MONTESSORI AT HOME: DIY Montessori Materials (on a Budget!)

[@julial.b.6800]

Also a tip as well: when you present or guide your child in an activity, the LESS you say the better. When adults chat too much it distracts from the child's concentration 🙂

[@HapaFamily]

Yes! Thanks, Julia! 🥰

[@SaraHinata]

My son doesn't even let us show him. I've tried to do it quickly, but he screams from the top of his lungs 'cause he wants to do it/experiment himself. It's very frustrating for both of us

[@carrimacf]

@@SaraHinata Its OK for the child to do work with no demo. You can do a demo when he/she is ready for it ;o)

[@akewenesly493]

8 ki

[@olivesgarden]

I LOVE that wall hanging, "Play is the work of a child" so true!

[@osmdawy92]

Yes always catches my eyes

[@janfritz2988]

quote by Maria Montessori

[@divahc1]

One of the first things I learnt in my early childhood teacher training. It wasn't Montessori training, tho.

[@yashodamendiratta4034]

@@janfritz2988 Yesss!

[@swingscout]

Quoted also by Fred Rogers

[@MeMe-ln7cm]

When I was 2 or 3, my mom said I would get my grandpas pieces of scrap wood, put them in a circle and play with them like dolls. When I was older [9ish] I drew faces and names on all of the jenga blocks 😂 my family wasnt montessori, but I think it's a natural thing for kids to want to do to play with the simplest of pieces and create a whole other world.

[@Shammon5]

I did this with my building blocks as a kid! I drew faces and clothes on some blocks and made some of them into beds or kitchen appliances so I'd have "furniture" for my buildings. :)

[@genxx2724]

Kids are more interested in the box a toy came in, than they are in the toy.

[@pennydonato8072]

Something I've never understood is...people keep saying wooden toys etc are better because they last longer. This doesn't make sense to me. I bought a bunch of good quality wooden toys and they have been pretty much destroyed even tho my child is not too harsh with them. Paint comes off, teeth leave indentations, and throwing scratches them. I still like plastic more even if this isn't a popular opinion. Montessory "branded" stuff are also so expensive. 99 euros for the 5 mobiles you only use for three months. Your tips are very useful. Thanks.

[@wendywendy6771]

oh my goodness. love your channel. i have a SMALL budget. i have gotten A LOT of ideas from your channel for my kid's materials.

[@fairyjackalope]

I just watched all of the DIY videos you listed in this video and I can't thank you enough for your emphasis on the concept of an activity over the materials used! We have an incredibly limited budget, but we also desire to encourage our child's development. I really appreciate that your suggestions make Montessori seem much more in reach for us!

[@crisneh0306]

Thank you Ashley! I was gonna give up because I can't afford natural toys at the moment. Thank you for reminding me what's truly important. I'm so excited! One of my fav episode ❤ Sharing all your videos and Montessori view in Nicaragua (where I'm from) Thank you!! ❤❤

[@bandhagibajaj7031]

Wow Ashley, this may be my favourite video of yours to date! So many amazing ideas, so well structured and communicated to us. Also love to see the girls breezing through all the activities! They're both amazing, which is a testament to your parenting.

[@Daymickey]

Your videos make me look forward to parenthood even more than I do now! I can’t wait to watch my child develop these skills and guide them along the way!

[@geetharadhakrishnan2860]

Omg... sock matching. Very nice. Simple and easy matching play. Thank you Ashley

[@kyera_here]

My child is almost 3 and I’m feeling a lot of mom guilt for not knowing and exposing these activities to him but I’m about to get started…he knows his numbers, colors, shapes, days of the week, vehicles, animals, months, and alphabet, etc. but better believe we about to get on these! Thank you❤

[@Laure__Line]

So many great ideas ! I am definitely going to watch this video again when I am pregnant with my first child.

[@wednesday55]

I'm 38 but I kinda want to play these games too. The colored water mixing game with the ravioli tray looks like fun!

