Montessori games are much more than a form of entertainment. They are carefully designed tools that help children explore, learn and develop at their own pace. Based on the principles of the Montessori method, these games focus on stimulating the senses, encouraging autonomy and promoting concentration through hands-on activities and real-world experiences.

At The English Montessori School (TEMS), play is not an isolated activity, it is at the heart of the learning process. Through the combination of Montessori and play, children acquire key skills while enjoying activities that are adapted to their stage of development and individual needs.

What is the Montessori method and how does it influence play?

The Montessori method is an educational philosophy created by Dr Maria Montessori. It is based on the idea that children learn best through self-directed exploration and purposeful activities. In this approach, play is not seen as separate from learning, but as the very mechanism through which children develop their abilities.

In games with the Montessori method, the child is free to choose materials and repeat activities as many times as needed. Unlike conventional toys that have a fixed use or rely on digital interaction, Montessori games focus on simplicity, order and sensory feedback. They are made from natural materials such as wood, fabric and metal, and each object is designed to support specific developmental goals—whether it’s fine motor skills, spatial awareness or logical thinking.

The environment is also crucial. It must be calm, accessible and ordered to allow children to act independently. Adults take the role of guides or observers, stepping in only when support is truly needed.

Montessori games for babies aged 6 to 12 months

In the first year of life, babies experience rapid development of their senses, motor control and emotional attachment. Between 6 and 12 months, Montessori games for babies are designed to stimulate sensory exploration, coordination and curiosity in a safe and intentional way.

Some examples of Montessori games 6 months to Montessori baby games 9 months include:

  • Soft sensory balls: to encourage grasping, squeezing, and oral exploration.
  • Visual mobiles (like the Munari mobile): to promote visual tracking and focus.
  • Object permanence boxes: to introduce the concept that objects still exist even when out of sight.
  • Wooden rings or soft cloth objects: for practising grasp and hand-eye coordination.
  • Texture boards or sensory trays: to explore touch and develop early descriptive language.

From 10 to 12 months, Montessori games for 1-year-olds can introduce simple stacking activities, movement challenges like crawling tunnels or baskets with real-life objects for safe exploration.

Educational Montessori games to stimulate creativity and learning

As children grow and begin Infant school, educational Montessori games become more complex to match their evolving abilities and curiosity. These activities support language development, memory, creativity and problem-solving while still respecting the child’s need for independent play.

Some examples of Montessori games with the method for toddlers and young children include:

  • The Pink Tower and Montessori cylinders: ideal for teaching size, weight and spatial concepts
  • Matching sounds or texture jars: to fine-tune sensory discrimination and memory.
  • Practical life trays: with real tools like jugs for pouring, buttons for fastening, or locks for opening—developing precision and responsibility.
  • Wooden construction blocks: to stimulate logical thinking, planning and creativity.
  • Shape and colour sorting games: to develop mathematical thinking and visual classification.

These Montessori games are intentionally open-ended, allowing children to manipulate and explore freely. There is no “right” way to use the material—what matters is the discovery process and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering each task.

Benefits of Montessori games for children’s cognitive development

The benefits of incorporating Montessori games into early childhood education are wide-ranging and long-lasting:

  • Autonomy: Children make decisions about what and how to play, fostering independence and initiative.
  • Concentration: Carefully designed materials attract attention and encourage prolonged focus without overstimulation.
  • Motor skills: Activities that involve pouring, stacking, sorting or fitting objects support both fine and gross motor development.
  • Problem-solving and observation: Children experiment, make mistakes, and correct themselves without fear of failure.
  • Multi-sensory stimulation: Touch, sight, sound and movement are integrated into the learning process, strengthening neural connections.
  • Language and logic: By naming objects, describing textures or comparing sizes, children develop vocabulary and early analytical thinking.

In short, educational Montessori games create a rich, engaging learning experience where children develop not just cognitive skills, but also confidence, patience and creativity.

How to use Montessori games with older children

The Montessori approach is not limited to toddlers and babies. Older children can also benefit from Montessori games, as long as they continue to offer hands-on, purposeful engagement and respect for the child’s pace of learning.

For children aged 4 and up, you can incorporate:

  • Maths games with concrete materials: such as beads, rods or counting trays to visualise numbers and operations.
  • Story-building cards with real-life images: to support sequencing, imagination and narrative thinking.
  • Geography and science kits: like tactile maps, life cycle puzzles or nature discovery boxes.
  • Open-ended art materials: such as clay, natural pigments or recycled materials to encourage self-expression.

At home, families can adapt routines using the Montessori approach to play. Involving children in activities like cooking, folding laundry, or gardening not only builds skills but turns everyday moments into learning opportunities.