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Montessori Materials

Montessori materials are hands-on learning tools that are designed to provide children with opportunities to discover key learning outcomes through repetition and practice. Each material teaches one skill at a time and is intentionally designed to support independent learning and problem-solving.

What are Montessori Materials?

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Montessori materials are hands-on learning tools that are designed to stimulate children’s minds, encourage exploration, and inspire independent learning. They are enticing, simple to use, and intentionally support children’s learning and development.

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Montessori materials teach only one skill at a time to provide children with the opportunity to master key learning outcomes through repetition and practice. Children are first introduced to the Montessori materials by a trained educator, who will present a key lesson, and then invite the child to work with the material independently. When they have finished working with the activity, the children return each material to its allocated place in the prepared environment.

The Montessori materials are presented to the child in sequence, from easiest to hardest, and in accordance with their developmental needs and interests. This clear structure provides a logical and ordered progression for learning, which in turn, promotes the gradual layering of knowledge.

What’s Unique About Montessori Materials?

  • Hands-on learning tools that teach one skill at a time

  • Build knowledge and skills through repetition and practice

  • Made of natural materials and real-life objects

  • Develop independence, fine motor skills, and concentration

  • Learning outcomes discovered through problem-solving

  • Designed for children to teach themselves

  • Simplify abstract concepts

montessori counting games learning numbers

How Do Montessori Materials Work?

Hands-On Learning

Montessori materials are hands-on learning tools that guide children to discover key learning outcomes through repetition and practice. Each material breaks down one key concept into simple steps that children master through hands-on exploration. This aspect makes the Montessori materials particularly effective, as they involve the hand, as well as the mind, in all learning experiences.

Child learns to stack organize sort coloured blocks
Child learns sensory play and how to organize and sort by size

Control of Error

Montessori materials are designed with an inbuilt ‘control of error’ that is self-evident. This quality allows children to see their own mistakes and discover learning outcomes independently through repetition and practice. For example, the knobbed cylinder won’t fit in the incorrect hole, water may spill on the table, or there will be too many/too few objects at the end of a counting activity.

Progression Order

In the Montessori classroom, the Montessori materials are arranged within their curriculum area and are displayed from left to right in progression order, from easiest to hardest. This logical sequence provides children with a clear pathway to learning as they progress through the Montessori Curriculum.

Child learns to count using soft balls and counting board
Child grasps objects with tongs and learns fine motor skills

One Skill at a Time

Montessori materials teach only one skill or concept at a time. This allows children to deeply engage with the material as they discover, practice, and master the learning outcome at their own pace. Each material has been developed in the context of all the other materials to progressively build children’s knowledge and skills within each subject area.

Fine Motor Skills

Montessori materials encourage purposeful movement and exploration. This manipulative quality makes them highly beneficial at developing fine motor skills. These skills are essential components of a balanced approach to early childhood education as they encourage independence, concentration, and prepare children for real life.

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Child plays with wooden block to trace straight lines
Child sorts small oblects using a scoop and bowls on a montessori tray

Auto-Instructional

Montessori materials are designed to be used without the help of an adult. This allows children to discover and master the learning outcomes of each material through repetition and practice independently.

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