Choosing To Develop Through Education

Montessori Preschool Activities: Nurturing Creativity And Learning

9 February 2023

Soham Berry

Preschool can be a time for exploration and nurturing creativity. This is particularly true if you plan on using a Montessori approach to early childhood learning.   

Here are some preschool learning activities that utilize a Montessori philosophy.

Sensory Exploration

Montessori education is based on the idea that children learn best through their senses. Sensory exploration activities allow children to engage with materials and their environment in a hands-on way. Examples of sensory exploration activities include:

• Get Wet: fill a large container with water and add different items, such as toys, sponges, or food coloring, to create a sensory experience.
• Get Dirty: fill a container with sand or gravel and add items such as shells, pebbles, or sticks to create a tactile experience.
• Get Mysterious: fill a container with different materials, such as rice, beans, or cotton balls, and let children explore the textures and sounds.

Life Skills

Practical life activities help children develop fine motor skills and independence. Examples of practical life skills activities include:

• Zip and Button: provide a variety of clothing items for children to practice buttoning and zipping.
• Pouring and Transferring: fill containers with water or sand and let children practice pouring and transferring the materials from one container to another.
• Cutting and Snipping: provide paper and scissors for children to practice cutting and snipping. Be sure to use safety scissors and teach children basic safety procedures for using tools versus toys.

Numeracy and Mathematics

Montessori math activities are hands-on and based on concrete materials, making them ideal for young children. Examples of math and counting activities include:

• Number Rods: use wooden rods to help children understand numbers and the concept of quantity.
• Counting beads: use counting beads to help children practice counting and basic arithmetic.
• Ten frames: use ten frames to help children understand the concept of ten and the relationships between numbers.

Verbal and Literacy Skills

Montessori language and literacy activities are designed to help children develop a love for reading and writing. Examples of language and literacy activities include:

• Storytelling: encourage children to tell stories and ask them questions about the stories they tell.
• Writing and Drawing: provide paper, pencils, and crayons for children to practice writing and drawing.
• Letter Recognition: use sandpaper letters to help children learn the shapes and sounds of letters.

These Montessori learning activities are a great way to introduce young children to new concepts and ideas in a hands-on and interactive way. By providing a variety of activities that engage the senses and encourage exploration, you can help children develop a love for learning and foster their independence and creativity.

Contact a preschool center near you to learn more. 

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