What is Montessori?
Based on ‘self-directed activity’, Montessori is a teaching method that encourages hands-on learning and playtime, developed by Maria Montessori. This method of education centres around children initiating their own learning experiences, preparing them for later life.
Montessori’s theories are not only for the classroom, though! These concepts can be incorporated into home life, allowing your child to learn about the world around them through ‘meaningful play’, that mimics day-to-day activities in life. Nurture your child’s natural curiosity and ability to learn for years to come, with our simple Montessori Activities at home!
Magnetic Vs Non-Magnetic
Sorting and separating are important skills that your child can master early on.
Put together a selection of magnetic and non-magnetic items for your little one to sort, with the aid of our Tidy Magnetic Drawing Board. Featuring both a chalk board and white board, your little one can tick off each item on one side and test the magnetism on the other.
The Mystery Box
Let curious little hands explore the mystery box, developing touch and perception.
Our Tidy Modular Box is the perfect size for filling it with mystery items for your little one to guess each one! Loosely tie a blindfold for your child, or ask them to cover their eyes, as they pop their hand into the box and take a guess. Choose items with varying textures to create a tactile activity.
Create a Nature Tray
Sensory play is a huge part of Montessori teachings, allowing your little one to explore varying textures, sights, smells and sound through play.
A nature tray is a wonderful way for your child to get messy with various natural objects, in a contained space that won’t spread across your home.
Our Tidy Trays are ergonomically designed trays compatible with our Tidy Bassinet, but can be used for a multitude of different things - including a nature tray! Fill with sand, mud, leaves, sticks or shells and let your child study each piece.
Not just for nature, these trays can be used to introduce all sorts of messy textures to develop motor skills and senses, such as spaghetti, dried coloured rice or water.
Sort through Clothing
Something as simple as folding and putting away clothing can be classed as a Montessori activity. Encouraging independence, your little one can carry clothes from the dryer to their bedroom and put them away neatly (well, as neat as a child can put away clothes…).
Our Tidy Clothing Rack encourages children to gain independence and puts little people’s clothes within easy reach, allowing them to choose their own outfits (gulp) and put their clothes away when they’re finished. There’s even a handy shelf for them to perch on to put on their shoes.
Organise the Bookshelf
Organising books in the bookshelf is another easy Montessori task to complete at home. Your child can organise their books however they like; colour coded, by subject, or in order of their favourites.
Our unique Tidy Rotating Bookshelf has four open sides, making it easy for children to access their books and organise them on the shelves. Or, if you already have a family bookcase, why not use our Tidy Climbing Triangle as a child-friendly ladder to reach up for their books!
Child-friendly Tables & Chairs
Our child-friendly tables and chairs are perfectly designed to allow children to be a little more independent at mealtimes.
With more room to reach for their food, your child can have a go at spreading butter or jam on their own toast using a child-friendly knife or pouring cereal into their own bowl! It’s these simple everyday activities that define the Montessori theory.
Our Tidy Tables and Chairs are available as a bundle, providing a sturdy spot for your toddler to have a go at making a simple breakfast or lunch!
Recreating Montessori at home is accessible for everyone with a little ingenuity. If you’d like to know more about encouraging independent play, take a look at our blog post brimming with tips and tricks.
