Simple Montessori Inspired Play Activities That Teach Lifelong Skills
by Barbara Stein | View Bio
Barbara Stein is a busy Montessori, homeschooling mom, filled with love and energy for her family. She's homeschooled her three kids for what she playfully calls "forever," and in all sincerity, she makes it look easy, though she swears it isn't.
Her oldest, Lili, was accepted to UC Davis, which Barbara says still makes her tear up, tears of joy. Her 13-year-old, Josh, is homeschooling and taking classes at the local community college, already ahead of the pack. And then there's little Elena, who is 4 years old and already knows her letters and numbers. Elena also thinks she's in charge around the house.
Her husband is stationed overseas fighting in the armed forces. Back home, Barbara does everything, from lesson plans to lunchtime. Her household is loud, chaotic, and sticky with glue sticks and library books, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
In her (rare) free time, Barbara is a hobbyist for vintage treasures. She spends evenings refinishing old furniture, digging through estate sales, and engaging in do-it-yourself craft projects; with a cup of tea in one hand and a hot glue gun in the other.
Barbara has picked up a lot along the way from everyday life; with much trial and error with her kids. She's thrilled to pass along what has worked for her family in hopes it might work for other moms who are winging it like she is.
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Montessori play is never about being perfect; it’s about learning by doing. Whether your child is pouring water into a cup or buckling their belt, these small, significant tasks make them capable, confident human beings. You don’t need fancy tools or a classroom setup. Just a little patience, some child-sized materials, and the willingness to slow down and let them try. Every small step, even the messy ones, leads to real growth.
If you’d like more ideas or materials to support your child’s learning, explore our collection of Montessori-inspired toys and tools. Sometimes, the most powerful learning happens in the simplest moments.
All parents want to give our children the tools to succeed in the world. Perhaps the simplest way to do this is through play, but not just any play. Montessori-inspired play, based on a philosophy that promotes learning through hands-on experience, not only enables children to make sense of the world around them but also teaches them practical skills that they will use throughout their entire lives.
When a child pours his or her own juice, buttons a sweater, or stores away toys, something enchanting happens. They're not just performing the activity. They're building independence, coordination, concentration, and practical life knowledge.
The good news? You don't need to send your children to a Montessori school to implement these ideas at home. You just need some simple activities that give kids ownership of learning.
Here are five easy-to-do Montessori inspired play activities for children ages 2 to 8. Each one will help your child build confidence and practical life skills that last beyond the playroom.
1. Pouring and Transferring: Building Coordination and Control
Although it sounds simple, pouring, and transferring liquids is one of the most engaging Montessori activities kids can do. It's one of the best activities for fine motor and hand-eye coordination development, especially for children aged 2 to 4.
Try this:
Have two small cups and a water pitcher ready on a tray, or dry materials like rice or lentils. Ask your child to pour one to the other. You can also add scoops or small tongs to make it harder.
Why it works:
Pouring and transferring material builds motor control and concentration. Repeatedly, this builds confidence. The concentration required also builds brain paths that facilitate other aspects of learning.
Helpful Tools:
- Small wooden trays
- Pitchers of child size
- Scoops, tongs, or tweezers
- Montessori toys that build coordination
Parent Tip: It is repetition that builds. If they want to do it again and again, let them. Each iteration builds skill and confidence.
2. Sorting and Matching: Fostering Concentration and Mental Development
Sorting and matching exercises are the backbone of Montessori learning. Regardless of color, shape, or size, these exercises give children the ability to sort and make decisions; a talent they will be able to rely on forever.
Try this:
Give your child a tray of colorful buttons, beads, or toys and some bowls. Ask them to sort objects based on shape, size, or color. For older children, make it more difficult by asking them to devise their own categories.
Why it works:
Sorting helps kids build focus, memory, and categorization skills. It encourages them to analyze and group information, which lays the groundwork for math, reading, and logic.
Helpful tools:
Parent Tip: Start small and simple. As they build confidence, increase the complexity. Let them lead the way. You will be surprised by the patterns they notice on their own.
3. Sequencing Tasks: Helping Children to Learn Sequences and Routines
Did you ever notice a child intentionally line up toys or follow instructions to make something? Sequencing helps them understand routines, problem-solving, and cause and effect, all while fostering independence.
Try this:
Engage your child in a snack, like cutting strawberries or making trail mix. Read the steps aloud: "First we spread the peanut butter, then we put on the banana." Encourage them to work alone as much as possible.
Why it works:
Sequencing builds critical thinking and boosts confidence. Children are glad when they get to do something start-to-finish, especially when they start to understand how things fit together.
Helpful tools:
- Picture step cards
- Kid-safe kitchen utensils
- Montessori toys that allow for sequencing
Parent Tip: Don't rescue them, even if they struggle slightly; learning is doing and ultimately the pride that comes later will be all theirs.
4. Self-Care Skills: Becoming Independent Through Daily Habits
There is real satisfaction in watching your child do something for themselves; daily habits like combing their hair, tying their shoes, or zipping up a jacket. The Montessori method helps us equip children with the right tools and settings so that they can become self-sufficient.
Try this:
Create a quick "getting ready" area with a brush, mirror, step stool, and a basket for clothes. Demonstrate it once to them and then allow them to learn on their own.
Why it works:
These activities build self-esteem, autonomy, and responsibility. They also make children feel like respected members of the home and family.
Helpful tools:
- Child-height mirror
- Step stool or bench
- Routine chart with pictures
- Child-sized grooming aids
Parent Tip: Let them do it their way, even if the shoes are on the wrong feet. They're learning by doing, it’s not about being perfect.
5. Sensory Play: Engaging Curious Minds and Calming Busy Bodies
Little ones learn about the world by touching, hearing, smelling, and seeing. They use all their senses. Sensory play enables them to connect with that innate urge, focusing the child, regulating feelings, and maintaining interest.
Try it:
Make a "mystery bag" with objects of different textures such as a sponge, ribbon, or pinecone. Ask your child to touch and name each object. Scent jars or sound association with coins or rice in a bowl may also be tried.
Why it works:
Sensory play enables children to process the world and stay regulated in overwhelming circumstances. It's low-stress and open-ended, perfect for exploration at their own pace.
Helpful tools:
- Texture boards or pieces of clothing
- Homemade sound jars
- Natural smell bottles (ex. vanilla or cinnamon)
- Sensory bins filled with rice, sand, or water
Parent Tip: Use sensory play to help with transitions, like bedtime or calming down after a busy outing.