“THE HANDS ARE THE INSTRUMENTS OF MAN'S INTELLIGENCE.”
-MARIA MONTESSORI
All children are "hands-on" learners. Utilizing the child's senses in play enables them to experience the the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Visual Activities
Wooden Blocks
These simple blocks are versatile and lend themselves to many options for play and learning. Here I set up a block puzzle activity for S. She delicately placed each block on its spot, creating a myriad of images. As an extension later on, I can ask her to sort the images that can be built vertically and those that cannot. |
Puzzles
There are many items you can provide to your child, but puzzles are among one of the best. Puzzles help with the development of hand-eye coordination, identifying patterns, and with reasoning skills necessary to be successful in math. Older infants, around 9 months can complete large-knobbed puzzles and progressively move to "chunky" puzzles as their dexterity improves. For toddlers, begin with 2 piece puzzles, then 3, and slowly graduate to larger counts as they become more comfortable and capable. |
Paint-a-Mirror Portrait
What toddler doesn't love looking at themselves in the mirror? This art activity allows your little one to check out their reflection while painting their portrait! They will love the unique aspect of looking at themselves from an aerial view, instead of vertically! |
Tactile Activities
Crayon Shavings
This simple activity is so fun for children big and small! Develop wrist strength by having your little one use a crayon sharpener to create shavings. Then draw an image on a piece of paper, place shavings over the image, lay an extra sheet of paper on the image/shavings, then iron and viola! |
Water Beads
Water bead transferring offers sensory input and motor skill development. You can use a variety of transfer tools such as spoons, ladles, tongs, measuring spoons and cups, small cups, and more! Not to mention, picking up these slippery guys with fingers is the most fun for your little one! **cue the pincer grip** |
Play-dough
{Homemade} Play-dough is a great hand strengthening activity. Add extra sensory input by adding essential oils, herbs, or freshly picked flowers! Play-dough also supports imagination and creativity. Click the image for the recipe we used! |
Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is a great sensory tool that provides little ones with kinesthetic opportunities, sensory exploration, and imaginary play. As your child grows, scientific elements and concepts can be explored using kinetic sand. |
Foil Stamping
Foil painting is a super simple activity to set up and is nearly cost free! Simply crumple different sized/shaped pieces of foil, place 2-3 splotches of paint on a plate, spread out some paper, and you’re all set! 💥I would suggest doing this activity outside, it’s a messy one! |
Pasting
Pasting is a great motor skill activity for little ones. You can choose any theme, subject area, or topic to create a pasting activity with. To be frank, a simple piece of paper, strips of cut up paper, and some glue is enough to bring joy to your babe. Here, S made summer popsicles from her Highlights Children's Magazine. See her final product but clicking the image! |
Baric Activities
Thermic Activities
Ice Sink Play
Sink Play is a great opportunity for children to work with water and tools that develop the necessary wrist strength needed for writing skills. Here S is playing with ice in the sink. She used a spoon to scoop, tongs to pick up individual ice cubes (a.k.a. pincer grip), and transferred scoops of "sopita" (soup) from the bowl to the other side of the sink. |
Auditory Activities
Matching Sound Jars
Maria Montessori believed that children learned best when allowed to explore the world through the use of their senses. Sound jars are one of those traditional Montessori materials that can be easily recreated at home. Create mini jars filled with different materials (2 of each) so that your child has to match the sounds. Check out my DIY sound jars by clicking the image. |
Rain in a Jar
Invite your child to listen to the rain by creating it in the comfort of their home! Take a nature hunt to find a new sticks, dig out and old jar, and add 1/2 cup of rice. Slowly turn the jar and listen for the rain, I am sure your little one will want to shake up the jar- let them! Explore the sounds of the world, together! Maybe even talk pitch! |
Olfactory
GustaTORY
Stereognostic
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