20 Montessori Activities Preschool Moms Swear By (That Aren’t Boring!)
Ever feel like keeping preschoolers and students busy without a screen is kind of like trying to herd caffeinated kittens? Every child loves a good challenge. We totally get it.
That’s where Montessori activities step in and seriously save the day, especially in early childhood education . With these hands-on, simple ideas, we can help our little ones learn, as children learn, and play all at once—while keeping our own sanity somewhat intact.
We’re all about making life easier and finding a fun way to keep the kids engaged. Let’s dive into some activities that are actually doable, not Pinterest-perfection.
We don’t need fancy supplies or a teaching degree—just a few everyday things and lots of silly energy.
1) Pouring Water with a Small Pitcher
Okay, let’s be real—kids are obsessed with pouring anything, everywhere. So why not give them a cute little pitcher and turn it into a real Montessori moment in their learning environment ?
We set up two tiny cups or pitchers, fill one with water, and let many children pour from one to the other. We keep towels handy because spills are just part of the fun!
If you want more inspo, check out the montessori education model with water pouring. It helps with hand-eye coordination and independence for young children , plus it feels kinda fancy for them!
2) Sponge Washing the Table
Can we talk about how much fun it is to give tiny people a sponge and let them go to town? Our preschoolers absolutely love sponge washing the table.
It feels like a mix between playing and helping out. We grab a little bowl of soapy water, show them how to squeeze the sponge, and get their wiggles out with each scrub.
Bonus: they’re learning to care for their space and follow steps, creating valuable skills and a valuable learning experience just like in Montessori table washing.
3) Buttoning Practice with Dressing Frames
Let’s be real, tiny buttons are basically the Olympic sport of preschool! We love using dressing frames to practice buttoning because toddlers get to work on those little finger muscles in a stress-free way.
With a buttoning frame, our kids can tackle big and small buttons at their own pace. It’s all about building up that independence (and patience, let’s be honest).
Dressing frames are a simple activity and Montessori fave for a reason—check out how they help develop practical life skills in these Montessori buttoning activities here.
4) Sorting Colored Beads
Let’s get those little fingers moving! We grab a pile of beads in different colors, toss them on a tray, and watch our kids sort them into bowls.
It keeps them busy and helps with those fine motor skills—win-win. Sometimes we use tongs or silly straws for extra fun and challenge.
It’s wild how a color sorting game can turn into giggles and creativity. For more inspiration, check out this colorful silly straw, food, & bead threading activity for preschoolers.
5) Making a Wool Necklace
Let’s get crafty! We cut up colorful straws into little beads, grab some soft wool, and let our preschoolers go wild stringing them together.
It’s like jewelry making, but with zero mess and maximum preschooler pride. No fancy tools—just a blunt needle and a pile of straws.
Our kids stay busy, and trust us, everyone ends up wearing their creations. Find more ideas on Montessori necklace making.
6) Puzzle Maps of Continents
Puzzle maps are a total win for us and our preschoolers. We get to learn about continents while fitting chunky, colorful pieces together—like geography and a puzzle party, all in one.
Kids move pieces around, trace continents, and compare what they see on the map to a globe. It’s so hands-on and really helps those little brains create spatial awareness and remember where things go.
Plus, who doesn’t love the “aha!” moment when the last piece fits? If you want more ideas, check out these Montessori Puzzle Maps for inspiration.
7) Using Chopsticks to Pick Up Snacks
Using chopsticks is like a hand workout disguised as snack time. We get to laugh at ourselves dropping pretzels and giggle when someone finally nails it.
This fun mess actually helps our little ones build some solid fine motor skills and brain power, promoting self directed learning . Montessori fans, including teacher enthusiasts, even love this for developing coordination; check out more tips on chopstick activities for preschool.
No judgment here if we sneak a snack or two ourselves while “helping.”
8) Color Scavenger Hunt Around the House
Let’s grab a basket and go on the ultimate color quest! We just pick a color, then everyone races around trying to find something that matches it.
Socks count. Snack wrappers count. That blue toy hiding under the couch? Absolutely counts, especially when we gather them on a small tray .
We can do this with pretty much anything we find—nothing fancy needed. It’s a Montessori-inspired idea that gets us moving and looking at our home in a whole new way!
Trust us, seeing a rainbow pile of treasures at the end is always a win.
