Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Montessori at Home: Baby to Preschool
140
items I fell in love with Maria Montessori’s philosophy in the 9th grade while taking an Early Childhood Education vocational class, and somehow that was 16 years ago. 😅 Since then, I’ve carried so much of what I learned into raising all three of my own c...
Sections
13
Baby's First Montessori Materials
Little Hands, Big Work | Fine Motor & Problem Solving
"I Can Do It!" | Practical Life
Little Helpers in the Kitchen
Independence in Everyday Routines
Creating a Montessori-Inspired Home
Baby's First Montessori Materials
Simple materials for those first months of discovering the world. These picks encourage visual tracking, grasping, reaching, cause-and-effect learning, object permanence, and sensory exploration without overwhelming baby.
Great for those very early months when baby is beginning to visually explore the world. Traditional Montessori mobiles are designed to progress with baby's developing vision, focus, and ability to track movement.
HyDren Black & White Baby Crib Mobile
Great for those very early months when baby is beginning to visually explore the world. Traditional Montessori mobiles are designed to progress with baby's developing vision, focus, and ability to track movement.
Set of 4 Portable Montessori Mobiles - Munari, Gobbi, Octahedron, Dancers
Newborns can see high-contrast patterns much more easily than subtle colors. I love these for tummy time, diaper changes, or simply placing near baby for something interesting to study.
High Contrast Flash Cards (Set of 4)
Newborns can see high-contrast patterns much more easily than subtle colors. I love these for tummy time, diaper changes, or simply placing near baby for something interesting to study.
Hello Night, Hello Day - (High-Contrast Books) by Duopress Labs (Board Book)
Such a simple way to make tummy time more interesting! A low mirror encourages baby to lift their head, observe movement, and eventually begin recognizing that adorable little person staring back at them.
Ubbi Tummy Time Baby-Safe Mirror Toy for Early Newborn and Infant Development: Silicone, Fine Motor Skills, Sensory Development
Such a simple way to make tummy time more interesting! A low mirror encourages baby to lift their head, observe movement, and eventually begin recognizing that adorable little person staring back at them.
Soft Tummy Time Book with Baby-Safe Mirror - Black & White Montessori Toy with Crinkle & 20 High-Contrast Designs for Infant Development
Simple is sometimes best. These are lightweight enough for little hands and give baby an opportunity to practice reaching, grasping, transferring objects between hands, and exploring through touch.
Kanga Care Silicone & Wood Bubble Teething Ring :: Rainbow Multicolored
Once baby starts reaching and moving, a rolling cylinder gives them a reason to go after something. The gentle sound also helps them begin connecting their movement with cause and effect.
Lovevery Montessori Rolling Rattle Baby Toy, 3m+
One of those toys that grows more interesting as baby develops. Reaching for and spinning the drum works on hand-eye coordination while showing baby that their actions can make something happen.
Adena Montessori Full-Size Spinning Drum Toy
Drop the ball in...and there it is! This classic Montessori material helps babies begin understanding object permanence while also working on hand-eye coordination and intentional movement.
Lovevery, Drop & Find Ball Box, Montessori Toy for Babies, Developmental Toys 9+ Months
Drop the ball in...and there it is! This classic Montessori material helps babies begin understanding object permanence while also working on hand-eye coordination and intentional movement.
Lovevery Hide & Find Drop Box Baby Toy, 9m+ - 2pc: Develops Fine Motor Skills, Birch and Plywood Construction, Toddler Learning
A great next step for babies who have discovered the joy of putting absolutely everything inside absolutely everything else. 😂 It works on grasping, releasing, tracking, and cause and effect.
BUSY EDITION Object Permanence Box – Montessori Sensory Ball Drop Toy for Babies 6-12 Months, Wooden Toddler Toy for 1-3 Years with 3 Colored Balls
A great next step for babies who have discovered the joy of putting absolutely everything inside absolutely everything else. 😂 It works on grasping, releasing, tracking, and cause and effect.
Fisher-Price Wooden Treehouse Ball Run Baby & Toddler Toy for Developmental Play, 2 Wood Pieces
One of my favorite simple toys because there are SO many ways to use them. Stack them, nest them, fill them, pour with them, hide things underneath them, use them in the bath...they grow right along with your child.
Lovevery Drip Drop Cups, 10m+ - 12pc
Little Hands, Big Work | Fine Motor & Problem Solving
Toddlers have serious work to do! Posting, stacking, sorting, twisting, matching and fitting things together help develop hand-eye coordination, concentration, problem-solving skills, and all those tiny hand muscles they'll eventually use for writing...
Toddlers LOVE putting things into little openings. A posting box turns that obsession into practice with hand-eye coordination, concentration, grasping, and controlled release.
