Montessori from the Start
Chapter Four – “The Hand and the Brain”
“Never give to the mind more than you give to the hand.” ~ Maria Montessori
This chapter outlines the development of the hand and the brain. Specific activities and Montessori materials are described for helping the hand develop it’s fine motor movements and sending this information to the developing brain. I appreciate this detailed description of materials that can be used at each age and I will summarize the materials by age in this post. However, remember that these are just suggestions and it is always best to follow your own child by watching for readiness.
Newborn
– Mobiles within Eyesight Range
– Mobiles for Batting with the Hand
“Montessori Infant Environment”
Three Months
– Mobiles for Grasping and Holding
– Simple Lightweight Natural Toys to Explore and Bring to his Mouth
– Finding his Hands and Fingers for the First Time
Montessori Baby Toys & Materials
by Racheous Blog
Six Months
– Hand-to-Hand Transfer (using both the right and left side of the infant’s brain)
– Pincer grip (refine movement by repetition and practice)
– Treasure Basket for Exploring Different Textures with the Hands
Ball Treasure Basket for Babies
by Living Montessori Now Blog
Nine-Twelve Months
– Wooden Egg and Cup
– Wooden Cube in Small Box
– Balls and Box with Hammer (or hand)
7 Montessori Inspired Activities for Toddlers – Week 3
by Mama’s Happy Hive Blog
– Object Permanence Box
Toddler Montessori Shape Lessons
by Mama’s Happy Hive Blog
Twelve Months – Three Years
– Wooden Spindles Placed into Holes (or Q-tips and Herb Container)
7 Montessori Inspired Activities for Toddlers – Week 2
by Mama’s Happy Hive Blog
– Open & Close Drawers/Doors
– Fill & Empty Containers
– Practical Life Skills
Montessori Toddler in the Kitchen
by Mama’s Happy Hive Blog
Three-Six Years
– Sandpaper Letters
– Movable Alphabet
Reading & Writing Materials for Kids
by Carrots are Orange Blog
– Metal Insets: Geometric Shapes
– Sandpaper Globe and Puzzle Maps
– Land & Water Forms
– Maps with Tiny Flags on Pins
– Golden Beads
by Living Montessori Now Blog
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