The Play of Painting

A space to develop creativity & personal expression

At Montessori School 3 12, creativity and personal expression are central to children’s education. With this in mind, a dedicated space for the Play of Painting, inspired by Arno Stern’s method, has been created. This is not simply an artistic activity: it is a true space for free expression, where each child can give free rein to their creativity, without judgment or constraint. 

What is the Play of Painting ? 

The Play of Painting takes place in our Closlieu , a room specially designed to welcome children aged 3 to 12. It’s a calm and safe environment, conducive to concentration and creative freedom. The goal here is not to create a perfect work of art, but to fully experience the creative process, in a spirit of discovery, enjoyment, and spontaneity. 

The Play of Painting is based on the fundamental principles of Arno Stern’s method, known as Creative Education . According to him, creation should take place in an environment where children are free to make their own choices, without external pressure or influence. In this approach, paintings are never intended to be shown or discussed outside the workshop, thus allowing children to express themselves without fear of judgment. Furthermore, they decide for themselves when their painting is finished, thereby strengthening their autonomy and confidence in their own judgment. 

How does it work at the Montessori 3-12 school?

Children as young as four can join this activity, which takes place weekly in the afternoon, in small groups. The workshop is led by Romain, trained by Arno Stern, ensuring tailored support for each child.

A special room has been created solely for this activity. It is equipped with large sheets of paper attached to the walls and a central palette table with 18 freely accessible colors, requiring no prior preparation. This setting facilitates total immersion in the act of painting, in a completely simple way.

The workshop imposes no model or aesthetic objective. Children create for their own pleasure, without worrying about the opinions of others and without having to follow a prescribed model. The goal is to encourage free expression, self-expression, and the discovery of the joy of creating.

The Benefits of the Painting Game

The Painting Game has many benefits for children: it promotes concentration, stimulates creativity, and strengthens self-confidence. By handling brushes and colors and painting vertically on large wall surfaces, children develop both their gross motor skills (coordination of movements and posture) and their fine motor skills (precision of gestures).

“The Play of Painting is characterized by its purity and abundance. The child holds nothing back; he plays with his whole being and all his abilities.  ” — Arno Stern

These “out-of-classroom” moments are essential and fully aligned with Montessori principles. We are proud to offer our students this unique space that fosters a love of learning, self-confidence, fine motor skills, and a vibrant awareness of the world around them.