The Montessori method presents such an incredible amount of learning experiences for a child. These experiences are born from a child’s natural desire to explore, curiosity, and passion for the world. I am delighted to share with you what has been happening during our Montessori cycle at home – a classroom I set up for my three-year-old preschooler – A.
May I say that I have never felt so strongly about the benefits of the Montessori method until I started to implement it with my child at home? It is truly magical; it sees the child as a whole, it is incredibly versatile. One of the most satisfying aspects of it – it offers a set of areas, materials, and methodologies that genuinely bring results.

Sorting activities teach children to group, compare, gain logical thinking and recognize patterns in real life. Sorting exercises set children for success later in math. Children are naturally attracted to work with sporting activities as they are going through a sensitive period for order. It begins at birth, peaks during toddlerhood, and lasts until around age five. Children learn to organize their thoughts and think orderly. They can use all those gained skills in their everyday life.
Land and Water activity is a fun discovery for A. Using actual soil and water brought more solid meaning, and understanding and helped her to distinguish the difference when sorting cards better.

Matching pictures to shapes. The shape sorting activity is a fun and attractive challenge for a three-year-old.
Download from the subscriber library and print on cardstock and laminate if needed. Label each group with shapes with a different color or simply draw the corresponding shape on the back of each card.
Place shape cards in a row from left to right and name each shape slowly. Invite your child to trace each shape as you go with their index finger.
Start with only 3 cards per shape or 3 shapes and demonstrate sorting until the child gains understanding and can complete the task independently. Once sorting is finished, invite him or her to flip the cards and make sure that the color on the back or shape images in each column is all matching.
Invite your child to gather objects from their environment that match different shapes or make “My Book of Shapes” where the child draws objects that match that particular shape.


Froebel (or push) pinning. I put together 24 pictures for pinning and am happy to share them with you to save you some time. At this stage A uses a big pin which is very handy. It allows you to apply more pressure and keeps pinning precisely on the line. It is an excellent challenge for a child which helps to strengthen their hand and improve fine motor, coordination, and concentration. After A is finished we look together to make sure there are no spaces left between holes and separate the picture from the rest of the paper which she glues into a colored piece of paper. Many prefer to print pictures for Froebel pinning on color paper, to begin with.
Sensorial – the Knobless Cylinders. It is fascinating to see how accurate movements have to be to build a tower with knobless cylinders. We love coming up with different extensions, comparing dimensions, measuring, and sorting cylinders.


We turned the preposition activity into a game. After working with cards, baskets, and a ball we give each other verbal instructions to place the ball in a different position in relation to the body: “place your ball behind your back”, “place the ball between your eyes”, etc. It is lots of fun.

Sandpaper letters with initial sound cards. I created this set of cards. The cards help her to recognize initial sounds and are phonetically assorted. I enjoy teaching my daughter in a home setting which allows more time to learn letters, sounds, and numbers without rushing through them. Tracing letter repetition creates visual and hand motion memory in her brain in preparation for writing.

The metal inset activity with tracing shapes and drawing continuous lines makes a solid preparation for cursive writing and encourages a child to apply strong pressure on the pencil.

The sandpaper numbers are still in good use here. I prefer not to move further until I am confident A recognizes her numbers 1-9 by heart. When doing a 3-period lesson she claps to practice one-to-one correspondence or counts the matching amount of popsicle sticks.

We use blocks to sort shapes.

This is a corresponding game with sticks – creating shapes by looking at a picture. You can download your free copy of the printable here. It gives an opportunity for a child to practice problem-solving and logical thinking.

The geometric solids. We have done the 3-period lesson with shapes many times. Now A is working on recognizing 3D shapes in her environment. Cards from Every Star Is Different are a great help!

Learning to recognize emotions. Using this activity A is learning to recognize different emotions and learn their names. It is helpful when she has a rough time (or happy time) for her to be able to identify and express what she feels at the moment and communicate her emotions to us.

Learning Australian animals. I especially like activities that incorporate objects, because I find it to be a perfect opportunity for engaging in conversation, like talking about the animals, parts of their bodies, their habits, diets, etc.

Creating hands-on, life experience is a huge part of what we do.


