In recent years, the Montessori methodology has become increasingly popular thanks to its child-centred approach to education, encouraging autonomy, discovery and active learning from an early age.  

It is a way of respecting and supporting the natural development of each child that is not only limited to Montessori schools. Families can also apply it at home to enrich their children’s educational experience through activities that promote deeper learning and the development of basic social-emotional skills such as independence, responsibility and respect.

Introduction to Montessori activities

Developed in the early 20th century by Dr. Maria Montessori, this form of education is based on the idea that children are naturally curious and learn best when they interact with their environment in a hands-on, autonomous way.  

Through her observations and experimentation with infants in early childhood education, she designed a method that respects the individual pace of each child and encourages self-learning through the use of materials and activities adapted to their needs and abilities at each stage of development.

Choosing the right toys and materials, preparing an orderly environment that stimulates learning and encouraging autonomy in daily activities are the cornerstones of this type of methodology. 

Yet it is not necessary to spend large sums of money or have specialised training, as the most important thing is to understand the individual needs of the children and to provide opportunities for them to explore, discover and learn on their own. 

Montessori activities by age and educational stage

Montessori activities can be adapted according to age and educational stage, from infants to teenagers.

Montessori activities for babies (0-18 months)

Up to the age of 18 months, babies experience rapid physical and cognitive development. At this stage, activities are designed to stimulate the senses and encourage curiosity about the environment around them.

For babies up to 12 months

During the first twelve months of life, babies are especially receptive to motor and sensory stimuli. For this reason, Montessori activities for 1 year olds are primarily focused on creating a safe and orderly environment for babies to explore freely.

  • Providing objects with different textures and colours so that babies can manipulate them with their hands and mouths.
  • Using soft, safe toys that are easy for babies to grasp and play with.
  • Creating an orderly space where a baby can explore safely.

For babies from 12 to 18 months

By the age of one and a half, babies begin to develop better motor skills and a greater interest in their environment. Examples of Montessori activities at this stage include the following:

  • Providing them with specific Montessori toys to sort by shape or colour.
  • Introducing simple jigsaw puzzles with large pieces that are easy to handle to encourage the development of hand-eye coordination.
  • Practice pouring and filling containers to encourage autonomy in everyday activities.

Montessori activities for preschool children (18 months – 3 years)

Between 18 and 36 months, children continue to develop their motor and cognitive skills as they actively explore their environment. That is why Montessori activities for infants focus primarily on the development of language, concentration and social skills.

  • Language activities: encourage communication through picture books and vocabulary games.
  • Concentration activities: introduce more complex jigsaw puzzles and matching games.
  • Practical life activities: involve the child in simple household chores such as watering the plants or setting the table.

Montessori activities for primary school children(3-6 years)

At this stage, children show great intellectual curiosity, becoming increasingly interested in certain subjects. Activities focus mainly on promoting self-discipline, teamwork and active discovery.

  • Sensory work: exploring with sensory materials such as the colour cylinder or the smell cupboard.
  • Mathematical activities: learning concepts such as numeration and basic mathematical operations through materials that are easy to manipulate.
  • Practical science: perform simple experiments to understand basic scientific concepts.

Montessori activities for secondary school

Montessori education is also adapted to the needs of adolescents, creating an environment specially designed to encourage independence, responsibility and critical thinking. As such, activities focus on intellectual challenges and encourage the development of practical and emotional skills.

  • Research projects: enables students to choose topics of interest to them and carry out research independently.
  • Group work: allows children to collaborate in projects and discussions on current issues.
  • Self-management activities: develops planning and organisational skills through long-term project management.

Every Montessori activity is thus designed to bring out the full potential of each child, offering them the opportunity to explore, discover and learn autonomously. It ensures more effective and independent learning and equips them with the necessary skills for adult life.  

As such, implementing Montessori activities beyond the classroom and extrapolating them into the home can greatly enrich a child’s learning and, at the same time, strengthen the bond between parents and children.