9) Washing Dishes with a Mini Brush
Washing dishes isn’t always fun for us grown-ups, but our preschoolers can totally make it a game! We grab a little brush, some soap, and let our little ones go to town on their own bowls or cups.
It actually helps build their coordination and focus. Kid-sized brushes and bubbly water make it way more fun—promise!
For tips on how to set this up, check out these Montessori dish washing ideas.
10) Snack Helper: Spreading Butter
Spreading butter at an early age is a legit preschool rite of passage that fosters self sufficiency . Watching our kiddos trying to keep the bread in one piece is hilarious and totally adorable.
We love this practical activity because it pumps up those fine motor skills. Holding the bread still with one hand, spreading with the other—so much coordination happening!
Want inspo? Check out how independent snack making helps kids practice spreading, catering to the child’s interests and more.
11) Threading Large Beads
Okay, can we talk about how threading large beads is a total fine motor workout for our tiny humans?
It’s like preschool-level jewelry making, but way less messy than glitter.
We love that our kiddos get to focus, use both hands, and pick their fave colors.
This activity is a calm little moment for everyone, and it really helps with concentration too.
If you want easy inspo, check out this Montessori large bead stringing lesson!
12) Cooking Helper: Stirring Batter
Let’s grab those mini aprons because we are totally letting our little ones stir the batter today!
It doesn’t matter if it’s pancake mix or muffin batter—watching those little arms work is the cutest.
We know chaos might happen, but that’s half the fun, right?
The beauty is in the mess, and hey, it’s a real hands on learning Montessori moment in the kitchen.
Getting our kids involved helps them feel capable, and we get yummy treats at the end.
It’s a win-win! For more ideas, check out these Montessori kids in the kitchen.
13) Planting Seeds in Small Pots
Let’s grab some tiny pots, a scoop of dirt, and let the kids go wild—okay, “wild” with soil anyway!
We love how everyone can pick their own seeds, pop them in the soil, and then feel like mini plant parents.
It’s super easy and honestly, watching those little sprouts never fails to feel like magic.
This is the perfect hands-on practical life activity for those wiggly fingers, and bonus, it’s how kids learn, sneaking in science too.
If you want a simple step-by-step, check out these Montessori planting activities for inspo!
14) Matching Tactile Cards
We love adding sensory play to our Montessori activities, and matching tactile cards, like classification cards, are a total win.
These gems come with different textures, so our little ones can actually feel what they’re learning about.
We can grab a set online or make our own with fabric scraps, and then let the kids match pairs by touch.
It’s hands-on, super simple, and keeps little hands busy in all the best ways—just like these tactile sensory matching cards.
15) Sink or Float Science Experiment
We all know kids love getting their hands wet with sensory play , so let’s make it official—science time!
Grab a bowl of water and a bunch of random stuff from around the house.
We test what sinks or floats and watch the magic happen.
It’s super quick to set up and honestly, it always blows their minds.
There’s even a deep dive into Montessori sink and float activities if you want extra inspo.
16) Gluing Paper Collages
Okay, let’s talk paper collages!
We just grab scraps of colored paper, maybe some old magazines or fabric, and let the kids go wild with their glue sticks.
There’s seriously no right or wrong—just pure creative chaos.
This is one of those art projects where we can let go, embrace the mess, and cheer everyone on.
Plus, using glue and different materials is awesome for fine motor skills.
If you need some inspiration, check out this easy Montessori collage guide for ideas.
17) Stacking Wooden Blocks by Size
Let’s be real—nothing gets our kids pumped like a big ol’ pile of wooden blocks!
Stacking them by size is amazing for tiny hands and growing brains.
We get to cheer our kiddos on as they figure out which block goes where (and yes, squeal when they topple).
This activity isn’t just adorable—it seriously helps with problem-solving and focus.
There are some awesome wooden block sets for toddlers that keep things fresh with bright colors and different shapes.
Grab your coffee and let them build their little hearts out!
18) Playing with Tangrams
Okay, let’s talk tangrams!
These colorful puzzles are like a little brain workout and our preschoolers are totally here for it.
We mix and match the shapes to make animals, boats, or whatever weird design pops into our heads.
Tangrams help our kids use their hands and eyes together, plus they get to feel like puzzle champs.
It’s screen-free fun that feels kinda like magic when all the pieces fit!
