Today, many parents are drawn to so-called alternative pedagogies, such as the very popular Montessori method, which is based on respecting a child’s development and rhythm.
Here’s a closer look at the highly acclaimed Montessori approach, along with four ideas for games and activities to do at home with your little adventurer from 12 months old.

What is the Montessori method?

Montessori pedagogy was founded over a century ago by Maria Montessori , an Italian doctor and educator who worked with children.

This alternative education method is based on respecting the child’s learning pace and development. It encourages independence. It promotes curiosity, sensory exploration, openness to the world, and creativity, inviting little ones to observe, manipulate, and understand their environment through a variety of activities. These activities are suited to their age, needs, personality, and interests. Thus, it is important to support your child so they can develop fully and independently, and grow into a responsible, confident adult.

How to apply Montessori pedagogy at home?

Montessori pedagogy is based on the principle, “Teach me to do it myself and to think independently.” To support a young child’s development and encourage natural growth, you can start by offering choices—one of the fundamentals of the method. Of course, the goal isn’t to raise a spoiled child, but to teach them to make their own decisions while building confidence and curiosity in an appropriate setting . The choice of activity and its duration should be left to your child, as it reflects their needs. To make this possible, their environment should be adapted and secure so they can engage in activities independently. Their books and toys should, for example, be organized and easily accessible. You can also offer a table and chair at their height so they can sit down by themselves, etc.

Moreover, everyday activities are full of learning opportunities and help develop independence while building practical skills. Involve your little adventurer in household life, such as meal preparation, by letting them transfer food. Sorting exercises are also great for working on concentration and mobility. Give your toddler the opportunity to take an active role in their environment while also learning responsibility. The key for you as a parent? Patience. Support them gradually by showing the correct gestures, and don’t scold them when they make mistakes—errors are essential for learning. For example, if they struggle to button their coat, show them once and explain the movement, then let them try again. ;)

What activities and Montessori games to offer to your little one?

Rest assured, you don’t need to buy lots of equipment to practice the Montessori method at home! :) Here are some ideas for games and activities using everyday objects:

1. Modeling activities

Whether it’s salt dough, magic sand, or modeling clay, modeling is ideal for your child’s development. It strengthens the muscles in the fingers and hands and prepares them for the movements used in writing and drawing. That’s why it’s important for your child to experiment by manipulating materials with their little hands—an approach that lies at the heart of the Montessori method. Through modeling, your little one discovers mobility, learns to separate their fingers, and practices applying pressure to an object. The more little hands work, the more agile and precise they become. In addition, modeling stimulates sensory development—especially the sense of touch—while also encouraging creativity. It’s also a great way to build concentration.

You will find our playdough recipe in our article "".

2. The sensory bins

This is a fun activity to stimulate your little one’s senses, language, and motor skills! It involves offering them a tray made up of several elements around a theme. These elements should have different shapes, smells, and textures, because the goal is for your child to feel, touch, see, and hear different things. This is essential for their perceptual development, their understanding of the world, and their analytical thinking.

You can use everyday objects for this activity. For example, in our article "", we show you how to create an autumn sensory bin. It is made up of leaves of all colors, pumpkins, nuts, and chestnuts. Of course, you can swap the objects depending on the seasons and what you have on hand.

3. Educational games

With a few items you already have at home, you can create a multitude of games for your child. You’ll also find plenty of Montessori educational ideas on Pinterest to support your little one’s development. We especially like the color-matching game, which is very eco-friendly and easy to make with a cardboard egg carton, paint, and wooden sticks.

Turn the egg carton over and paint the cells in the colors you want, then transfer those colors onto the wooden sticks. Next, cut out each cell with a craft knife. Time to play: let your child match each stick to its color. This game is perfect for improving fine motor skills, as your child will need to insert the sticks into small holes.

4. Free play

Children have an abundance of imagination and creativity that they need to express. That’s why, beyond any activity, it’s important to let your little adventurer play freely—this is free play. It simply means giving your child the opportunity to play in a safe environment, without following specific instructions from you. Their games and toys can then be used however your little one imagines. For example, a wooden cube can become many different things. The less you intervene, the more you allow your little adventurer to follow their natural curiosity, explore as they wish, and discover their own interests. Free play also helps develop independence and self-confidence.

The Montessori method is a very popular alternative pedagogy that you can easily adapt at home. In fact, you may already be applying some of its principles without realizing it. We’re convinced you’ll enjoy watching your little adventurer grow and develop! :)