Growing research among the academic community points to the value of guided learning in early education, particularly as a means of increasing engagement, working toward collaborative goals, and bringing joy and curiosity back to the learning process. Guided play through immersive hands-on activities has long been a key aspect of Montessori toddler programs.
In addition to work periods, circle time, and outdoor play and exploration, toddlers are presented with a range of tactile activities designed to nurture development, including physical, cognitive, and social skills. Take a closer look at some of the best hands-on activities used in Montessori toddler classrooms today.
Washing Activities
Toddlers are primed to begin exploring their environment in practical ways, and washing activities help them develop a range of important skills. Hand-washing, wiping tables, scrubbing and drying dishes, and washing and hanging clothes are all activities that promote good hygiene as well as provide tactile experiences that engage the senses and the mind.
These activities also help to develop fine motor skills with objects sized for children. Kids learn about the value of personal responsibility and start to discover self-care capabilities. In addition, this aspect of the Montessori toddler program places a focus on the process, not necessarily outcomes, so kids develop confidence as they complete activities.
Sorting Activities
Activities that involve sorting by color, shape, size, or other defining characteristics are an essential part of developing cognitive skills from a young age. With a range of toys, tools, and activities — such as wooden sorting and stacking toys, mystery bins, and discovery bottles — toddlers can learn through tactile exploration and visual perception how to classify and discriminate between objects.
Some items are designed to help children figure out when they’ve made mistakes so that they can self-correct. These activities are self-paced to ensure that toddlers at every level are supported in exploring their natural curiosity.
Open and Close Activities
Tiny hands can struggle with opening and closing different types of containers. Montessori toddler programs address this important life skill with open and close activities involving various kinds of containers, such as boxes, bags, bottles, and jars featuring different closures.
Children begin with simple closures, and when they gain mastery, they can move on to more complex items like snap, zip, and twist closures. This activity uses real-world objects kids frequently encounter in the home. Opening and closing activities support the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
Nature Trays
The seeds of stewardship can take root at an early age, and activities that focus on the natural world are a great place to start. Nature trays consisting of rocks, dirt, leaves, flowers, pinecones, and other natural items allow children to explore nature through sight and touch, improving fine motor skills while toddlers learn to classify and sort.
Additional activities with nature trays could include art projects like drawing natural items or using them to create sculptures or collages. Further, this play could be the impetus for discussions that improve vocabulary and increase awareness of natural surroundings.
Promoting Engagement With Hands-On Activities
Children can learn much before they enter a more structured primary program. In the Montessori toddler program, they develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially through hands-on learning that is ideal for keeping young children engaged.
This inclusion of sensory play not only enhances cognitive learning but also provides opportunities to nurture fine motor skills, collaborate with teachers and classmates, or engage in self-directed play and learning. These activities all work together to support a curious and creative nature that contributes to a lifelong love of learning.
Are you ready to learn more about the Montessori approach to early childhood education? Contact Montessori West to schedule a campus tour and discover how your toddler can benefit from our program today.
