Finding the right Montessori activities and toys for your home can be a daunting task. With so many options available, how do you know which ones are the best? Well, don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered!
We’ve compiled 100 of our favorite Montessori hands-on activities and toys for all ages. Whether you’re looking for an activity to engage your toddler or to challenge your elementary school child, we’ve got you covered.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What makes an activity Montessori?
Montessori activities don’t have to be expensive or require a lot of your time. Additionally, Montessori activities have the opportunity to span a wide age range.
Montessori activities give the child an opportunity to lead his learning and to discover his interests. Your environment should be well-planned with materials lending to the interests of your child.
Furthermore, the environment has wide parameters and is well-planned thus giving the child liberty. Does that make sense?
Control of error, a key aspect of the Montessori approach, is a good quality to consider when choosing activities, too.
The child receives instant feedback when using Montessori materials. As he works, allowing him to recognize, correct, and learn from his mistakes without adult assistance. Putting control in the child’s hands strengthens his self-esteem and self-motivation as well as his learning. (Source: American Montessori Society)
An example is pouring work. Spilled water indicates to the child that he must slow down and focus in order to successfully pour the water. Puzzles are a great example of control of error. The adult doesn’t have to step in to correct FOR the child – there is “auto-education” built into the activity.
There are many Montessori-inspired exercises that can be easily applied to the home learning environment and a preschool learning environment.
This page will include Montessori activities from birth thru elementary. I will add to this page over time so make sure to stop back from time to time!
Montessori Activities by Age
As many of you have read in the past, I believe wholeheartedly that Montessori is a lifestyle. Your journey with Montessori begins as soon as you begin to gather knowledge of the Montessori theory. Embracing the philosophy will come soon after.
You will find your mindset shifting. The way you view your environment will also change as you begin to learn more about the way of Montessori.
So, your child could begin his Montessori journey from birth!
Amazing, right?
Montessori for New Parents
Prepare your environment to have structure but a lot of liberty for self-directed and open play.
Furthermore, the environment should offer the child opportunities to be independent. The child should be able to complete basic tasks such as eating, accessing toys, cleaning his body, and turning on lights.
Montessori in the home is an important part of Montessori. Plus, include natural materials and wooden toys that are pleasing to the eye and to the touch.
Montessori Activities by Age
Montessori Toddlers
Many Montessori schools have a toddler program. The Montessori toddler program is absolutely incredible to watch. These human beings may be tiny but they can sure do a lot for themselves. As they continue to hone their hand-eye coordination there are so many resources to use in your home or classroom.
Montessori toddlers learn by truly embracing the multi-sensory approach to discovering the world. Montessori toddlers begin the beautiful grace & courtesy, practical life, & sensorial lessons. Math and language also play a role in a Montessori toddler’s environment particularly through practical life and pre-reading lessons. Furthermore, toddlers are ripe for developing fine motor skills.
Activities for Babies
- Must-Have Developmentally Appropriate Montessori Toys for Infants
- Sensory Activities for Babies: Sensory Bottles
- Montessori Baby Room
- Baby Sensory Activity Treasure Basket
Activities for 1-Year-Olds
- 5 Easy Montessori Activities for a One-Year-Old
- Montessori Toys for Babies & Toddlers: 7+ Ideas for You
- My Top Infant and Toddler Montessori Materials
Activities for 2-Year-Olds
- The Best Montessori Activities for 2-Year-Olds
- Easy and Inexpensive Montessori Infant & Toddler Activities
- The Ultimate Guide to Infant & Toddler Montessori
- Simple Montessori Toddler Activity & Open Close Tray
- Toddler & Preschool Texture and Sound Basket
- DIY Sound Boxes & Infant & Toddler Sensory
- Resist Painting: Toddler & Preschool Activity
- The BEST Art Activities for Toddlers
- 12+ Creative & Inexpensive Outdoor Activities for Toddlers
Activities for 3-Year-Olds
- Sensorial Materials for Toddlers
- How to Teach 3-Year-Olds about Money
- The Ultimate Guide to Teach History to a 3-Year-Old
- 10+ Perfect Montessori Activities for 3-Year-Olds
- How Do I Help My 3-Year-Old Learn to Read?
- Learn the Montessori Sensorial Sequence of Lessons