Battat Education Piggy Bank for Kids Educational Pig Toy Developmental Playset Fine Motor Skills 18 Months + Save & Count Piggy Bank
Toddlers LOVE putting things into little openings. A posting box turns that obsession into practice with hand-eye coordination, concentration, grasping, and controlled release. We love this one because there are so many different activites in ONE toy...
Kizfarm 8-in-1 Montessori Wooden Play Kit
Simple, repetitive, satisfying work for little hands. Placing and removing pegs helps strengthen fine motor skills and gives toddlers an activity they can repeat independently.
Bigjigs Toys Wobbly Pegboard - 17 Piece Wooden Stacking Toy Montessori
A classic for a reason. Younger babies can simply practice removing the rings, while older babies and toddlers begin putting them back, experimenting with size, and eventually ordering them.
Fisher-Price Wooden Rainbow Ring Stacking Toy, Fine Motor Skills for Toddlers 18 month, 26 Wood Pieces
Nesting materials introduce concepts like big, little, inside, outside, and sequence without needing a formal "lesson." Children figure out the relationships by manipulating the pieces themselves.
Ms. Rachel™ Sort & Count Nesting Blocks
I prefer simpler shape sorters that allow the child to really focus on matching each shape with its opening. They're wonderful for spatial awareness, problem solving, and hand-eye coordination.
School Bus Wooden Activity Toy Set
I prefer simpler shape sorters that allow the child to really focus on matching each shape with its opening. They're wonderful for spatial awareness, problem solving, and hand-eye coordination.
Shape-Sorting Cube
Those little knobs are perfect for developing the pincer grasp and controlled hand movements. Start with simple puzzles with just a few pieces and increase the difficulty as your child is ready.
Melissa & Doug First Shapes Wooden Jumbo Peg Puzzle - 5 Pieces With Handles (Babies, Toddlers)
Those little knobs are perfect for developing the pincer grasp and controlled hand movements. Start with simple puzzles with just a few pieces and increase the difficulty as your child is ready.
Melissa & Doug Large Farm Jumbo Knob Puzzle - 8 pieces
Those little knobs are perfect for developing the pincer grasp and controlled hand movements. Start with simple puzzles with just a few pieces and increase the difficulty as your child is ready.
Melissa & Doug Pets Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle
Great for older toddlers and preschoolers who are ready for more precise fine-motor work. Threading beads requires concentration, bilateral coordination, and a whole lot of patience.
Teacher Created Resources® Lacing Beads
Great for older toddlers and preschoolers who are ready for more precise fine-motor work. Threading beads requires concentration, bilateral coordination, and a whole lot of patience.
Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads - Educational Toy With 30 Wooden Beads and 2 Laces: Baby Learning Toys
Another great pre-writing activity that doesn't feel remotely like "school." Threading works both hands together while developing coordination and fine-motor control.
HABA Caterpillar Rainbow Preschool Learning Activity with Colors & Numbers, Threading Game & Fine Motor Toys for Ages 3+
If your toddler would rather investigate every latch, lock and forbidden cabinet in your house than play with their toys, this one understands the assignment. 😂 It gives them a safe way to practice real mechanisms.
Melissa & Doug Latches Wooden Activity Board - FSC Certified Materials
If your toddler would rather investigate every latch, lock and forbidden cabinet in your house than play with their toys, this one understands the assignment. 😂 It gives them a safe way to practice real mechanisms.
Melissa & Doug Latches Wooden Activity Barn with 5 Doors, 4 Play Figure Farm Animals
Twisting and turning is excellent work for little hands and wrists. These are especially nice for toddlers who love figuring out how real objects work.
Hape Twist and Turnables Wooden Building Block Learning Set
You don't need anything elaborate for sorting activities. A few little bowls can be used with colors, animals, pom-poms, natural objects, snacks and whatever else your child is currently interested in.
Learning Resources Farmer's Market Color Sorting Set, Toddler Sorting Toys for Kids, Daycare Toys, Ages 18 Months +
You don't need anything elaborate for sorting activities. A few little bowls can be used with colors, animals, pom-poms, natural objects, snacks and whatever else your child is currently interested in.
edxeducation® Sorting Bowls & Tweezers - Set of 12 - 18m+ - 6 Colors
Perfect for transferring activities! Moving small objects from one container to another strengthens the hand and develops the controlled movements children will eventually need for writing.
Learning Resources Squeezy Tweezers - Sensory Bin Tools, Water Table Toys, Ages 3+
Perfect for transferring activities! Moving small objects from one container to another strengthens the hand and develops the controlled movements children will eventually need for writing.
