Summer is here and we are spending the majority of our time right now outside. Our days are filled with exploring our Montessori backyard, going to playgrounds, and learning about nature through movement. Plus, we have a great shelf of outdoor Montessori work available. But, even with all this time outdoors I still want a shelf of Montessori activities for preschoolers available to Teddy. At 3.5-years-old, he craves some more concrete work to engage his mind an body.
Recently, I did a huge reduction in the number of things I kept out for Ted for the summer. I wanted only things that really would keep his interest, challenge his skills and be fun for the times when he is inside working.
.jpg "Montessori Shelf with Toys for 3-Year-Olds")
Montessori-Friendly Toys for 3-Year-Olds
Here's a look at what made our Montessori shelves this summer:
- Silicone Numbers + Sandpaper Numerals + Colorful Counting Chips: Teddy loves math and number work and this was the only traditional work that I kept on his shelves for the summer
- Haba Rainbow Cube: This can be used so many different ways and even Gus (6-years-old) is into this work
- Magnatab Drawing Board: Creative but also really good pencil holding practice
- Bin of Extra Paper: to refill art trays
- Monster Markers + Paper: creative expression and fine motor skills
- Lunch Basket Game: Teddy, Gus, and Nora (9yo) have all really been enjoying this game. I love that there is a little luck, logic, and making choices built into this game
- Logic Disks Puzzle: this is really fun and engaging
- Playdoh Materials: all the creative play with these for Teddy and Penelope (16-months)
- Fat Brain Toys Suction Cups: another creative option for both Teddy and Penelope
- Large Pop Beads: These are actually quite fun and a little more challenging to put together than expected, both Gus and Ted are having fun building with
- Guidecraft Bricks and Cards: another fun open ended builder, the cards are more for Gus
The best way to keep your three-year-old occupied indoors this summer is to offer them toys that give them the independence and freedom to learn as they play. With Montessori-friendly toys, your child can effectively learn to develop their cognitive, fine motor, and gross motor skills while having tons of fun. I think these options will really engage Teddy in these areas and just be a lot of fun!
What is your 3-year-old into these days?
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What is your 3-year-old into these days?
