The first step to a lifetime of learning begins at home. Practicing Montessori at home can be the first step for your child to develop the right skills and habits.
Becoming a parent brings a whirlwind of emotions and the great responsibility to provide your child with the best possible environment.
Home is the safest place for anyone. It is the first thing that comes to mind when stressed, which can begin right from childhood.
In this blog, look into the household items you can introduce to your little one, help them improve their gross and fine motor skills, and build the practice through simple Montessori at-home items.
Household items for Montessori at-home activities during infancy
Montessori activities focus on hands-on learning and independence; your little one doesn't need fancy gadgets or expensive toys.
It is exciting for new parents to begin this journey, and Montessori at-home activities for your little one during infancy are easy.
Explore accessible and engaging Montessori-inspired activities to incorporate into your child's daily routine. The Montessori education theory uses everyday objects to stimulate your baby's senses, foster independence, and promote crucial milestones in their infancy.
Many items around the home can be used for Montessori methods and activities. You can make your own DIY activities with some art and crafts. These activities include the following:
A wooden cylinder block and bells to make a DIY bell rattle.
How can it help - With a bell rattle, your little one can develop hand-eye coordination while learning about cause-and-effect through the bell sounds.
Making a Montessori mobile is easy with some fishing lines, thin planks, and card paper of black and white colour (only the primary and secondary colours).
How it works – It helps your little one develop visual discernment of contrasting colours while their vision is still developing and are a great example of Montessori at-home items.
Make a theme basket with household items in categories such as cleaning materials, wooden utensils, dry food cartons, etc.
How it works - Theme baskets are used to develop your child's language and understanding of activities in the practical world.
Make a DIY Montessori puzzle ball with scrap material, pillow stuffing, and a sewing machine.
How it works - Conventionally, a Montessori puzzle ball is used for large motor development during infancy, and making one at home is a great way to keep your baby entertained.
Another Montessori at-home activity is a DIY crochet teething ring. Just take some thin, non-toxic yarn and a wooden shower curtain ring.
How it works - A teething ring is used to develop concentration and to aid teething problems during infancy.
Build your child's ability to identify and detect smells with a smelling jar. You can make one easily at home with spice jars containing large spices.
How it works - Stereognostic smelling jars refine your child's senses so that different smells can be easily defined and discerned.
Another Montessori at-home activity you can do for your little one is a DIY sandpaper number with sandpaper, cardboard, and bottle caps to make a quantity counting card activity.
How it works - Sandpaper numbers prepare your child for writing and mathematics.
Colourful yarn balls of various textures and weights.
How it works - Colourful yarn balls make a tactile mobile that they can use to discern gradations, and textured balls teach your baby about different types of sensorial textures and hand-eye coordination while playing with them.
Lastly, for creating an adventurous Montessori at-home activity, try making a crawling tunnel with a tent cover and hula hoops.
How it works - A crawling tunnel will help encourage your baby to begin crawling and develop spatial recognition and gross motor coordination.
Montessori at-home activities made from household materials during the toddler/childhood stage
As your baby becomes a toddler, they are aware of their surroundings and curious to explore. You can create a fun and interactive environment for them with Montessori methods and household materials.
Toddlers are able to complete more complex tasks and are more independent. Homemade toys encourage creativity and imagination. Unlike commercial toys with specific purposes, DIY toys have multiple uses, allowing toddlers to invent new games and scenarios.
Also, through Montessori at-home activities, you and your child can build a strong foundation and have an excellent bonding experience. With Montessori wooden toys, you can provide a safe and creative environment for your child to grow.
So, you can provide for your child's household items, which will be larger in variety and somewhat more interesting:
To develop that pincer grip, you can give your child a basket and washing pegs to practice opening and closing pegs.
How it works - Pegs on a basket can be used for teaching sequencing by color and by working in a clockwise direction, preparing your child to tell the time in the second plane. It also develops the pincer grip.
Padlocks with keys for opening and closing.
How it works - Padlocks and keys are a practical life tray activity laid out from biggest to smallest on a tray. It teaches left-to-right sequencing, develops fine motor skills, and teaches practical life activities.
Nuts and bolts for screwing and unscrewing.
How it works - Nuts and bolts teach fine motor skills like sequencing and hand-eye coordination.
Small cosmetic boxes for opening and closing boxes.
Jars for collecting things in.
How it works - Collection jars can be used to store decorations, stationary, and pretty natural objects found outdoors.
Arrange a water activity for your toddler with a turkey baster, a sponge, bowls, food colouring, and water.
How it works - Water activities in practical life prepare your toddler for science, cooking, and math. They also develop fine motor skills and concentration.
Plastic cups for ball and cup or stacking activities.
How it works - Plastic cups can be used for ball and cup activities and stacking activities that help to improve hand-eye coordination while improving fine motor coordination at the same time.
Introduce gardening with pot plants, scissors, spray bottle, and trowel on a tray.
How it works - Caring for plants is a great practical life experience that prepares children for gardening while practicing cutting, spraying, sponging, and watering.
A sandbox for drawing letters and numbers with.
How it works - A sandbox helps children prepare for writing by letting them trace symbols with their fingers.
Watercolour paints and toilet roll insides to make theme puppets.
How it works - Watercolour paints and toilet roll inside are excellent materials for art and craft Montessori at-home activities.
Ultimately, practicing Montessori at home with household items is a fantastic and budget- friendly way to nurture your child's growth.
Many activities can be done with materials found at home. Using household materials can save money, promote construction and art in children, and help with activities that are not worth buying.
It's a beautiful way to make the most of what you already have, turning ordinary moments into valuable learning experiences for your child. So, dive into the world of Montessori at home, where the joy of discovery and the thrill of learning go hand in hand!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I practice Montessori at home?
You can practice Montessori at home by creating a child-friendly environment, offering simple and engaging activities with everyday household items, encouraging independence, and fostering a love for learning through hands-on experiences.
How do I create a Montessori space at home?
You can create a Montessori space at home by organizing child-friendly shelves, using low furniture, incorporating natural materials, and providing accessible learning tools. Keep the environment simple, orderly, and focused on activities that promote independence and exploration for your child.
How does one do Montessori at home on a budget?
Use everyday items, household objects, and DIY materials for Montessori at home. Focus on creating a simple, organized environment that encourages independence and exploration.