I hope you can grab some ideas for your classroom or home. If you are interested in downloading any of the printables mentioned in the post, click on the links provided in the descriptions. Some of them are free; some are paid. Links will take you to the printable page where you will be able to read more about them.
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Homeschool - Learning Resources and Must-Read Books
Back to School Learning Activities Bundle Preschool and Kindergarten
Back to School learning resources with hands-on activities gathered in one bundle. This bundle includes materials that help develop skills to support the main areas of a child's development - language, math, geography, fine motor, social-emotional, organizational skills, and sensorial. It fosters creativity and logical thinking and prompts moments of deeper concentration. The materials are suitable for use in a classroom setting at school or childcare and in the homeschool setting. It contains tools to help children transition and settle well into their classroom and support the development of their executive functioning skills. You will find many materials to include in your All About Me unit, editable name tracing printouts, and tools to help you organize your classroom such as a Linear calendar and Mobile calendar to start the day. Editable and Homeschool teacher planners are also included. The bundle contains language resources for learning to identify initial sounds and CVC words, and math hands-on resources for teaching basic mathematical concepts.
Chore Chart Editable In PDF Form for Children
Chore Charts for children of different ages
Fifty-six visual and thirty-six non-visual chore cards
Blank rounds and editable blank chore cards to add your chores to the list
Different chore board designs to choose from
Editable Homeschool Planner for Montessori Families
Editable and customizable homeschool planner with daily and weekly planner templates for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and lower elementary students based on key areas of Montessori scope and sequence. It can be used by families internationally with the option to choose Jan-Dec or Aug – July academic year.
Calendar Mobile for Children in Watercolor with Moon Phases Montessori
This calendar will be a beautiful addition to your classroom! It is a wonderful help for your calendar morning routine.
Seasonal Hands-On Activities for Montessori 3-6 Classroom Bundle
Seasonal printables were designed specifically for Montessori classrooms with a large variety of activities that cover different learning areas, such as geography, math – one-to-one correspondence, language – identifying the initial sound, reading, sight words recognition, classification, fine motor practice for students aged 3-6.
Montessori Editable Linear Calendar | Northern Hemisphere
Introduce your students to the concept of years, months, days, and seasons. Children can explore the passage of time with the help of the linear calendar for the Northern Hemisphere.
I Have Who Has Math Games Bundle
I Have, Who Has? Math Games help reinforce valuable lessons and math concepts whilst capturing students’ attention, focus and concentration in a fun and engaging way. Students will be learning while having fun and playing math games with their peers in pairs, in small and large groups. Once students are familiar with the subjects, these cards can be also used as an individual activity to review important math concepts.
Nature Curriculum in Cards Ever Growing Bundle
Nature Curriculum in Cards is an ever-growing bundle with resources that cover major Botany, Zoology, and Geography subjects, plus also includes Nature-Themed Early Learning resources.
Safari TOOB and Toy-Matching 3-Part Cards | Montessori | Editable
Early Learning Bundle with 40 printable sets that contain 3-Part Cards for an object-to-picture matching activity. Sets are designed to match the classroom favorites – Safari TOOB figures. Use in any language. All sets include an editable PowerPoint file. Types labels in your own language and print.
Emotions and Feelings - Printable Activities
I was always passionate about teaching children to understand their emotions and being empathetic towards each other. It inspired me to create this teaching resource.
A Tour of Summer's Homeschool Learning Environment
When I first learned about Montessori, we had just welcomed our second son and I was in the midst of trying to figure out where my then 3-year-old son was going to go to preschool. He had been attending a 3-day-a-week autism therapy school for early intervention and was about to complete his time there since he had reached all of his targeted goals.
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Is Homeschooling For Your Family? How to Make This Life-Changing Decision
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Homeschool Room Setup Ideas
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Some of the Best Montessori Resources and Materials for Teachers and Parents
I often get asked where to purchase Montessori materials, what I consider Montessori essentials, what handmade items are best for those who prefer handcrafted materials, etc. Below you will find a list of materials, resources, and toys I sincerely recommend. Everything on this list is of high quality and value. I’ve gathered resources and products that I personally purchased, had in my Montessori classroom, reviewed, and would genuinely recommend.
Nature Display in Homeschool Setting
Setting up a nature display in a classroom or homeschool learning space can be very beneficial. Not every child enjoys going out in nature.
Many children protest and dislike being outdoors where they can experience discomfort from the weather, they might not like getting dirty and have fear of crawling creatures.
Outdoor Activities for Children with Free Seven-Day Planner
Prepare fun and engaging educational outdoor activities and nature-based experiences for your children. Now sure where to start? Use our seven-day outdoor learning pre-filled planner to get inspired!
Free One Week Planner for Preschool Children With Low Prep Hands-on Activities
Having a plan at hand, especially during uncertain times, can only benefit busy and overwhelmed parents. Sometimes parents can be going through a period of transitioning when they work on establishing new homeschooling routine.
Homeschooling - the Reality of it All Amid a Pandemic. Free Resources for Parents
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One Day in the Life of a Homeschooling Family
Do you wonder sometimes what a day in the life of another homeschooling family may look like? Unless you are a part of a dynamic and large homeschooling community, you may not have time or energy to connect with others on a regular basis to discuss your routines and timetable.
New to Montessori Homeschooling?
When a family decides to take a route less traveled to homeschool their children the number of questions and choices you have to make is staggering and overwhelming. The list is never-ending – from what approach to take to how to manage household and expenses on one income, and of course, there is socialization.
How to Do Montessori at Home on a Budget
Don’t fall for gorgeous looks! Beauty is within. The modern world portrays Montessori as a fancy method of education for privileged children. In its essence, the Montessori method is not about the status or gorgeous classroom interiorioir. It is about meaningful connection, respect and authenticity.
Mistakes Montessori Newbies Need To Avoid
Are you new to Montessori?! Do you feel sometimes overwhelmed with the amount of new information you need to process? Would you like to hear advice from Montessori parents, bloggers, and teachers on common mistakes Montessori newbies make and how to avoid them!?
Enhancing Learning With Movement - Brain Gym For Kids
The connection between movement and learning is one of the central topics among brain researchers and educators. Maria Montessori has discovered this connection many years ago.
Homeschooling Preschooler The Montessori Way
Our homeschooling journey is something that consumes my heart and mind these days. I guess because it is unknown territory that we are walking into. So far it has brought great fruit and I feel that our everyday life is bursting with colors like never before. My daughter’s “whys” have got a completely new dimension, and I love, love, love how excited she got from receiving a magnifying glass by mail the other day. I would like to share what happened when we emerged into our Montessori work 3 – hour session. You can read about our Homeschooling routine in this post. I hand-picked a list of Montessori materials for our classroom. Aside from this list we also use some natural toys and materials that carry educational purpose.
Routine For Our Montessori Home Preschool
It is not a secret that the child needs stability in life in order to feel secure. Order in life creates inner order and peace, something that lays the foundation for successful learning, smooth transitions, and a happy kid. One of the first tasks for homeschoolers is to establish their own rhythm, and set up a daily schedule that is the backbone of the whole process.
Tips for Successful Montessori Homeschool 3 - Hour Work Cycle
Montessori is a truly unique method. One of the main characteristics of this philosophy is that it requires parents and teachers to acquire a particular list of habits, behavior, and attitude towards children, learning, environment, and a certain mindset.