Learning Resources Easy Grip Preschool Tweezers: 12-Piece Baby & Toddler Learning Toys for Gross Motor Skills
"I Can Do It!" | Practical Life
One of my favorite parts of Montessori is giving children meaningful ways to participate in everyday life. Practical life activities build independence, coordination, concentration, confidence, and care for their environment, all while letting them d...
If they're going to steal your broom anyway, they might as well have one that actually fits them. 😂 Child-sized cleaning tools allow kids to meaningfully participate instead of just pretending to help. We have had this set for 6 years and I am posit...
Dust! Sweep! Mop! Cleaning Play Set
Another easy way to invite children into caring for their environment. The important part for me is finding one that's actually usable, rather than a toy mop that doesn't accomplish anything.
Toddler Spray Mop-Montessori Toys Mini Size Cleaning Mini Mop that Really Spray -Kid Pretend Play Toys Gift for Toddlers Girls Boys
One of the simplest Montessori materials is probably already in your house. Give them a small cloth for spills, wiping the table, washing surfaces, or helping alongside you.
Microfiber Dust Cloths - 3pk - up&up™: Reusable, Hanging Loop
Spraying and wiping is basically toddler entertainment disguised as practical life. It also works the hands and teaches children how to care for their environment.
Pop-Arazzi Spray Bottle, Assorted Colors, 8 OZ
Montessori practical life doesn't have to stay indoors. Digging, planting, watering, and caring for plants gives children real work with a visible purpose.
Kids Gardening Tool Set 12 PCS - Kids Gardening Tools with Shovel, Rake, Fork, Trowel, Apron, Gloves Watering Can and Tote Bag - Play22usa
Traditional Montessori dressing frames isolate individual skills like buttoning, snapping, zipping, tying, and buckling so children can practice them without the added challenge of wearing the clothing.
YHZAN Montessori Shoe Tying Life Skills Toy
Tying shoes is complicated when you're little! A practice shoe or lacing board lets children work on the steps at their own pace before trying it on their own feet.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wood Lacing Sneaker - Learn to Tie a Shoe Educational Toy
One of my FAVORITE practical-life tools. Pouring their own water builds coordination and independence, and yes, spills are part of learning how to pour.
Rubbermaid Plastic Pitcher, Clear/Red, 2 Quart
Start with dry transferring if you're not emotionally prepared to hand your toddler a pitcher of water yet. 😂 Then move to liquids once they have more control.
Learning Resources Mix & Measure Set, 22 pcs
Great for transferring rice, beans, water, oats, or other sensory materials. Different scoop sizes also require children to adjust their movements.
Learning Resources Helping Hands Sensory Scoops
Wiping spills, washing a table, cleaning toys, or squeezing water from one container into another...a tiny sponge can do an impressive amount of work.
Scotch-Brite Multi-Purpose Sponges - 4pk: Cellulose Material, Cleaning Tools and Accessories
I love trays because they give an activity a clear beginning and end. Everything needed for the work stays together, the child can carry it independently, and cleanup makes much more sense.
Set of 4 Assorted Colors Multipurpose Trays
Little Helpers in the Kitchen
The kitchen is basically one giant practical-life classroom. These are tools that make it easier for little ones to safely participate in washing, pouring, stirring, cutting, serving and preparing their own food.
One of my top Montessori-inspired home purchases for toddlers. It brings them safely up to counter height so they can actually participate in cooking, washing, mixing, and everyday kitchen life.
Little Partners Grow N Stow Folding Learning Tower®/Toddler Tower, Step Stool for Kids, 18m-6yrs - Natural
Kids don't have to wait until they're big to help prepare food. A child-safe knife lets them practice real cutting skills with softer foods while building independence and coordination.
Baketivity Kid Safe Plastic Knives for Real Cooking with Cutting Board & Peeler, BPA-Free Dishwasher Safe Kids Knife Set
This is often easier for little hands because they can press downward with both hands. Great for cutting bananas, soft fruit, cooked vegetables, dough, and other easy-to-cut foods.
Crinkle Cutter
Giving children tools appropriately sized for their bodies makes such a difference. Their own little cutting board creates a defined workspace and is easier for them to manage.
Chefclub Kids - Cutting Board Kit for Kids - Non-Slip, Cutting Guide & Removable Board Included - BPA-Free, Small Fruit Cutting Boards Mats
Part practical, part "I am clearly the head chef here." 😂 An apron protects clothes while also becoming part of the routine of getting ready to cook.
Urban Infant Little Helper Kids Apron - Children's Cooking Art Gardening - Toddler Boys and Girls - Poppies
A regular adult whisk can be awkward for tiny hands. A smaller whisk gives children much better control when mixing eggs, batter, sauces, or whatever you're making together.
