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Montessori Practical Life Materials for Toddlers & Preschool

Montessori child using practical life cloth washing stand

The first learning materials that the child is likely to encounter in the Montessori classroom are those that make up the Montessori practical life curriculum. The young child enters the Children’s House which reflects an extension of home with some of the same kinds of activities which are typically human.
Practical Life Activities strengthen and develop a characteristically human foundation to the personality, of co-ordination of movement (unity of thought, will, action). They are most important to the whole development of the child.
These are activities that involve pouring different materials, using utensils such as scissors, tongs and tweezers, cleaning and polishing, preparing snacks, laying the table and washing dishes, arranging flowers, gardening, doing up and undoing clothes fastenings, and so on. 
Their aims, in addition to developing the child’s skills for independent living (“Help me to do it by myself”), are to build up the child’s gross and fine motor control and eye-hand co-ordination, to introduce them to the cycle of selecting, initiating, completing and tidying up an activity, and to introduce the rules for functioning in the social setting of the Montessori classroom.
 

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Opening & Closing Activity – Set 2 

Opening & Closing Activity – Set 2 is a Montessori Practical Life exercise that helps children strengthen coordination, concentration, and independence through real, purposeful work. Each container has a different type of closure that invites curiosity and problem-solving.

As children explore each lid and discover how it opens and closes, they naturally practice patience, precision, and self-correction — key elements of Montessori learning. The activity also refines fine motor control and prepares the hand for later writing skills.

The set includes:

SKU
1.06.21
$25.20
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 3
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Nesting Dolls - Wild Animals: Tiger Tavi and his Friends - Opening, Closing, and Nesting

This Matryoshka set includes five nesting dolls, each featuring a different animal from the "Tiger Tavi" series.

Children will enjoy opening and closing these wooden dolls!

The animals included in this set are:

1. Tavi the Tiger - The main character of the series, a friendly tiger.
2. A Giraffe - Tall with a playful design.
3. A Monkey - Cute and curious, adding to the jungle theme.
4. A Lion - Strong and regal, representing the wild.
5. A Parrot - Bright and colorful, bringing additional vibrancy to the set.

These dolls are made of wood and come in the traditional nesting doll style, but with an adorable animal theme.

SKU
1.06.22
$28.80
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 24
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Nesting Dolls (Matryoshka)

Nesting Dolls (Matryoshka)

These colorful wooden dolls fit one inside the other, from biggest to smallest. Children can open each doll to find a smaller one inside, all the way to the tiniest one.

This activity helps children develop:

  • Fine motor skills: opening and closing the dolls with care
  • Size discrimination: arranging from largest to smallest
  • Concentration and order

The bright red dolls with floral patterns are fun to explore and easy for little hands to hold. A perfect way to introduce cultural learning and hands-on discovery.

Tallest doll: 16 cm (6.5 inches)

Age recommendation: 3 to 6 years

SKU
1.06.23A
$18.00
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 2
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Squeezing a Sponge Activity

Squeezing a Sponge Activity is one of the classic Montessori Practical Life exercises that children love. It teaches important concepts such as wet and dry, full and empty, while developing coordination and hand strength.

Through careful observation and repetition, children discover how a sponge absorbs and releases water. This simple, calming activity promotes concentration, control of movement, and independence. It also strengthens the muscles of the hand and wrist, preparing the child for writing.

The set includes:

  • 2 glass bowls
  • 1 natural sponge
  • 1 white tray for presentation

Perfect for children aged 3–5 years, both at home and in the classroom.

SKU
1.06.26
$26.10
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 4
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Spooning Set

Spooning Set is a classic Montessori Practical Life activity that helps children develop concentration, coordination, and control of movement. Using a small spoon to transfer materials from one bowl to another strengthens the wrist and prepares the hand for writing.

Children love this simple yet satisfying exercise. They practice careful hand movements, learn to avoid spills, and experience the calm rhythm of repetition. It also nurtures independence and pride in purposeful work.