[@stacyandfam]

Watching from Philippines. Your vlogs are very interesting. I’m now 22weeks pregnant and a first time mom. Video like this will really help me in parenting

[@christawolfe109]

Thank you, my daughter has waaay to much screen time each and every day... I have been a new stay at home mom (my daughter is 3) but I have been having a hard time playing and engaging with her aside from taking her to the park or out and about. I cook with her I clean with her every day but I was lacking in the play department or independent play. While watching this video I got out the baby food colored tops I have been saving but didn't know quite what to do with and she has been transferring them for 20 minutes already. Doublefisting a small pair of tongs and a large pair of tongs. Thanks I did the transfer thing before with a spoon and some rice but it was a refresher and a new way to do things together ❤

[@lilym6754]

I made the shaker and stick activity for my 13 month old this afternoon and she was really into it. Thanks for all the ideas! 😊

[@LissaxKristine]

An old plastic cup and straw (like from a trip to get iced coffee) also makes a great free toddler activity. Or you can recycle a coffee or oatmeal canister- especially if you have multiple lids. You can do smaller holes for something like straws or cake pop sticks, a slit to make a "coin box" (using old cardboard boxes to make "coins"), or larger holes for pom-poms. You could even make "shape sorter lids." (And with using one container with multiple lids, you can easily swap out the activities without worrying about taking up too much space.) You can also take the spout from the baby food pouches and make a cap twist-off board. Depending on the child, this could easily become a color-matching activity. You could also arrange it to work on another skill- like counting, letter recognition, or more. (I've even seen people make little 3-pouch-lid cards for work on cvc words). And you can also use paint chips and clothes-pins to do a color matching activity. Whether it's a simple one like matching pink to pink and blue to blue OR a more advanced one where you're using the paint strips and the child has to discern between lighter and darker shades. Same concept as the color box activities listed here, but with the added element of fine motor work.

[@kathy2940]

Although my granddaughter will be two in about a month she still puts small objects in her mouth. I could never let her play with beans. Rice would be a good option. Thanks for all the great ideas as I am a Nonna taking care of her granddaughter 3 days a week. Such a joy!🥰

[@aishakamil2829]

I'm so happy with the way you explain everything making it more doable, something I find lacking in montessori blogs. Thank you!

[@pirateloveification]

This is absolutely a golden video. Thank you so much for sharing this information here. Myself and y children are grateful for your informational resources.

[@longyan8062]

Thanks for sharing. As a montessori guide myself during the lockdown, this video is such a great helpful for me to share with the parents to help them transition.

[@acpe2911]

Ashley, Thank you so much for creating such valuable content! You’ve been a key inspiration to me in my Montessori journey. You communicate so clearly and effectively, I feel my time is respected. I appreciate all the time it must take to create and edit your videos. THANK YOU! x PS. Kylie and Mia Claire are beautiful and such great role models.

[@jamiewilson-houghtalen5994]

Such a smart video during quarantine! We're binging all things Hapa Family in our house ❤️👍

[@Jane-qg4jr]

1000 thanks and hugs for all the advice!!! My daughter is 22 months and I got a lot of new ideas ❤❤❤❤

[@AmmaraSHAH773377]

Paaaint swatches!!! Perfect idea i just realosed Huda loved playing with my swatches and i had thought of this activity in the future for sahdes but NOT for nooowwwww when i need to introduce primariy colours.

[@aileen_yap]

can you show us how you teach them or guide them first in the harder task?

[@samanthavalencia7281]

My daughter just turned 2 and is constantly making messes every time I turn my back. She also is putting a lot of things in her mouth. Any water bottle she finds, she pours it all out. Earlier she got into a d.i.y. face scrub I made( just coconut oil and salt) she had tasted it and had rubbed it all over her hands. I've been a little panicky not knowing how to solve this issue. I think I've neglected her sense of play and exploration. You have inspired me to make her some activities and games! That way she doesn't make her own!!! Lol thank you!

[@Luetzsab]

Yes, I am late to the montessori game, you can see the progress in my son's development within a few weeks. Thank you for your amazing ideas!

