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Montessori Resources for Families
Montessori Resources for Families
The Parent Committee knows that learning doesn’t stop when children leave the classroom. Many families are curious about how to bring Montessori principles into everyday home life—through routines, play, and family traditions.
We’ve gathered some favorite Montessori books, websites, toys and materials ideas to support you. These resources are not required reading and we do not benefit in any way if you choose to purchase an item mentioned here. But, they can be helpful if you’d like to better understand the Montessori approach or try Montessori-inspired activities at home.
Quick Links:
Recommended Books
Recommended Books
Foundations of Montessori Philosophy
The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori — Dr. Montessori’s classic explanation of how young children learn through experience and exploration.
Montessori: A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard — A clear introduction to Montessori education and how it differs from traditional schooling.
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard — Research-based evidence for why Montessori methods work so well for children.
For Babies and Toddlers
Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three by Paula Polk Lillard & Lynn Lillard Jessen — How to prepare a calm, child-friendly environment for the very youngest learners.
The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies — A warm, practical guide full of everyday ideas for building independence and connection at home.
For Preschool and Elementary Years
How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Seldin — A colorful, easy-to-read guide with photos and activities for ages 2–6.
Teach Me to Do It Myself by Maja Pitamic — Step-by-step Montessori activities using everyday materials.
Montessori Play and Learn by Lesley Britton — Purposeful play ideas for children from 2 to 6.
For Deeper Reflection
Understanding the Human Being: The Importance of the First Three Years of Life by Silvana Montanaro — Explores emotional and psychological development in the earliest years.
Montessori Madness! by Trevor Eissler — A parent-to-parent story about discovering the Montessori method.
Helpful Websites & Online Resources
Helpful Websites & Online Resources
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) – montessori-ami.org
The organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori herself. Offers articles and guidance on Montessori principles worldwide.
American Montessori Society (AMS) – amshq.org
A leading organization that supports Montessori schools, teachers, and families. Includes parent resources, FAQs, and research.
The Montessori Notebook – themontessorinotebook.com
A gentle, modern blog written for parents, full of ideas for home environments, routines, and Montessori parenting inspiration.
Montessori Guide – montessoriguide.org
Videos and explanations showing how Montessori classrooms work and what families can look for in their child’s environment.
Carrots Are Orange – carrotsareorange.com
A long-running Montessori blog offering practical activity ideas, shelf setups, and Montessori-at-home inspiration.
The Kavanaugh Report – thekavanaughreport.com
A Montessori mom shares real-life experiences, materials, and parenting reflections for infants through elementary ages.
Montessori-Inspired Toys & Materials for Home
Montessori-Inspired Toys & Materials for Home
Montessori learning at home focuses on hands-on exploration, independence, and real-world skills. The materials below are developmentally appropriate, open-ended, and encourage concentration, coordination, and curiosity.
Infants (0–6 months)
Infants (0–6 months)
Focus: sensory exploration, visual tracking, grasping
Wooden or natural-fiber rattles
Simple grasping toys (rings, beads, soft balls)
Black-and-white or high-contrast visual cards
Soft fabric balls
Simple high contrast or geometric mobiles
Older Infants (6–12 months)
Older Infants (6–12 months)
Focus: cause and effect, object permanence, gross motor development
Object permanence boxes (drop-and-retrieve)
Stacking rings or stacking cups
Treasure baskets (safe household objects with varied textures)
Ball trackers or ramps
Rolling or pull toys
Toddlers (1–2 years)
Toddlers (1–2 years)
Focus: coordination, problem-solving, early independence
Wooden shape sorters
Simple knobbed puzzles (animals, fruits, vehicles)
Posting activities (coins, sticks, shapes)
Practical life trays (spooning, pouring, transferring)
Child-sized cleaning tools (broom, dustpan)
Young Toddlers (2–3 years)
Young Toddlers (2–3 years)
Focus: fine motor skills, sequencing, self-care
Dressing frames (buttons, zippers, snaps)
Lacing beads or lacing cards
Pouring activities with small pitchers and cups
Nesting boxes or nesting cylinders
Child-safe kitchen tools (banana slicer, crinkle cutter)
Preschool (3–4 years)
Preschool (3–4 years)
Focus: early literacy and numeracy, refined motor control
Sandpaper letters and/or numbers
Counting materials (beads, number rods, counting boards)
Cutting activities with child scissors
Graduated block sets (Pink Tower–style materials)
Matching cards (animals, habitats, everyday objects)
Older Preschool (4–5 years)
Older Preschool (4–5 years)
Focus: abstract thinking, writing readiness, cultural awareness
Movable alphabet sets
Metal insets for pencil control
Geography puzzle maps (continents, countries)
Skip-counting or bead chain materials
Advanced practical life activities (food prep, sewing cards)
Kindergarten & Early Elementary (5–7 years)
Kindergarten & Early Elementary (5–7 years)
Focus: reasoning, independence, academic exploration
Fraction circles or fraction bars
Grammar symbols and sentence-building materials
Botany or zoology puzzles
Timelines (daily routines, months, history)
Measurement tools (rulers, scales, measuring cups)
Additional Tips for Families
Additional Tips for Families
Fewer materials rotated regularly are more effective than many toys at once.
Real tools (when safe) are often better than toy versions.
Materials should allow repetition, self-correction, and open-ended use.
Follow your child’s interests and readiness rather than age alone.
Note: These resources are provided for educational and community purposes. The books, websites, toys, and materials listed here reflect a variety of Montessori perspectives and approaches. The LFM/YVMSA Parent Committee does not necessarily endorse or control the content or opinions expressed in these materials.
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