey, this lushly illustrated alphabet picture book presents both famous and underrepresented women in the fine arts from a variety of genres: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and more. Each spread features a simple line of text encapsulating the creator's iconic work in one word, such as "D is for Dots" (Yayoi Kusama) and "S is for Spider" (Louise Bourgeois), followed by slightly longer text about the artist for older readers who would like to know more. Backmatter includes extended biographies and discussion questions for budding creatives and trailblazers.

Kid Artists: True Tales of Childhood from Creative Legends (Kid Legends Book 3)
Hilarious childhood biographies and full-color illustrations reveal how Leonardo da Vinci, Beatrix Potter, Keith Haring, and other great artists in history coped with regular-kid problems.
Every great artist started out as a kid. Forget the awards, the sold-out museum exhibitions, and the timeless masterpieces. When the world’s most celebrated artists were growing up, they had regular-kid problems just like you. Jackson Pollock’s family moved constantly—he lived in eight different cities before he was sixteen years old.

The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia
This beautiful art encyclopedia charts the evolution of the greatest cultural achievements in painting, sculpture, and photography.
The greatest art exhibition at your fingertips! Packed with fascinating facts, clear explanations, and stunning photography, this awe-inspiring art encyclopedia for kids aged 9-12 years takes you on a magical tour through time exploring every artistic style and movement in stunning detail. From Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa to Vincent van Gogh's spectacular The Starry Night, this art history book celebrates the lives of groundbreaking artists and their most famous art masterpieces.

Famous Artists Biography and Coloring Book: Volume 2 (Meet the Artist by Magic Spells for Teachers LLC)
This biography coloring book is all about teaching kids about the lives of famous artists while encouraging their own creativity through coloring and creating. This is Volume 2 of the Famous Artists Biography Coloring Books! Almost 100 coloring pages include 13 original biographies written just for children with age approximate language and content.

ABCs of Art (Sabrina Hahn's Art & Concepts for Kids)
Learn the alphabet through fine art!
Spark your child’s creativity and curiosity with this delightfully curated alphabet book featuring some of the world’s most iconic paintings.

Nature is an Artist
Nature is an Artist explores different art forms that kids can find in the natural world. In the book, a group of children follow Nature—the most inspiring of teachers—as they discover the world’s greatest art show hidden in plain sight. As they witness beautiful landscapes, stunning vistas, and unusual creatures, each child is inspired to recreate their own fine work of art.

Colors in Art (Sabrina Hahn's Art & Concepts for Kids)
Explore colors through fine art!
Spark your child’s creativity and curiosity with this delightfully curated colors book featuring some of the world’s most iconic artworks.
In this collection, explore unique palette combinations and revolutionary color choices throughout art history, from the lush greens of ancient Egyptian panels to Franz Marc’s vibrant Cows, Red, Green, Yellow to the iconic orange sky in Edvard Munch’s The Scream.

Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great Masters (10) (Bright Ideas for Learning)
Fun and easy art-appreciation activities abound in this resource that features over 60 great artists across the ages. A concise biography for each artist tells why his or her work is important, and a kid-tested art activity tries out the artist’s approach. Young artists will sketch inventive designs in the style of da Vinci and draw in a nature notebook like Audubon. To understand Rodin, they will create a clay carving.
this kind of creative art really helps kids to express their insider thoughts. really awesome article