Mini Whisk
Perfect for cookies, biscuits, pizza dough, play dough and more. Rolling is fantastic bilateral work because children have to coordinate both hands.
Mini Silicone Rolling Pin for Kids, Non-stick Surface Wood Handle, 9 Inch 1 Pack(Orange)
Montessori traditionally encourages real drinking vessels rather than relying exclusively on sippy cups. A tiny open cup makes learning much more manageable because there's less liquid available to accidentally baptize the entire table.
ezpz Tiny Cup - Sage - 2oz: Silicone, BPA-Free, Baby Cup
Real utensils that fit little hands make independent eating easier. I prefer functional child-sized versions rather than utensils that are mostly designed to look cute.
Parent's Choice Premium Stainless Steel Toddler Flatware, Silver Tableware, 3 Piece Set
Having dishes that are easy for children to carry, serve themselves with, and eventually put away helps make mealtimes another opportunity for independence.
Grow Forward Wheat Straw Kids Plates & Bowls Set
A fun way for young children to participate in food prep before they're ready for more complicated cutting. Plus, they get to eat the results of their work.
Joie Strawberry Huller and Slicer Set
Another surprisingly good little food-prep tool. Children can place a peeled boiled egg inside, press down, open it up, and immediately see the result of their action.
KitchenAid Egg Slicer White
Independence in Everyday Routines
Montessori doesn't have to be an "activity." Some of the best opportunities happen while getting dressed, washing hands, brushing teeth or putting belongings away. A prepared environment simply makes the things a child needs accessible at their level...
A sturdy step stool can completely change how independently a child moves through their routine. Reaching the sink on their own means more opportunities to wash hands, brush teeth, and take care of themselves without constantly needing to be lifted.
Playtex 2-Tier Step Stool for Kids’ Bathroom and Bedroom, White
Such a simple addition for sinks that are just a little too far away. It brings the water closer so little arms can actually reach it and makes independent handwashing much more realistic.
Munchkin Extend Faucet Extenders, Fits Most Standard Faucet Styles, 2 Pack, Grey
Hang a few hooks at your child's height for coats, backpacks, hats, towels, or pajamas. When their belongings actually have a place they can reach, they're much more capable of putting things away themselves.
Command Large Utility Hooks, White, Damage Free Decorating, 6 Hooks and 12 Command Strips
I love the idea of offering a small selection of weather-appropriate clothes at a child's level. They get some control over what they wear without being overwhelmed by an entire closet.
Guidecraft See and Store Dress Up Center - Natural: Kids' Clothes and Costume Storage Rack, Pretend Play Closet Organizer with Mirror
Putting the hamper where your child can reach it gives them one more tiny responsibility in their daily routine. Even very young toddlers can begin putting dirty clothes into a basket.
Cotton Rope Laundry Basket, 15.8 Gal Natural Fiber Hamper with Handles, for Kids' Toys Clothing Bedroom Living Room, White & Grayish Brown
A small basket, rack, or cubby near the door gives shoes a predictable home. It also makes it easier for children to participate in getting ready to leave and putting things away when they come home.
Oceanstar 15.5 in. H 8-Pair 2-Tier Brown Bamboo Shoe Rack SR1309
A brush that's easy for little hands to hold lets children begin participating in their own grooming. They may not be styling their own hair anytime soon, but the independence starts with getting to try.
Wet Brush Mini Detangler Hair Brush - Matte Black
A mirror positioned at the child's height allows them to actually see themselves while getting dressed, brushing their hair, washing their face, or practicing other self-care skills.
16x20 White Arch Kids' Mirror - Pillowfort™
Creating a Montessori-Inspired Home
A prepared environment is designed around the child so they can safely access, use and eventually put away what they need with less adult assistance. You don't need to redesign your entire house. A few intentional changes can make a huge difference.
One of the easiest ways to create a prepared environment at home. Keeping a smaller selection of activities visible and within reach allows children to choose their own work and return it when they're finished.
Costway Kids 2-Shelf Bookcase 5-Cube Wood Toy Storage Cabinet w/ Shelves Beige
One of the easiest ways to create a prepared environment at home. Keeping a smaller selection of activities visible and within reach allows children to choose their own work and return it when they're finished.
Mainstays 6-Cube Storage Organizer Bookcase, Warm Walnut
Little children can't browse book spines the way adults do. Displaying covers makes books easier to recognize, choose independently, and hopefully put back when they're finished. Hopefully. 😂
4 Tier Kids Wooden Bookshelf, 6 Layer Sling Bookcase, Baby Storage Book Rack, Book Display Shelf, Book Toy Organizer Cabinet For Nursery Playroom
Great for grouping similar materials without turning every shelf into visual chaos. I especially like baskets for blocks, animals, sensory materials, and other items that don't necessarily belong on a tray.
