School’s out and summer camp and/or jobs are in full-swing, but that doesn’t mean you need to neglect the Montessori-style of teaching until school resumes in the fall. Montessori education is one many modern parents adapt to these days; it emphasizes not necessarily formal teaching tactics but rather strengthening a child’s specific interests. Montessori focuses on hands-on learning and real-life skills, as well as cognitive, emotional, and social learning. For example, the Montessori way means that the goal of drawing a picture isn’t necessarily to have a picture to hang on the wall, but rather to have fun making the art itself.

And though there are Montessori-centric schools that follow these practices, as well as toy brands like Loveevery whose products encourage this type of learning, it’s easy enough to follow at home too without a teacher or a toy booklet to guide you, no screens required.

Here are a few Montessori-inspired ideas you can do with your kiddo this summer to keep their skills and interests sharp. Hopefully they’ll keep the kids busy and help prevent the dreaded “ugh, I’m bored!” you’ll inevitably hear during camp’s off-hours:

• If your child likes cooking, invite them to help you in the kitchen. Here are some baking and cooking recipes for kids and parents. Together you can make pizzas, bake cookies, or chop up salads. 

• If your child likes arts and crafts, set up a little crafting section in their bedroom or playroom where they’re encouraged to get as creative as they wish (and as messy within reason). Choose an at-home art kit that meets their interests—this mosaic, marbling and pottery kit is pretty darn cool—and let them get to work.

• If your child likes math, have them write out graphs to measure everyday items, such as how many pages they read that day, how many hours they played outside, or how many snacks they ate (the limit does not exist!). This graphs and charts activity book is good inspiration.

• If your child likes science, invest in some Montessori-inspired science items such as beakers, funnels, and pipettes, set them up outside in the backyard to prevent messes, and see where your kid’s imagination takes them.

• If your child likes gardening, set up your own mini garden at home (inside or out!). Even older kids will enjoy seeing the seeds start as sprouts and blossom into full-grown veggies, fruits, or plants. Here’s an at-home gardening kit to help you along.

• If your child likes writing, have them practice their skills at home. Try a toy like the Illustory book making kit that lets your kid write, illustrate and publish their own book. You can also have them practice their journalism skills by interviewing family members or friends about specific topics and jotting them all down into a notebook.

• If your child likes the outdoors, consider an outdoor activity beyond the playground such as a nature treasure hunt, a bird-watching excursion, a garbage clean-up, or maybe even an outdoor yoga class. This outdoor excursion kit is perfect for your little explorer.

• If your child likes photography, foster the habit by letting them explore different techniques on your iPhone camera, or get them their own kid camera (my son and his friends LOVE this one).

Want more? Check out a comprehensive list of Montessori-inspired ideas for elementary school kids HERE. What Montessori-inspired activities will you be enjoying with your kiddos this summer?

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