[@kaylie7808]

Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see you make a DIY Montessori playmat!!!!

[@froukjematthews3421]

I am a retired Montessori teacher, but I did that too; the purpose of the activity trumps what the material is made out of even though I tried to use natural material (even rocks and sticks and gumnuts) for even quite abstract activities.

[@oreed]

Kylie modeling all the older activities is so cute! I see the paw print tattoo from the wolf lodge vlog.

[@HapaFamily]

Yeah, that thing is hanging on still, haha!

[@CollectingMemories04]

Thank you so much for creating such valuable content! watching now ,starting my montessori journey with my twins 2 yo and 3mos.

[@philippapay4352]

Wow, this was thorough and informative and gave me hope we can create some of these at home. Thank you for giving such a great overview. It is all so positive, sensible and gentle.

[@DivyaKGowda]

Wow lots of love from india 🇮🇳 the ideas are great and easy to implement

[@kcl060]

We do multicolored straws with holes cut into an oatmeal cannister lid. My 16 mo loves it and helps with colors and prepositions

[@Playing_with_a_Purpose]

Although I don’t run a Montessori program I am drawn to use much of the principles. During this lockdown I have a bunch of time to prepare activities that I’ve been meaning to get to. Thanks for all you’re great tips!

[@adrianadavies8714]

Ashley, thanks for making montessori possible for others. Could you share where you got the head and tails print outs you have on the video please?? My son would love these!

[@adrianadavies8714]

Hi Ashley, when you are able. Would you be able to help me with my question, please?

[@joyleebangbang]

Thank you so much for amazing tips, it reminds me of my montessori kindergardn! A great inspiration for my kid who is close to age 3.

[@Chellyseventeen]

I’m an ECE, love these ideas!! Love your videos :)

[@donnamontanarella2403]

This is a great video full of wonderful ideas. I am going to make these things for my grandchildren. One thing that keeps coming up in my mind is safety, Many of the things I have seen could be chocking hazards. How do you handle your child working independently with such things? How do you handle toys that could especially dangerous for Mia? Do you keep certain activities away so she can;t get into them and only do them with Kylie? Thank you for this very helpful video!

[@amandasantos8527]

I wish I could give like 10 thumbs up for this video. Brilliant ideas!

[@saraj6305]

you speak so well. i love your channel!

[@HapaFamily]

Thank you so much!

[@heatherhughes9246]

I made a rice shaker for my son. I dyed them different colors and it's awesome!

[@marinafernandes8543]

I loved the video and I´m definitely a big fan of this channel. The only thing I would do differently is letting the child transfer the content back to the first container instead of "dumping" the content back as she mentioned. I would model this way as well. At least this is how I learned at the Montessori Course for ages 3 to 6

[@aguilacec]

Great!! You are amazing. I recently started to watch your videos. You help me a lot. God bless you!

[@darlaemery4464]

Thank you SO much! I truly appreciate these DIY activities. The info. you provide is invaluable!

[@elensnorrason8344]

Thank you very much, very informative, interesting, will do it with my daughter.

[@Dilly.Dallying]

Your videos are just so good. Please keep educating us all. May God Bless you

[@cdubsgates]

Great video, lovely activities, thank you. Behavioral questions: how do you support prolonged focus? What if they start the activity and then (once they 'get it') want to move on to something else before they have completed it? Do you let them or try to encourage them to finish? What phrasing do you use as they're working if they are doing it wrong or if they finish it incorrectly? I'd like my 2yo to work on these skills but don't want to be pushy or forceful about it. Thanks!

[@kellyreese2718]

Carly Gates you let them move on. They guide the activities and of it doesn’t engage them, you figure out why and adjust your expectations or presentation.

[@kellyreese2718]

Also, you show them the first time, and they may do it their own way and that is ok. Look at what is “incorrect” and why is it incorrect. You may need to adjust the activity or let them practice more independently.

[@MGoblivion]

Thank you so much for this video. So many ideas that I will actually be able to afford!