Kids' Large Woven Toys Storage Basket Natural - Pillowfort™
Great for grouping similar materials without turning every shelf into visual chaos. I especially like baskets for blocks, animals, sensory materials, and other items that don't necessarily belong on a tray.
Delta Children Kids Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Plastic Bins, Greenguard Gold Certified, Natural/Primary
Furniture that's actually made for their body gives children a comfortable place to work, eat, create, and play without always having to climb into adult-sized furniture.
Melissa & Doug Solid Wood Table and 2 Chairs Set - Light Finish Furniture for Playroom
A safely mounted mirror at the child's level can be used from infancy through preschool. Babies explore movement and faces, while toddlers and preschoolers can use it for dressing and self-care. I love that this one has multiple uses! We use it for t...
Doublesided Bidirectional Mirror
Movement Matters | Gross Motor
Children learn with their whole bodies. These picks give babies, toddlers and preschoolers opportunities to climb, balance, push, pull and develop coordination while exploring what their bodies can do.
Great for giving children an opportunity to climb and explore movement at their own pace. I especially like climbing equipment that doesn't prescribe one "right" way to use it. This one is great because you get the pikler-style triangle, climbing arc...
Costway 3-in-1 Kids Climber Set Toddler Wooden Play Arch with Sliding and Climbing Ramp
Another open-ended movement piece that can grow with a child. Depending on the design, kids can climb over it, crawl underneath it, rock with it, or incorporate it into imaginative play. This is great if you don't have a lot of space OR don't want a ...
Costway 2-in-1 Arch Rocker with Soft Cushion Double-Sided Climbing Arch for Toddlers
One simple piece with SO many possibilities. It can be used for rocking and balancing, but kids inevitably turn it into a bridge, ramp, tunnel, seat, stage, or something I never would have thought of. I love that this one is still high quality, even ...
Battat Rock & Balance Wooden Board with Foam Semi-Circle, Toddler and Preschool Toys
Walking along a narrow path requires concentration, coordination, and body awareness. I like low-to-the-ground options that let young children practice without making every attempt a high-stakes adventure.
Battat Rainbow Ridge Balance Beams Active Playset with 10 Plastic Pcs, Toddler and Preschool Toys
Perfect for practicing balance and planning movement from one point to another. They're also easy to turn into obstacle courses as children get older.
Play Day Non-Slip Stepping Stones, 6-Piece Balance Set, 1-Each/Set for Children Ages 3+
For babies who are pulling up and beginning to walk, a sturdy push wagon can provide support while still requiring them to control their own movement. I prefer one that's stable and doesn't shoot across the room the second baby touches it.
Classic Push Walker Wagon
Crawling is fantastic whole-body work even after a child has learned to walk. A tunnel encourages crawling, spatial awareness, coordination, and plenty of peekaboo. My 11, 5, and 18 month old play with this, haha!
Play Tunnel - Gigglescape™: Kids Tent, Toddler Tunnel, Fiberglass Frame, Ages 3+
Crawling is fantastic whole-body work even after a child has learned to walk. A tunnel encourages crawling, spatial awareness, coordination, and plenty of peekaboo.
Tiny Land® Compact Adventure 3-in-1 Play Tunnel With no Balls - Blue
Especially nice for babies and young toddlers who are learning to navigate different heights and surfaces. They can crawl over, climb onto, rearrange, and experiment with them in a relatively forgiving environment. These are a MUST have for us! My ki...
Best Choice Products Soft Foam Climbing Blocks for Toddlers, 5-Piece Play Set, Easy-Clean Vinyl - Multicolor
A simple ride-on that children propel themselves encourages coordination and leg strength while giving them control over their own movement.
Radio Flyer Steady Start 8'' Kids' Balance Bike - Red: Steel Frame, Adjustable Seat
A simple ride-on that children propel themselves encourages coordination and leg strength while giving them control over their own movement. AND it helps with clean up, umm yeah, an absolute win.
B. toys Ride On Toy with Blocks - Ride & Chomp: Educational Kids Pedal and Push Vehicle
Rolling, carrying, kicking, throwing, and chasing balls all develop different gross-motor skills. Having a few different sizes and textures gives children lots of ways to experiment with movement.
Little Tikes Punt Pass and Shoot: Sports Ball Set for Ages 3+ with 3 Balls
Language, Books & the World Around Us
Montessori language learning begins long before reading. Rich conversation, real-world vocabulary, beautiful books and opportunities to connect words with tangible objects help children make sense of the world around them.
I especially love real photographs during the baby and toddler years. Seeing an actual dog, spoon, baby, truck, or banana helps children connect language with the real things they're discovering around them.
