How to Set Up a Montessori-Inspired Morning Routine

Mar 13

Starting your day with a peaceful, intentional routine can set the tone for the rest of the day—especially when it comes to children. A Montessori-inspired morning routine can encourage independence, focus, and a sense of responsibility in your little ones. One of the easiest and most effective ways to start the day is by using a Morning Basket, a simple but powerful Montessori-inspired activity that engages your child while you go about your morning tasks (like making breakfast!).

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to set up a Montessori-inspired Morning Basket that allows your child to focus on learning and independent play while you prep for the day ahead.

What Is a Montessori-Inspired Morning Basket?

A Morning Basket is a collection of activities and materials designed to engage your child in independent learning and creative play during the morning hours. The idea is to create an inviting, calm space where your child can explore, work, and focus while you take care of the household tasks—like making breakfast, packing lunches, or tidying up.

The Montessori philosophy encourages creating an environment that fosters independence and allows children to take charge of their learning. With a morning basket, you are giving your child the freedom to choose and engage with materials in a purposeful way, while you handle the logistics of the morning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Montessori-Inspired Morning Basket

Here’s how you can create a meaningful and enriching Morning Basket routine:

1. Choose the Right Space for the Basket

The first step is to choose a quiet, clutter-free area where your child can easily access their Morning Basket. Ideally, this will be a space where they can sit comfortably and explore the materials. You might want to set it up on a low shelf or a child-sized table, so your child feels like the space is theirs to control.

2. Select Montessori-Inspired Materials

The key to creating a Montessori-inspired Morning Basket is choosing materials that promote independence, curiosity, and creativity. Here are some ideas for what to include:

Books: A few beautifully illustrated books or storybooks related to nature, animals, or any subject your child is interested in. You can rotate these weekly to keep things fresh and exciting.
Puzzles: Simple, wooden, or sensory puzzles that help develop problem-solving skills and fine motor control.
Art Supplies: A small set of crayons, colored pencils, or chalk along with a sketchbook or coloring pages. Montessori encourages creativity and self-expression, so art materials are always a great addition.
Small Manipulatives: Items like Montessori beads, counting objects, or sorting materials (like buttons or colored pebbles) that encourage tactile learning and can be used for counting or sorting games.
Nature Items: Rocks, shells, or small wooden toys for nature exploration. These items spark curiosity and allow your child to observe and interact with real-world objects.
Practical Life Tools: Items like a small brush for sweeping, a cloth for polishing, or a child-sized scoop to practice transferring items. These tools help children develop practical skills, allowing them to contribute to household tasks.
Quiet Games: Simple board games or matching games that can be done independently.

3. Create a Routine for the Morning Basket

The Morning Basket is a tool for engaging your child in independent activities, so it’s important to establish a routine around it. This helps set expectations and creates a predictable structure for your mornings. Here's an example of how to integrate it into your daily routine:

Before Breakfast: As soon as your child wakes up and gets ready for the day, invite them to explore their Morning Basket. You can explain that while you’re making breakfast, they can choose what they’d like to work on from the basket.
During Breakfast Prep: As you start making breakfast, your child can work through one or more activities from the basket. Whether it’s reading a book, completing a puzzle, or engaging with sensory materials, they’re busy and focused.
Encouraging Choice: If you have multiple activities in the basket, allow your child to choose what interests them most. Montessori emphasizes freedom of choice within limits, which helps children feel empowered and engaged in their learning.

4. Keep It Simple and Inviting

A Montessori-inspired Morning Basket shouldn’t be overwhelming. Keep the contents simple, intentional, and easy to use. You don’t want to overcrowd the basket with too many options, as this can lead to distraction and overwhelm. Less is more in a Montessori environment, so only include a few carefully chosen materials each week.

Tip: Rotate the materials in the basket every week or two to keep things fresh. You don’t need to buy new materials every time; you can simply swap out books, puzzles, or toys to maintain variety.

5. Foster Independence and Responsibility

Montessori encourages independence in children, and the Morning Basket is a great way to practice this. You can teach your child how to properly set up their morning basket, clean up afterward, and even select what they’d like to engage with. The goal is to make the Morning Basket a part of their routine that they look forward to, and that promotes a sense of ownership and self-direction.

6. Use This Time for Connection

While your child engages in their Morning Basket activities, it’s a great opportunity to get a little time for yourself. But remember, if possible, take a moment to connect with your child during breakfast prep. Ask them about the activity they’re doing, or sit with them for a few minutes to read a story or guide them through a puzzle. This can be a lovely way to bond while still keeping the rhythm of your morning intact.

Sample Montessori-Inspired Morning Basket for Toddlers and Preschoolers:

Books: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle or a nature-themed picture book.
Puzzles: A wooden shape sorter or a simple animal matching puzzle.
Art Supplies: Crayons and a blank sheet of paper for drawing.
Manipulatives: Montessori-style wooden beads for stringing, or a set of colorful buttons for sorting by size or color.
Practical Life Tool: A small child-sized scoop and bowl for practicing transferring objects from one container to another.
Quiet Play: A set of stacking blocks or a Montessori-inspired object permanence box.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a Montessori-inspired Morning Basket can be a wonderful way to start your child’s day with focus and intention while allowing you to take care of your morning tasks. With a little planning, your child can engage in independent, meaningful activities that support their learning and development. Not only does this routine help foster independence and curiosity, but it also creates a calmer, more organized morning for the entire family.

How do you start your mornings with your little ones? What activities or routines work best for your family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Adrienne .