If you have introduced the Montessori Method to your children for a couple of years, you have surely noticed — how this method supports your children through their early years. It’s amazing to see the first wobbly crawl of the baby to confidently solve puzzles at age six. Isn’t beautiful to experience this Montessori journey?
Let’s explore what makes each stage so powerful — and how you, as a parent, can support your child at every step.
Infancy: The World of Sensory Discovery
In the Montessori Method, babies are not just passive observers but active participants and natural explorers. In addition, they constantly absorb everything around them. Parents mainly encourage movement, independence, and sensory development during infancy.
To stimulate their senses, Montessori encourages the use of natural materials:
- Wooden toys
- Textured fabrics
- Safe mirrors
- Rattles and sensory mobiles
These help babies develop hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and curiosity through touch, sound, sight, and movement.
As your babies learn how to roll, reach, and crawl in their own time, they’re not just getting stronger — they’re learning to trust their environment and themselves.
Toddlerhood: Independence in Action
Gradually your baby reaches the toddler stage, and then the Montessori environment evolves to support their sense of self and independence.
Now they can do things for themselves.
- Pouring water from a small pitcher
- Washing their own hands
- Helping to set the table
- Putting on their shoes
These are not merely chores—they are vital Practical Life Activities. Therefore, they help build fine motor skills, self-confidence, and focus.
We see language also blossoms in toddlers during this stage. We can help them by creating a space for rich conversation, songs, and stories.
Casa (Ages 3–6): Love of Learning Takes Root
By the time your child reaches the Casa environment (Montessori preschool), they are ready for a balance of freedom and structure. This is where Montessori truly shines.
In this stage, children reach the Casa environment (Montessori preschool). This is where Montessori truly shines.
- Children explore materials like:
- The Pink Tower (develops visual discrimination and motor control)
- Golden Beads (builds early math skills)
- Moveable Alphabet (lays the foundation for reading and writing)
One of the striking features of Casa is the mixed-age classroom. Younger children learn by watching older peers, while older ones develop empathy and leadership skills.
Seamless Transitions, Lifelong Impact
Every transition (from infant to toddler, toddler to Casa) in the Montessori approach is natural and supportive. The environment is carefully prepared to meet your child’s developmental needs at each stage, offering safety, challenge, and freedom.
At each phase, the Montessori Method focuses on:
- Fostering independence
- Respecting each child’s pace
- Encouraging curiosity and joy in learning
Every step of your child’s journey matters — and with Montessori, each step is full of purpose, beauty, and growth.
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training