My First Library: Boxset of 10 Board Books for Kids (Board Book)
These can be used for YEARS. Start by simply naming animals with toddlers, then use them for matching, sorting, habitats, vocabulary, imaginative play, and more as your child grows.
Learning Resources Jumbo Farm Animals, Figures Set For Toddlers, Ages 18 Months+
I love activities that connect something concrete to something more abstract. Matching a real object or figurine to its photograph helps children understand that the picture represents something in the real world.
Coogam Sorting Toy for Toddlers - Animals & Vehicles
Pair realistic animal figures with photographs or matching cards. Younger children can simply find the match, while older children can sort them by habitat, type, characteristics, or other categories. I also really love KiwiCo. They have amazing subs...
KiwiCo Babble & Speak Wooden Toy Activity Play Center 6m+ - 10pc
Pair realistic animal figures with photographs or matching cards. Younger children can simply find the match, while older children can sort them by habitat, type, characteristics, or other categories.
Wooden Animal Matching - Safari
A traditional Montessori language material that's especially useful as vocabulary grows. Children progress from matching images to eventually matching pictures, labels, and words.
Montessori inspired nomenclature 3 part activity card tray maple wood educational homeschool lesson activity supplies lifecycle card holder
Tiny objects representing different beginning sounds make early phonics much more hands-on. Instead of only looking at a letter on paper, children can hold and name something associated with its sound.
Educational Insights Lowercase AlphaMagnets Set of 42 Alphabet Magnetic Letters Learning Toys for Toddlers Ages 3plus
Tiny objects representing different beginning sounds make early phonics much more hands-on. Instead of only looking at a letter on paper, children can hold and name something associated with its sound.
Learning Resources Alphabet Cookie Jar
Tiny objects representing different beginning sounds make early phonics much more hands-on. Instead of only looking at a letter on paper, children can hold and name something associated with its sound.
Learning Resources Alphabet Acorns Activity Set, Toddler Alphabet Toys, Ages 3+
One of my favorite Montessori language concepts because children can begin building words before their handwriting skills catch up with their thoughts. Reading, writing, and fine-motor ability don't all have to develop at exactly the same speed.
Melissa & Doug Wooden See & Spell Educational Alphabet Learning Toy for Preschoolers Ages 4+
Children trace the textured letter while learning its sound, bringing touch and movement into early literacy instead of relying only on visual memorization. We started using these EARLY, like newborn and up. At first for texture exploration and my 5 ...
Didax Sandpaper Letter Set - Upper and Lowercase Letters 54 Pieces
Early Math, Sorting & Patterns
Before worksheets and memorization, children can physically experience quantity, size, order, patterns and relationships. Hands-on materials make abstract math concepts something little hands can actually see and manipulate.
Sorting is such an easy early math activity because you can meet the child exactly where they are. Start with something simple like color, then eventually sort by size, type, shape, quantity, or multiple characteristics.
Learning Resources Baby Bear Counters Toddler Toys Montessori, Ages 3+
Sorting is such an easy early math activity because you can meet the child exactly where they are. Start with something simple like color, then eventually sort by size, type, shape, quantity, or multiple characteristics. I have found that having diff...
Learning Resources Backyard Bugs Counters, Educational Counting and Sorting Toy Ages 3+
Sorting is such an easy early math activity because you can meet the child exactly where they are. Start with something simple like color, then eventually sort by size, type, shape, quantity, or multiple characteristics.
Counting Dinosaurs Toys Matching Games with Stacking Bowls Preschool Color Sorting Montessori STEM
These give children a physical way to connect a written number with an actual quantity. Instead of "5" being an abstract symbol, they can physically count five objects into its space.
Hand2mind Montessori Sensory Number Trays for Kids Math Learning
A simple way to introduce number symbols while also working on fine-motor skills and spatial awareness. I especially like puzzles that don't try to cram too many concepts into one activity.
Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Wooden Number Puzzles with Storage Box (40 Pcs)
A simple way to introduce number symbols while also working on fine-motor skills and spatial awareness. I especially like puzzles that don't try to cram too many concepts into one activity.
The Learning Journey Match It! Counting
These naturally introduce size, sequence, comparison, and spatial relationships. Children learn through trial and error which pieces fit inside each other and how they relate in size.
The Learning Journey International Play & Learn - Stacking Cubes
Fantastic for preschoolers. Children can copy provided patterns or create their own while exploring shapes, symmetry, spatial relationships, and early geometry.
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards - Classic Toy With 120 Solid Wood Shapes and 5 Double-Sided Panels, Multi-Colored Animals Puzzle
A traditional Montessori material that makes quantity something children can literally see and feel. The increasing lengths represent numbers from one through ten before introducing more abstract number work.