Mama, Why Am I Homeschooled?
It’s a question that nearly every homeschooled child asks at some point. With its delightful, hand-painted illustrations and rhythmic structure, this charming book shows readers how they can learn scholastic skills through everyday life.

Montessori Homeschooling, One Family's Story
A fifteen-year experience of day-by-day, year-by-year, learning how to create an authentic Montessori education at home through elementary, middle, and high school. The main guide or teacher during these years had taken AMI teacher training courses for 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 and had taught for many years.

Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention
Discover how history, nature, and science connect in this fast-paced, entertaining, and incredibly informative history of the world, from the beginning of time to the present day.
How was our universe made from a tiny speck of energy? Where did the first trees, plants, animals, and humans come from? What happened to the dinosaurs? What was so miserable about medieval times? How were railroads and electricity invented? What are the perils of global warming?

Montessori Math Workbook: A Hands-On Approach to Early Mathematics (Primary Book 1)
A hands-on open-and-go Montessori math curriculum. Use as a supplement to traditional, physical Montessori math materials OR as a stand-alone math curriculum. Montessori math sets a firm foundation in concrete principles before slowly progressing into abstraction.

Montessori Reading Workbook: A LEARN TO READ activity book with Montessori reading tools (Montessori Activity Books for Home and School)
This is a learn to read book for kids 3-5 and5-7. Each age group will use the book in a slightly different way. The first group will be able to work with the help of an adult, while the older group can start the Montessori reading series mostly on their own, as they will be able to cut, paste and color most of the reading activities by themselves.