Want to see it in action? Check out how tangrams rock in this Montessori preschool activity.
19) Sorting U.S. Coins by Size
Let’s face it, our kiddos love anything shiny—so let’s use it for good!
We hand our little ones a bunch of coins and ask them to sort by size. Instant entertainment.
We get to sit back and watch those fine motor skills work their magic.
After all, Montessori-inspired coin sorting helps boost their observation skills and sense of order too, which is something all parents want .
20) Tracing Sandpaper Letters
Okay, so have you tried tracing sandpaper letters with your preschooler?
It’s one of those classic Montessori activities that totally feels like magic, but actually, it’s pretty chill.
We just grab the wooden letters and other everyday objects , and let those tiny fingers do the tracing.
The texture of the materials makes it way more fun, and honestly, they love saying the sounds as they go.
You can even follow up by letting them write the letter in a sand tray for extra giggles.
No pressure, just learning and bonding!
Why Montessori Activities Totally Rock for Preschoolers
Montessori isn’t just some fancy word we throw around.
It’s actually filled with super practical benefits that help our little ones grow into more confident, hands-on, and happier kids.
Let’s just say, messy play, independence, and even food both have VIP status here!
Building Independence While Having Fun
We all want our preschoolers to believe in themselves, right?
Montessori activities are like the secret recipe for independence and confidence.
Our kiddos get to make real choices, whether it’s picking out their own activities or pouring their own water.
That means fewer power struggles (yes, please!) and more moments where our kids can practice their independence and shine.
We see the pride on their faces when they zip up their coat by themselves or sort their own snacks.
Montessori activities use simple tools and everyday stuff.
The focus is on hands-on learning.
For example, washing rocks or sorting beads encourages focus, problem-solving, and those fine motor skills that matter for real-life tasks.
Hello, future self-starters! Activities like flower arranging can help them get there
Letting our kids master daily skills on their own is more than just fun; it gives them a sense of control.
If you want even more practical inspiration, check out these gross motor activities and Montessori activities that are perfect for outdoor play and boosting child development.
Montessori and Messy Play: Besties for Life
Who says learning can’t be a little messy? Montessori is all about getting hands-on, which often means spills, splashes, and crumbs everywhere—and honestly, we’re here for it!
From washing rocks to pouring their own juice, messy play builds so many skills. Rinsing rocks, scrubbing veggies, or even making mud pies are awesome ways to work those tiny hand muscles and boost hand-eye coordination.
Montessori shows us that “playing dirty” is part of how children develop critical thinking and self-confidence. The best part? Kids stay engaged because it’s fun.
And sure, our kitchens may look wild for a few minutes, but that’s childhood, right? For more chaos, check out our latest posts. Plus, nothing beats seeing your child’s grin when they finish a project all by themselves!
Messy play isn’t just allowed in Montessori—it’s celebrated. For a perfect example, see this creative rock washing Montessori activity.
Making the Magic Happen at Home
Montessori magic can happen in sweats and sneakers, right from our living rooms. It’s not about fancy gear or wild makeovers—it’s about making small changes that make a big impact, without losing our sanity.
Setting Up a Montessori-Inspired Space Without Losing Your Mind
We don’t need to redecorate the whole house to create a sweet Montessori vibe. Let’s start by clearing out the toy chaos—less is more.
If we put toys on a low shelf (not tossed in bins), our kids can see their choices, grab them, and put them back. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Keep learning materials in baskets or trays.
- Rotate toys every week or two to keep things fresh.
- Use natural light if we can (bonus: it makes us all less cranky).
A calm, open space helps our kids focus and makes clean-up a little less, well, soul-crushing. Need ideas? Check out cheap hacks and room-by-room tips at this guide to creating a Montessori home.
Encouraging Little Learners to Take the Lead
Montessori is all about cheering our kids on as they make their own choices. And honestly, who knew a toddler could have such strong opinions?
We give them a few options, then step back and let them decide. This approach boosts their confidence and makes playtime way less of a power struggle.
Try offering open-ended activities like pouring water, matching socks, or sorting buttons. If we mess up their system, it’s not the end of the world—mistakes are just part of how everyone learns.
Need activity inspo? There are loads of hands-on ideas for preschoolers on this list of DIY Montessori activities.
Let’s cheer on every tiny win. High fives for us and high fives for them—team messy, team Montessori!