Melissa & Doug Counting Shape Stacker - Wooden Educational Toy With 55 Shapes and 10 Number Tiles
Beads make quantity tangible. Children can physically handle and count amounts rather than trying to understand numbers only as symbols on a page.
Melissa & Doug Abacus - Classic Wooden Educational Counting Toy With 100 Beads
Art & Creative Exploration
Process over perfection. An accessible art space lets children experiment, make choices and create without needing an adult to direct every step.
Easy for little hands to grasp and a great first art material. I like keeping just a few colors accessible so children can independently choose to draw without being overwhelmed by a giant box of supplies.
Crayola Jumbo Crayons, 16 Count Assorted Colors, School and Craft Supplies
Because independence is beautiful, but so is being able to get marker off the kitchen table. 😂 Washable markers give toddlers and preschoolers an easy way to experiment with color, lines, and early drawing.
Crayola 10ct Ultra Clean Washable Broad Line Markers, School Supplies for Kids, Art Classroom Must Haves, Coloring Gift, Ages 3+
Painting is about so much more than making a cute picture. Children experiment with color, texture, movement, pressure, and cause and effect while getting a wonderfully hands-on sensory experience.
Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set, 10 Count, Easter Basket Essentials, Kids Arts & Crafts Supplies, Easter Craft Set, Project Paint, Gift for Kids, Ages 3+
Brushes that actually fit little hands give children much better control. I like offering different sizes and shapes so they can discover how each one changes the marks they make.
Pen+Gear Kids' Art Brush Set, 5 Pieces
These are SO satisfying for little kids and require less precision than traditional markers. They're great for color exploration, hand-eye coordination, patterns, and eventually more intentional activities.
6ct Washable Rainbow Dot Markers - Do-A-Dot Art
An accessible easel gives children a dedicated place to create whenever inspiration strikes. Working vertically also uses the hands, arms, shoulders, and wrists differently than drawing at a table.
Art Easel for Kids with Paper Roll, Adjustable Double Side Art Drawing Standing Chalkboard for Toddlers 3-12, Boy & Girls Wooden Gift & Art Supplies for Toddler
I love watercolor for preschoolers because they get to experiment with water, pigment, mixing, pressure, and color intensity. A simple palette is plenty for beginning artists.
Crayola 8ct Kids Watercolor Paints with Brush, Washable Tempera, School Supplies for Kids, Art Classroom Essentials, Gift, Ages 3+
An easy introduction to independently assembling art projects. Glue sticks are much easier for young children to control than liquid glue and still give them plenty of practice planning and creating.
Elmer's 6pk Washable School Glue Sticks - Disappearing Purple
Cutting is an incredible fine-motor activity and an important practical skill. Start with child-safe scissors and easy materials, then let them gradually work toward cutting paper and following lines.
Crayola My First Safety Scissors, 3 Ct, Anti Pinch Plastic Scissors for Kids, Toddler Art Supplies, Preschool Arts & Crafts, Ages 3+
Rolling, squeezing, pinching, cutting, stamping, and shaping play dough is basically a tiny-hand workout disguised as play. It's fantastic preparation for later writing skills.
Play-Doh 9-Piece Starter Set with Storage Tote for Kids Arts & Crafts, Ages 3 and up
Nature & Sensory Exploration
The natural world offers some of the best learning materials, and most of them don't require batteries or an instruction manual. These picks encourage observation, classification, sensory exploration and curiosity about living things.
One of my favorite simple exploration tools. Suddenly a leaf, rock, feather, flower, or bug becomes something worth studying for ten minutes.
Learning Resources Magnifier and Tweezers Fine Motor Toys for Kids Ages 3plus Science
Perfect for the child who brings you every tiny creature they find. It allows them to observe bugs up close before releasing them back where they belong.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Bugnoculars: Instruction Guide for Kindergarten to 2nd Grade Science Focus
Great for bird watching, nature walks, trips, or simply investigating the backyard. They encourage children to slow down and actually observe what's around them.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars Binoculars for Toddlers & Kids, Stocking Stuffer for Boys & Girls, Ages 3, 4, 5+
Such a sweet way for older toddlers and preschoolers to preserve something they've collected outside. Pressed flowers and leaves can later be examined, identified, or used for art.
Fugocen Flower Press Kit - 6 Layers 6 Inches, Easy to Use, Wooden Flower Pressing Kit for Adults and Kids
Butterfly, frog, chicken, bee, and plant life-cycle figures make changes that happen over time much easier for young children to understand and sequence.
Insect Lore Products 24 Piece Insect Life Cycle Figurines
Montessori-Inspired Favorites
Not every useful children's product is a traditional Montessori material, and that's okay. These are toys and tools I love because they still encourage open-ended play, independence, creativity, movement or meaningful hands-on learning.