Montessori Math Workbook | Number Concepts, Golden Beads, Colored Bead Bars, Arithmetics: Math Activity Workbook
Number Concepts - number rods, cards and counters and one to one association
Golden Beads - introduction and arithmetics with golden beads
Linear Counting - bead bars, teens, tens, skip counting, hundred board
Arithmetics - addition, multiplication, subtraction and division

Easy Wood Carving for Children: Fun Whittling Projects for Adventurous Kids
Looking for an outdoor hobby to engage your children and encourage them to be crafty and creative? Wood carving is not only easy to learn and fun to do, but almost everything you need to get started can be found for free -- right outside your door!

Science Experiments You Can Eat
Kids take the reins in the kitchen with this hands-on book of edible science experiments! With revised and updated material, a brand-new look, and hours of innovative, educational experiments, this science classic by award-winning author Vicki Cobb will be devoured by a whole new generation of readers.

The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia
This beautiful art encyclopedia charts the evolution of the greatest cultural achievements in painting, sculpture, and photography.
The greatest art exhibition at your fingertips! Packed with fascinating facts, clear explanations, and stunning photography, this awe-inspiring art encyclopedia for kids aged 9-12 years takes you on a magical tour through time exploring every artistic style and movement in stunning detail. From Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa to Vincent van Gogh's spectacular The Starry Night, this art history book celebrates the lives of groundbreaking artists and their most famous art masterpieces.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life
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i-Poster My World Interactive Map - Educational Talking Toy for Kids of Ages 5 to 12 Years Old
MULTI AWARDS WINNING FUN LEARNING TOY - Family Choice, Mom's Choice Gold Metal & Tillywig Brain Child Award Winner 2018, and Creative Child Kids Product of the Year Winner 2019! The most popular interactive smart educational talking world map poster.

Continent Race Geography Learning Educational Game for Kids 7 Years and Up
Continent Race Geography Game for kids was created by 6 year old Byron duringpassion for geography with a desire to help boys and girls like him learn and have fun during their hospital stay - and beyond! For 2+ players

ShillerLearning Math Kit I - Homeschool Montessori Math Curriculum - (Pre-K to 3rd Gr)
The ShillerLearning Math Kit I - everything you need in a single box! No lesson preparation required by parents!
Your package contains over a dozen different manipulatives based on Dr. Maria Montessori's method developed over a hundred years ago. Includes a balance, number cards, number tiles, operator set, foam ball, wood dominoes, a US/metric ruler, wooden shapes, dice, measuring cups, and probability bag.

SolarQuest The Space-Age Real Estate Game: Mission to Mars Edition - Space Adventure - Family
Magnetic Fuel Tank Monitor Card. Magnets on the game board to hold Fuel Stations in place. 2 levels of game play.
This game will arrive in new condition. Please note that each Mission to Mars Edition game was opened in the U.S. for the sole purpose of adhering the magnets to the game board, thus saving customers the task. The game will arrive taped closed with clear tape on all 4 edges of the color box.

Thames & Kosmos Simple Machines Science Experiment & Model Building Kit, Introduction to Mechanical Physics, Build 26 Models to Investigate The 6 Classic Simple Machines
Through 26 model-building exercise, gain hands-on experience with gears and all six classic simple machines: wheels and axles, levers, pulleys, inclined Planes, screws, and wedges.

Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World
It’s time to say NO to trying to fit square-peg kids into rounds holes, and YES to raising them from a place of acceptance and joy.
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Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students
Teaching children how to manage their intense emotions is one of the most difficult aspects of parenting or educating gifted children. Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope With Explosive Feelings provides a much-needed resource for parents and educators for understanding of why gifted children are so extreme in their behavior and how to manage the highs and lows that accompany emotional intensity.

Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids (An Eckhart Tolle Edition)
Our children can be our greatest teachers. Parenting expert Susan Stiffelman writes that the very behaviors that push our buttons — refusing to cooperate or ignoring our requests — can help us build awareness and shed old patterns, allowing us to raise our children with greater ease and enjoyment.
Wow! You and your daughter have been busy! So many great activities! I love the sandpaper letter activity and how most of the cards have pink in them (or so it looks in the post). I can not believe how big your little girl is getting!
These are wonderful! I love all of these activities! I'm going to place an order for some 'real' montessori materials soon (instead of all my diy-ing), and this post really gave me some nice inspiration!
Beautiful works as always 😉
She had lots of fun!
Thank you! 🙂
Thanks a lot for giving such useful information on Montessori Inspired Activities and Games!
These are wonderful!