Understanding the Montessori approach for infants.
Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this globally respected method focuses on independence, exploration, and respect for the child’s natural pace of development. In the first year, babies learn primarily through their senses like touch, taste, sound and sight. Montessori-inspired parenting encourages parents to slow down, observe, and follow the child’s lead rather than imposing structured lessons. Instead of trying to ‘teach’, parents can prepare an environment for montessori activities for babies that ensures it is safe, calm and full of opportunities for discovery.
Why does it matter?: The science behind Montessori play.
Research in early childhood education shows that play-based, self-directed learning strengthens neural connections in the brain. Montessori-inspired play helps babies build not just motor skills, but confidence, focus, and curiosity. By allowing children to make small choices like which toy to reach for, parents encourage early learning at home by giving a sense of control and self-trust. This foundation supports emotional resilience and future academic readiness.
At Ryan International Pre-Montessori, teachers extend these same practices, offering freedom within structure to nurture well-rounded growth.
The Montessori magic begins at home.
Montessori principles put emphasis on Independence, exploration and learning through sensory experiences. The Montessori philosophy is grounded into a child’s natural curiosity, It encourages hands-on learning through exploration. Montessori philosophy believes that children are naturally eager to learn even before they are 12 months old. From the moment your baby begins grasping, touching and observing, they are absorbing the world like a sponge. As a parent you can begin nurturing that curiosity from your home by creating a perfect Montessori space.
At Ryan International Pre-Montessori Schools, our approach to early childhood learning begins with this philosophy. Education is not about instruction but inspiration. The home, when prepared thoughtfully, becomes your child’s first classroom.
How Ryan International Pre-Montessori brings montessori to life.
Our Pre-Montessori environments are designed to feel like an extension of your home, warm, natural, and child-led. With age-appropriate Montessori materials and certified facilitators, we nurture curiosity, coordination, and confidence in every child.
We understand that parents are partners in this journey. Our educators regularly share home activity ideas, empowering families to continue Montessori-inspired learning beyond the classroom.
Creating a Montessori-friendly space at home.
No expensive furniture or branded toys are needed to implement Montessori principles. What matters most is accessibility, simplicity and safety. Keep it clutter-free: Too many toys can overwhelm a baby’s attention. Rotate toys every week to maintain curiosity.
Provide open space: Encourage crawling and movement babies learn through action.
Use child-sized furniture: A low shelf or soft rug makes materials reachable and inviting.
Opt for natural materials: Wooden toys, cotton fabrics, and metal utensils feel real and engage the senses more than plastic.
Simple Montessori activities for 6–12 Months.
Below are easy, developmentally aligned activities you can do right at home:
1 Treasure basket exploration: Fill a basket with safe, everyday items of different textures like a wooden spoon, a soft brush, a fabric napkin etc. Let your baby explore freely.
2 Object permanence box (Peek-a-Boo Play): Hide and reveal a toy to teach that objects exist even when unseen, an early cognitive milestone.
3 Transferring objects: Let your baby move balls or blocks between two bowls, improving coordination and concentration.
4 Mirror observation: A low, unbreakable mirror encourages self-awareness and motor exploration.
5 Water play: A shallow bowl of water with floating toys provides sensory fun and motor practice.
6 Movement area: Provide a safe and open space for your baby to move freely and explore their physical abilities.
7 Practical life activities: Involve your baby in simple household tasks, such as wiping up spills or putting toys away (with your help, of course!).
8 Reading nook: Create a cozy reading nook with board books and soft cushions to encourage a love of reading from an early age.
These activities foster independence, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination — the building blocks of lifelong learning
Parent tips:
● Follow, don’t lead: Let your baby’s curiosity guide the activity.
● Embrace simplicity: The most effective toys are often the simplest.
● Encourage independence: Allow your baby to try before stepping in to help.
● Celebrate effort, not outcome: The process of discovery is more valuable than perfection.
● Limit overstimulation: Avoid screens or noisy toys that distract from mindful play.
● Environment: Create a small, safe area for exploration.