The set includes:

  • 1 small-size plastic tray (9.8 x 7.5 inches)
  • 2 small porcelain dishes (4.5D x 2.5H inches)
  • 1 porcelain spoon

Perfect for children aged 3–6 years, both at home and in the Montessori classroom.

SKU
1.07.03
$18.90
In stock
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+
Quantity must be lower than or equal to 3
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Spooning Activities Set

Spooning Activities Set is a classic Montessori Practical Life exercise that develops concentration, coordination, and control of movement. Children use a small spoon to transfer materials such as beans, rice, or beads from one bowl to another, learning to move slowly and carefully without spilling.

This simple, satisfying activity supports independence and builds fine motor strength needed for writing and self-care. The calm rhythm of spooning helps children focus and enjoy purposeful work.

The set includes:

  • 1 medium-size plastic tray (12 x 9 inches)
  • 2 glass dishes
  • 1 porcelain spoon

Perfect for children aged 3–6 years, both at home and in the Montessori classroom.

SKU
1.07.03B
$18.90
In stock
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+
Quantity must be lower than or equal to 6
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Pouring Water Activities with Two Small Clear Pitchers

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This exercise presents pouring water or grain from one small pitcher to another pitcher of the same size.

Rice or water can be colored.

Grasping a handle and pouring water or grains helps children develop fine motor control.

This set includes:

- Small size tray (10”x 7.5”).

- Two small-size clear glass pitchers (100 ml each) with handles; 2.25" base x 2.75" deep.

 

SKU
1.07.03C
$18.90
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 7
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Montessori Pouring Activity – Two Large Clear Glass Pitchers

This exercise presents pouring water from one pitcher to another pitcher of the same size.

Water can be colored.

Grasping a handle and pouring water helps children develop fine motor control.

This set includes:

- Medium size tray 30.5 cm x 23 cm (12”x 9”).

- Two large clear glass pitchers (300 ml each) with handles; 8 cm (3.1") base x 12 cm (4.75") deep.

- Sponge.

SKU
1.07.03D
$23.40
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 11
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Pouring Water Activities with Two Medium Clear Pitchers

This exercise presents pouring water from one pitcher to another pitcher of the same size.

Water can be colored.

Grasping a handle and pouring water helps children develop fine motor control.

This set includes:

- Medium size tray 28 cm x 20.5 cm (11”x 7.9”).

- Two large clear glass pitchers (250 ml each) with handles; 5 cm (2") base x 11 cm (4.3") deep.

- Sponge.

Made in Europe

SKU
1.07.04
$21.60
Out of stock
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Pouring Water Activities with Two Small Clear Pitchers

This exercise presents pouring water or grain from one small pitcher to another pitcher of the same size.

Rice or water can be colored.

Grasping a handle and pouring water or grains helps children develop fine motor control.

This set includes:


- Medium size tray with handles 20 cm x 11 cm (8”x 4.3”).


- Two small-size clear glass pitchers (100 ml each) with handles; 5 cm (2.25") base x 7 cm (2.75") deep.


- Sponge.

 

SKU
1.07.04A
$20.70
In stock
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+
Quantity must be lower than or equal to 6
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Pouring Water with Funnel

Preliminary: Pouring Water with Funnel is a classic Montessori Practical Life activity that refines coordination, concentration, and control of movement. Children love the challenge of carefully pouring water through a small funnel without spilling, learning precision and patience through repetition.

This activity introduces early scientific concepts such as full and empty, flow, gravity, and absorption. It naturally prepares children for future science experiments and sensory exploration, helping them observe cause and effect while working independently and carefully.

The set includes:

SKU
1.07.04B
$19.80
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 12
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Pouring Water Variation

Once children have mastered the basics, give them many opportunities to refine their skills in new ways.

 This exercise presents pouring from one glass to three different glasses.

Pouring Water Variation Set includes: medium size tray (12”x 9”),

Glass Beaker Set - 4 Sizes: 25ml, 50ml, 100ml, and 150ml.

SKU
1.07.04C
$19.80
In stock
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Quantity must be lower than or equal to 2