Hi there! My name is Ashley and I’m a mom of two little girls, Kylie and Mia. With spring just around the corner, I know many of you are on the lookout for some fun spring activities for your children. Well, look no further! In today’s video by Hapa Family titled “Montessori at Home: 26 Spring Montessori Activities (+ Book Recommendations!)”, you’ll find a wide range of Montessori-inspired spring activities that can be done at home. From sensorial to practical life, cultural, language, math, arts and crafts, and music activities, there’s something for everyone. The video also includes book recommendations related to spring and mentions a shop and recommended reading materials. You can find more from Hapa Family on their Instagram handle @hapafamilyvlog, and for business inquiries, you can reach them at hapafamilyvlog@gmail.com. The best part? The video is not sponsored, so you can trust that the opinions expressed are the creator’s own. So, why not support the channel by checking out the video and trying out these exciting spring activities with your little ones? Happy springtime fun!
Spring Montessori Activities
Spring is a wonderful time to engage in Montessori-inspired activities with your child. These activities not only promote learning and development but also connect your child to the beauty of the season. Whether you choose to set up themed shelves for the season or simply incorporate a few activities into your child’s daily routine, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will explore 26 spring Montessori activities that are suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. These activities cover various categories such as sensorial, practical life, cultural, language, math, arts and crafts, and music. Let’s dive right in!
Sensorial Activities
Sensorial activities are designed to stimulate and refine the senses. They help children develop their ability to observe, discriminate, and appreciate the world around them. One spring-themed sensorial activity is spring shadow matching. In this activity, your child is presented with two sets of cards—one set showing various spring-themed items and the other set showing the silhouettes of those items. Your child’s task is to match the silhouettes to the corresponding pictures. This activity not only hones their visual discrimination skills but also allows them to explore the concept of shadows.
Practical Life Activities
Practical life activities are an essential component of the Montessori curriculum. They focus on developing independence, concentration, coordination, and a sense of order. One practical life activity that can be incorporated during the spring season is ribbon weaving. Choose a piece of craft foam in any spring color and cut it into a shape, such as a leaf. Create slits in the middle of the shape and provide your child with ribbons of the same length. Your child can practice weaving the ribbons through the slits, enhancing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities in Montessori education expose children to different cultures, traditions, and celebrations. During the spring season, cultural activities can include learning about spring festivals around the world, such as Holi, Hanami, or Easter. Create a cultural corner in your child’s learning space where you can display books, artifacts, and pictures related to these festivals. You can also engage your child in art and craft activities related to these cultural celebrations.
Language Activities
Language activities in Montessori education focus on developing vocabulary, phonetic awareness, reading, and writing skills. During the spring season, language activities can revolve around spring-themed books, poems, and songs. Create a cozy reading corner where your child can explore spring-themed books. Encourage them to retell stories, identify sight words, and engage in interactive storytelling. You can also introduce spring-themed vocabulary cards or create a nature-themed writing corner where your child can practice their writing skills.
Math Activities
Math activities in Montessori education promote number recognition, counting, basic operations, and problem-solving skills. In the spring season, math activities can incorporate counting flowers, sorting objects by color or size, or creating patterns with spring-themed materials. You can set up a flower counting activity where your child counts the petals on different flowers or create a butterfly sorting activity where your child sorts butterflies based on color patterns. These activities not only enhance their mathematical skills but also connect them to nature.
Arts and Crafts Activities
Arts and crafts activities provide children with the opportunity to explore their creativity, improve fine motor skills, and express themselves through various art mediums. During the spring season, arts and crafts activities can include painting flowers, making nature-based collages, or creating spring-themed mobiles. Encourage your child to collect flowers, leaves, and other natural materials to incorporate into their artwork. You can also introduce different art techniques such as stamping, sculpting, or weaving to enhance their artistic abilities.
Music Activities
Music plays an integral role in the Montessori approach. It helps children develop their sense of rhythm, pitch recognition, and appreciation for different types of music. During the spring season, music activities can involve singing spring-themed songs, playing simple musical instruments, or creating a nature symphony. Encourage your child to explore the sounds of nature, such as birds chirping or raindrops falling, and create their own musical compositions inspired by these sounds. You can also introduce rhythm instruments like drums or maracas to enhance their musical experience.
Book Recommendations
Reading books is a wonderful way to engage your child’s imagination, enhance their language skills, and foster a love for reading. During the spring season, there are plenty of spring-themed books that you can explore with your child. Here are some book recommendations that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers:
- “Spring is Here” by Will Hillenbrand
- “And Then It’s Spring” by Julie Fogliano
- “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert
- “The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle
- “When Spring Comes” by Kevin Henkes
These books beautifully capture the essence of spring and can be enjoyed together as a family. Create a cozy reading nook where you can read these books with your child and encourage them to explore the themes and illustrations.
Additional Resources
In addition to the activities and book recommendations, there are additional resources that you can explore to further enhance your child’s Montessori experience. These resources include e-courses and recommended reading materials that provide in-depth knowledge and guidance on Montessori education.
E-courses
E-courses offer a convenient way to deepen your understanding of Montessori principles and practices. Online platforms like Monti Kids and AMI-USA provide a range of e-courses for parents and educators. These courses cover topics such as Montessori philosophy, setting up a Montessori environment, and implementing Montessori activities at home. By enrolling in these e-courses, you can gain valuable insights and practical strategies to support your child’s Montessori journey.
Recommended Reading Materials
There are numerous books and resources available that provide guidance and inspiration for implementing Montessori principles at home. Some recommended reading materials include:
- “The Montessori Toddler” by Simone Davies
- “Montessori from the Start” by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen
- “How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way” by Tim Seldin
- “Montessori: A Modern Approach” by Paula Polk Lillard
- “Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-School Years” by Elizabeth G. Hainstock
These books offer practical advice, activity ideas, and a deeper understanding of the Montessori approach. They can serve as valuable resources for parents who wish to incorporate Montessori principles into their daily lives.
Conclusion
Spring is a wonderful time to engage in Montessori activities with your child. The activities mentioned in this article cover various categories such as sensorial, practical life, cultural, language, math, arts and crafts, and music. By engaging in these activities, you can promote your child’s learning, development, and connection to nature. Additionally, the book recommendations and additional resources provide further support for implementing Montessori principles at home. Embrace the beauty of spring and embark on a Montessori journey with your child! Happy exploring!