How To Use Child-Size Masterpieces
Aline D. Wolf's instructions for preparing and using the art cards with young children, illustrated by Janine S. Wolf. 68 pages, soft cover, 2010 edition, written to be used with the Child-Size Masterpieces series. The cards themselves say nothing about sequence, and sequence is the whole difficulty: which pairs first, when to introduce a label, when a child is ready to group by artist rather than by colour. Paper and cardstock, for teachers.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
The Child-Size Masterpieces handbook embodies Maria Montessori's vision of introducing children to humanity's cultural heritage through concrete, manipulative experiences. This instructional guide by Aline D. Wolf transforms abstract art appreciation into tangible matching, pairing, and sorting activities that children aged 3-6 can physically manipulate.
- Visual discrimination through comparing artistic styles and techniques
- Cultural awareness by exploring artworks from diverse historical periods
- Language development through art-specific vocabulary acquisition
- Sequential thinking skills via chronological artwork arrangement
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The handbook's structured approach to presenting famous artworks reflects Montessori's principle that children absorb culture through their hands before their intellect. By providing step-by-step instructions for sequencing art cards, the guide enables educators to create a prepared environment where children discover artistic elements through their own exploration. The Child-Size Masterpieces methodology addresses the young child's need for order and classification while simultaneously exposing them to beauty and human expression. This systematic approach to art education aligns with the child's developmental stage where concrete materials serve as keys to abstract understanding.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Arrange a low shelf with art card sets organized by artist or theme. Place matching cards in separate baskets or envelopes, clearly labeled. Ensure adequate workspace on a table or rug for card layout activities.
- 1
Begin with identical matching using duplicate postcards of the same artwork
Start with 3-4 pairs for younger children, gradually increasing to 6-8 pairs - 2
Progress to pairing activities where children match detail cards to complete paintings
Present the full artwork first, allowing observation time before introducing details - 3
Introduce sorting exercises grouping artworks by artist, style, or subject matter
Use control cards with artist names or style labels for self-correction - 4
Advance to sequencing activities arranging an artist's work chronologically
Include timeline materials to provide historical context
Every Child Is a Little Creator
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Since 1929
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