[@simply_linka]

This is going to be my favourite episode :D I can't wait to try out all the ideas presented here :D

[@HapaFamily]

Glad to hear it!

[@yukit137]

Super helpful !!! I already made a few items from this video for my 15 month old. Thank you so much !!

[@CamilleMercado78]

Thank you so much! Great video!!! Keep up the great work! Blessings and health to you and your wonderful family!

[@vanessaraew]

Ahh just love this! What perfect timing too we can make all these things at home :D

[@MiaJuaneza]

I really love your materials! You are amazingly resourceful! This video inspires me to be more resourceful and creative for my next Montessori at home video! :) Keep doing videos like this! ❤️

[@odileidysbasanta]

Yey! New video! ❤️ These are really good ideas! Thank you so much! Plus, Kylie been the star of the video is 🎇

[@elliehernandez9069]

Love the video very informative and good activity suggestions. Love seeing the cuties Mia and Kylie playing 🥰

[@walterandannmariemeinshaus3782]

Great and so helpful! I do not know how to reach you , help, an old Montessori teacher! God bless you!

[@loryrowe6581]

I’m saving this video. Once this quarantine and covid 19 virus is over. I will be heading to the store to get these d.i.y. materials!

[@joan8198]

Some fantastic ideas! I would only urge close vigilance when using beans. If stuck up a nose, they may actually trigger a hospital visit - they'd swell from the moisture like 3 times and/or may sprout! Many thanks for your great videos xx

[@giotabourha7350]

Thank you so much for this! I love how informative, comprehensive and to the point your videos are! I have so many questions but basically I want to know how can you tell if a child is not ready for an activity? My son is 23 months old and we have tried several transferring activities (both dry and wet) but though he starts super excited and eager, he understands what he is supposed to do and is able to do it, he always gives up after 2 goes and ends up throwing the beans around or splashing in the water. So I wonder is it too easy for him? Too hard? Does he have a concentration issue or does he just want to have fun? Should I let him do it or should I stop him because it’s considered inappropriate use of the materials? Practical life activities are his favorite but he is always very impatient.

[@keeperofmyhome]

I just love your channel!! I am new to everything Montessori and I feel so inspired and just extremely excited to begin this journey!! 👏🏽💕

[@anatgoldman7395]

Thanks for sharing. Love the video!! May I ask where are the wooden trays from?

[@Nikita-ox5si]

This is fab. Thank you for sharing!

[@firstbf2401]

Thank you so much for your fantastic ideas. Your videos are really helpful and I love watching them. I made couple of activities from your video and my baby loved it.. Thank you so much 😇😊

[@nyokabi8582]

This is soo awesome. Thanks for sharing. I'll watch it a second time with a pen and paper and write all this down. Feels like a Montessori activity conference...lol😊

[@123peace8]

Hi have you written it down? I'd yes could you please share the list

[@kevingee2393]

you should use a collider and pipe cleaners- my daughter loves this activity

[@deamea5098]

This was amazing, I tend to be diy sort of person so this is very helpful. Ashley would you ever do an episode of how to keep up Montessori practises, when your child doesn't stand a Montessori school but arends public school ?

[@gelinegormley]

I love your ideas! Though I don’t really have time to DIY as I work part time with an infant, I’m going to try this as he gets older. ❤️

[@mbraffet07]

Thank you so much! Wonderful video and ideas!

[@stz1238]

It shows how much efforts u hv put in to make this video 👏💫

[@s1e11i]

Hi, Ashley, great ideas, thanks! Sorry, I’m not sure if someone already asked this but do you remember what glitter glue you bought? I bought one that’s clumping a little and has such a narrow tip. Yours looks like it comes out wider and cleaner. Thanks!

[@simplymebykas]

Super helpful video! Will definitely try them with my child. Thanks!

[@aquinyc]

You are amazing! Thank you, thank you for your videos! Laura

[@leslielopez2993]

Thank you!! I needed this for my almost 3 yr old!!

