Montessori at home – Pipe Cleaners and Colander

Over the last year or so, I have dabbled with some Montessori-inspired activities with both Freddie and Sasha. I like the way this method encourages self-learning and motivation to learn new skills. In turn, this builds confidence- something that I think Freddie in particular benefits from.

Most of the activities we have tried so far have been relatively basic, and encourage the development of their fine-motor skills and/or self-care and independence. What we do is nearly always child-led, with the materials close to hand, and both children deciding when the start and stop each activity.

Today we tried pipe cleaner threading into a colander, something that i’d seen on Pintrest, and also something that my best friend Katie had tried with her daughter (oh hiiiii!). Bonus  – nearly EVERYONE has a colander, and luckily had a pack of pipe cleaners in our craft cupboard too. Just make sure you don’t need that colander for cooking tea any time soon!

Sasha was probably a bit too young for this, as she kept flitting back and forth from the activity (or it might have been my fault for keeping bloody Peppa Pig on in the living room), but Freddie was seriously ENGROSSED!

It was lovely actually, as I sat with him for quite a while, whilst he threaded some through, then instructed (read: Bossed) me as to where to put some more. Since he’s been at preschool several sessions a week, we don’t have as much quality one-on-one time together as we used to, so even spending time on something like this is really nice. Sasha enjoyed trying to name the different colour pipe cleaners, and F took great pride in telling her any colours that she didn’t know- another great boost to his confidence.

The pipe cleaners ended up being ‘worms’, ‘funny hair’, and ‘bridges’, so this is also great for the imagination!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.