5 Fun Montessori Activities to Try at Home
If you’re a parent or caregiver inspired by the Montessori method, you already know how powerful hands-on learning can be for children. The Montessori approach encourages independence, curiosity, and creativity, and it's all about allowing children to learn at their own pace in a self-directed environment.
But how can you bring the Montessori method into your own home without needing a lot of fancy materials or complicated lessons? Luckily, there are plenty of simple and fun activities that are easy to set up and can be done with everyday household items.
In today’s blog post, I’ll share 5 fun Montessori activities that you can try with your child at home to foster learning, creativity, and independence. Let’s dive in!
1. Color Sorting with Everyday Objects
This activity helps children develop an understanding of color, order, and categorization—core Montessori concepts. Plus, it’s super easy and requires just a few common household items.
What You Need:
Colored paper or fabric swatches (or any colorful items you have at home)
Everyday objects that are different colors (toys, blocks, buttons, or even kitchen utensils)
How to Set It Up:
Lay out several colored pieces of paper or fabric in front of your child. These can serve as “color stations.”
Provide a variety of objects in different colors (red, blue, green, etc.).
Ask your child to sort the objects by color and place them on the corresponding colored paper.
Why It’s Montessori-Inspired:
This activity supports independence as your child takes ownership of the sorting process. It also aligns with Montessori’s belief in sensory learning, allowing children to work with real-world objects to understand color and classification.
2. Practical Life Skills: Pouring Water from One Container to Another
In Montessori education, practical life activities are key to building fine motor skills, coordination, and independence. Pouring activities, in particular, can help young children improve their hand-eye coordination while also learning important life skills.
What You Need:
A small pitcher or jug
A small bowl or cup
A tray to contain any spills (optional)
How to Set It Up:
Set up a small pitcher of water and a cup or bowl on a tray. You may want to place a towel underneath to contain any spills.
Show your child how to pour water from the pitcher into the cup slowly, making sure they are focusing on controlling the flow.
Let your child try the activity independently. You may need to demonstrate a few times, but then step back and allow them to take over.
Why It’s Montessori-Inspired:
Montessori emphasizes practical life skills as a way to build independence and confidence in young children. Activities like pouring also promote concentration and fine motor development, which are important in Montessori learning.
3. Nature Walk and Object Collection
Getting outdoors and engaging with nature is an essential part of the Montessori approach, as it nurtures a child’s connection to the natural world. A nature walk and object collection activity encourages curiosity and fosters observational skills.
What You Need:
A small basket or bag
A nature guide (optional) or a list of things to look for (e.g., leaves, rocks, flowers)
How to Set It Up:
Go on a nature walk in your backyard or nearby park. Encourage your child to observe their surroundings, paying close attention to different textures, colors, and shapes.
As you walk, have your child collect interesting objects—like leaves, small rocks, or twigs—in their basket.
Once you’re back home, go through the collected items together, discussing what they are and what makes them unique.
Why It’s Montessori-Inspired:
This activity is a fantastic way to engage your child’s natural curiosity and foster a love for nature. It also aligns with the Montessori principle of learning through exploration and gives children the opportunity to interact with the world around them in a hands-on way.
4. Sensory Bins with Natural Materials
Sensory bins are an excellent way to engage a child’s senses while helping them develop motor skills and concentration. In the Montessori method, sensory activities are used to allow children to explore the world using their five senses, leading to deeper understanding and learning.
What You Need:
A large container or bin
Natural materials (dried rice, beans, sand, or shredded paper)
Small objects to hide in the bin (buttons, small toys, shells)
How to Set It Up:
Fill a bin with one or more sensory materials (e.g., dried rice or beans). The texture and weight of the material will engage your child’s sense of touch.
Hide small objects (buttons, small toys, etc.) in the sensory material for your child to find.
Allow your child to explore the bin with their hands, feeling the textures and finding the hidden objects.
Why It’s Montessori-Inspired:
Sensory play is essential in Montessori education because it engages multiple senses, helping children make deeper connections with the world around them. The materials used in this activity are often natural and simple, which is in line with Montessori's emphasis on the importance of real, authentic materials.
5. DIY Montessori Montessori-Inspired Puzzle with Wooden Shapes
Montessori education values the use of materials that promote cognitive and motor development. Creating simple puzzles from household materials encourages problem-solving skills, patience, and fine motor development.
What You Need:
Wooden or cardboard shapes (could be square, circle, triangle)
A piece of cardboard or foam board
Scissors and glue
How to Set It Up:
Cut several shapes (square, circle, triangle) out of cardboard or wood. Make sure they are big enough for small hands to handle.
Draw a matching pattern or shape outline on a piece of cardboard or foam board.
Have your child match the wooden shapes to their outlines. You can make it easier by starting with fewer shapes or a more distinct pattern.
Why It’s Montessori-Inspired:
This activity helps children with cognitive development, as they work on matching, shape recognition, and problem-solving. It also emphasizes independent learning—something the Montessori method encourages in every aspect of education.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Montessori activities is that they can be simple, yet incredibly powerful. These activities promote independence, critical thinking, and self-confidence—all in a fun and engaging way. You don’t need fancy toys or materials to bring the Montessori method into your home. With everyday objects and a little creativity, you can create a learning environment that encourages growth, exploration, and joy for your child.
Which of these Montessori-inspired activities will you try with your child? Let me know in the comments below!