[@marinafernandes8543]

Loved the video! The error control code on the back or bottom of the material is however debatable. We used to do it at the school where I worked, but our mentor from the Montessori course said it was not necessary. A child should be able to see or hear the difference among the sounds or heads and tails... If not, you present it again... I guess it depends on the point of view

[@jessykaiskander8569]

Ohhhhh I can prep 2 of these while my babes are napping. Thank you.

[@vivianpolikar4446]

This video is great! As usual! Would you show how do you show the activity to your child for the first time? I never did it in a structured way and my boy is very active. I don't see him doing activities calmly as your kids hehe

[@ohsobo]

Do u have an excel spreadsheet of these activities? Asking for a friend 😬😅

[@doriscasteel3812]

All information was very helpful. Thanks you a job well done

[@Squabetty]

Great information and tips! Thank you!

[@LifeWithAlliDaily]

Hi Ashley! Thank you again for sharing your studies... I'm trying to keep up. Lol. But baby girl is doing well. Question we still have our crib but I want her to have her floor bed. But she also is at the point of climbing over her room gate. We needed it bc we didn't want our dog to get to her toys, yet also we need to get a proper gate for our stairs. The way our house is built the top stairs (split stairway) Don't allow for the gate to go across. Like does anyone have a suggestion out there? But what do you suggest? She is so active and I love it! I gues

[@heidimorgans2546]

Love, love, love. And couldn’t come at a better time!!

[@givemecake]

this was just what we needed! thank you so so much! love your content so much, will share with my fam and friends cause more people should benefit from your videos ❤️

[@pnwbabe748]

Were you a Montessori teacher or a public school teacher prior to having your daughters? I admire your knowledge of Montessori and child development! I'm a 23-year-old first-time mom and I could only hope to be as confident and knowledgeable of a mom as you are! Btw thanks for continuing to make videos! My daughter is home more these days and I love getting educational ideas from your videos and just overall uplifting content🙂

[@HapaFamily]

I was a public school teacher for 5 years, and self-taught until now in Montessori. I'm currently completing some more formal training. :)

[@sidranadeem3834]

These all are very helpful activities for under 5 years old children.l 'm really impress😊

[@Renewed85]

Excited to do these

[@CaileyElise]

Thank you! These are awesome. I tried the water transfer with a sponge for my 22 month old and my 4 year old. I added marbles for my four year old 😅

[@talyachekroun9438]

Hi, I'm new to your channel and I find this information very useful and inspiring!

[@andressapereira1841]

You are my inspiration. Congrats for your amazing job!!!

[@KaylaReisser]

I love this! Thank you for the video!

[@tunyuhgee]

This is so great! Thank you for your hard work and desire to share. 🥰

[@bellesaved]

This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@palomarubio2979]

You are a blessing! Thank you so much!!!!! 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@innerpeace8368]

Marvellous work... thanks for sharing this video😊

[@dnikoloska89]

Hi, I have a question. Are this activities and the activities in the previous video are stored on the shelf? When do you give them to play or they pick them themself?

[@svet_kv]

You gave me a lot of hope when your said they will not put everything in their months at the age of 15-18 months 😂 next week my twins are 15 months

[@Mizzlibrarian83]

Svetlana Kvasova my son is 17 months and puts everything in his mouth.

[@HotnColdTV1]

My daughter is 2 and she still does it.

[@doaamohammed7515]

It's normal up to 3 years..children are different..we just help them as we can

[@alma_najem]

General question about all Montessori activities, how do you know when a child (of any age) has mastered an activity?

[@julial.b.6800]

A child has mastered an activity when: a) they get bored of it and no longer choose it, b) if you ask them to show you how to do it they do it basically perfectly or, c) they demonstrate how to do it to someone else like a sibling or friend.

[@alma_najem]

JuliaF thank you!

[@mellyayble]

@@julial.b.6800 what are the chances the child would not choose the activity simply because they find it too hard

[@choosnau]

Dang you really went all in with this video!! These are awesome thank you

[@SkyAaronBrink]

I can see so many great ideas. Thx!