10 Montessori-Inspired Activities to Try at Home for Preschoolers

Montessori learning isn’t just for the classroom — it’s a philosophy that can shape your child’s everyday environment at home. Rooted in independence, self-paced growth, and hands-on engagement, Montessori activities encourage children to become confident learners through exploration and real-life experiences.

At Arenville Academy, a new faith-based preschool opening in Nairobi, our curriculum blends the Montessori approach with holistic learning tailored to children aged 2 to 6. Whether you’re a full-time parent, working from home, or simply looking for ways to enrich your child’s playtime, these 10 Montessori-inspired activities are a perfect place to start.

1. Pouring and Transferring Exercises

One of the foundational Montessori practices is helping children develop fine motor skills through practical life activities.

What You Need:

Two small pitchers
Dry grains (e.g., rice or beans) or water
A tray to catch spills

What It Teaches:

Hand-eye coordination
Precision
Independence

Let your child pour from one pitcher to another. You can increase difficulty by changing materials or introducing measuring cups.

2. Sensory Bins for Discovery Play

Sensory bins are easy to set up and highly effective for stimulating tactile exploration and imaginative thinking.

What You Need:

Plastic bin
Fillers (e.g., sand, lentils, kinetic sand)
Small hidden items (toy animals, buttons, etc.)

What It Teaches:

Sensory awareness
Vocabulary building
Observation skills

👉 Learn more about sensory development in early childhood from My Bright Wheel.

3. Dressing Frames (Zipping, Buttoning, Snapping)

Montessori materials include “dressing frames” that teach life skills. You can create DIY versions using old clothes.

What It Teaches:

Independence
Finger dexterity
Confidence in daily tasks

Practice makes perfect. These skills directly transfer to dressing up for school, family events, or outings.

4. Nature Walks with Sorting Games

Head outdoors and gather natural materials like leaves, stones, or flowers. Once home, sort them by size, color, or texture.

What It Teaches:

Classification
Environmental appreciation
Observational skills

🌳 At Arenville Academy, we regularly incorporate nature-based learning into our outdoor classroom activities.

5. Matching Cards for Memory and Logic

Matching activities are a Montessori favorite and can be tailored to any theme your child enjoys — animals, colors, shapes, or letters.

DIY Idea:

Print images in duplicate
Laminate for durability
Use as a memory game or matching exercise

What It Teaches:

Visual memory
Logical thinking
Early math and language readiness

6. Baking Simple Recipes Together

Baking combines practical skills and early math in a fun, interactive format.

Involve Your Child in:

Measuring ingredients
Pouring and mixing
Setting timers

What It Teaches:

Counting and sequencing
Responsibility
Sensory exploration

👩‍🍳 Read more on Montessori baking activities from Montessori Academy.

7. Watering and Caring for Plants

Assign your child the task of watering indoor or garden plants using a child-sized watering can.

What It Teaches:

Responsibility
Routine building
Respect for living things

This is also a great introduction to environmental awareness — a core part of Montessori values and Arenville Academy’s curriculum.

8. Puzzle Play for Problem Solving

Puzzles provide a calm yet challenging activity for preschoolers. Choose puzzles with knobs, alphabet shapes, or animal themes.

What It Teaches:

Spatial reasoning
Patience
Cognitive development

Start with 2–4 piece puzzles and increase difficulty as your child’s skills grow.

9. Alphabet Tracing in Sand or Flour

Prepare a tray with sand, salt, or flour and encourage your child to trace letters with their finger.

Alternative Materials:

Chalk on blackboard
DIY sandpaper letters
Dry-erase board

What It Teaches:

Pre-writing skills
Letter recognition
Phonetic awareness

👉 For inspiration, explore Montessori Services and their tracing tools.

10. Create a Visual Routine Chart

Montessori encourages structure. A routine chart made with images can empower children to manage their day.

Include Activities Like:

Brushing teeth
Playtime
Nap or reading time
Cleanup

What It Teaches:

Time management
Responsibility
Visual planning

You can print pictures or draw simple illustrations and stick them on a board your child can access daily.

Why Montessori-Inspired Home Learning Matters

At Arenville Academy, we believe learning doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. By integrating these Montessori-inspired activities at home, you nurture independence, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence — traits that are foundational for lifelong success.

Whether your child is learning through pouring water, exploring nature, or baking cookies, these everyday activities reinforce skills that align with our classroom goals.

Visit Arenville Academy in Nairobi

Opening in September 2025, Arenville Academy offers a Montessori-inspired, faith-based, and CBC-aligned preschool experience for children aged 3 to 6. We provide a nurturing environment that educates the heart and mind.

🌟 Book a School Tour Today
📍 Visit our website or call us to learn more about enrollment and our child-centered approach.

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