No, magnetic tiles aren't a traditional Montessori material, but I LOVE the open-ended problem solving they encourage. Children can experiment with shapes, balance, symmetry, structures, patterns, and their own ideas.
MAGNA-TILES® Combo 46-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, The ORIGINAL Magnetic Building Brand
One of those toys that doesn't tell the child what to do with it. Blocks can become towers, houses, roads, furniture, fences, castles, or whatever else their imagination decides that day.
Melissa & Doug 100 Wood Blocks
Pretend play isn't a traditional focus of Montessori in the same way practical-life work is, but I still think quality pretend materials can have value. They're especially fun for recreating familiar routines and building language.
Felt Food Sandwich Play Set
Pretend play isn't a traditional focus of Montessori in the same way practical-life work is, but I still think quality pretend materials can have value. They're especially fun for recreating familiar routines and building language.
Slice & Toss Salad Set
Pretend play isn't a traditional focus of Montessori in the same way practical-life work is, but I still think quality pretend materials can have value. They're especially fun for recreating familiar routines and building language.
Melissa & Doug Food Groups - 21 Wooden Pieces and 4 Crates, Multi
Dressing, feeding, bathing, brushing, and caring for dolls can encourage nurturing play while practicing many of the same movements children use in caring for themselves.
Lissi: Deluxe Doll Nursery Set - Pink-Blue-Polka Dot - 12pc Play Accessories For Dolls Up To 16", Stroller, Travel Bed, Play Gym, Feeding Toys, Kids 3+
Not Montessori, still fantastic. Building tracks requires planning, spatial reasoning, trial and error, and problem solving before the train even starts moving.
Magnetic Wooden Train Cars
Not Montessori, still fantastic. Building tracks requires planning, spatial reasoning, trial and error, and problem solving before the train even starts moving.
Tiny Land® Wooden Train Set for Kids 110 Pcs
Small drums, rhythm sticks, bells, shakers, xylophones, and similar instruments allow children to actively create and explore sound, rhythm, volume, and movement rather than simply pressing a button to hear music.
B. toys Toy Drum Set 7 Instruments - Parum Pum Pum: Music Percussion, Social Skills, Fine Motor Development
For the Parent | Learning About Montessori
Montessori is so much more than wooden toys and pretty playrooms! If you're interested in bringing Montessori into your home, I think understanding the why behind the method is just as important as choosing materials. These books and resources can he...
Go straight to the source! This is Maria Montessori's own explanation of the educational method she developed through years of observing children. It's more academic than some of the modern Montessori books, but a great choice if you really want to u...
The Montessori Method (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading)
One of the books I'd recommend if you want to understand why Montessori places so much importance on the early years. Montessori explores how young children absorb information from their environment and how those early experiences shape development.
Absorbent Mind - by Maria Montessori (Paperback)
I love the emphasis this book places on really observing and respecting children. It's a deeper look at childhood through Montessori's perspective and the role adults play in either supporting or unintentionally interfering with natural development.
The Secret of Childhood
Another great choice if you want more than the modern, simplified version of Montessori you see online. This digs into Montessori's observations, materials, environment, and what she discovered when children were given opportunities to work independe...
The Discovery of the Child
A practical choice for parents who want to start applying Montessori principles during the baby and toddler years. It brings the philosophy into everyday home life with ideas for movement, independence, toileting, eating, sleeping, and preparing the ...
Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three
Probably one of the most approachable Montessori books for modern parents. I especially like that it takes big Montessori ideas and turns them into practical ways to encourage independence, cooperation, curiosity, and connection during the wonderfull...
Pre-Owned Montessori Toddler - Paperback
A beautiful introduction to Montessori from the very beginning. It focuses on observing your baby, respecting their development, creating an intentional environment, encouraging movement, and giving babies opportunities to participate rather than con...
The Montessori Baby - (The Parents' Guide to Montessori) by Simone Davies & Junnifa Uzodike (Paperback)
A great continuation once you're moving beyond the baby and toddler years. It focuses on applying Montessori principles with children from about ages 3–12, so this is one that can stay useful well beyond the preschool years.
The Montessori Child - (The Parents' Guide to Montessori) by Simone Davies & Junnifa Uzodike (Paperback)
A very visual, parent-friendly introduction to Montessori at home. This is a nice option if you want practical ideas and inspiration without starting with one of Maria Montessori's denser original texts.
How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way - by DK (Hardcover)
For anyone who wants to nerd out a little deeper. 🤓 This explores Montessori education through the lens of psychological research and looks at the science behind many of the principles Montessori developed through observing children.
Pre-Owned Montessori : The Science Behind the Genius (Paperback) 9780195369366