MONTESSORI NOOK FOR INFANTS!

I won't go into the entire Montessori method or anything, but I will say that it is based on a very hands-on and child-led approach to learning which is very natural for every child. They are curious and want to touch and feel and figure it out...in their own way and time. 

One thing we started early on was giving our little one a space of her own that was specifically for her to explore with and learn from. Textures, items from nature, musical instruments, cause and effect items and of course, things that improve fine motor skills. Setting up a little space for your baby, infant or toddler is so easy and in many instances won't cost you a thing! If you have a baby that is not yet walking, then just make sure that you have everything organized on the ground so that they can access it on their own. I used a shoe rack and some wooden trays I found at Michaels and everything else consisted of things that we already had. 

I cut out felt for flowers and poked some green pipe cleaners through them for a hands on vase. She LOVED this. She would pull them out, rearrange them and pretend to smell them all of the time.

I happened to have an old typewriter that was perfect for her little table. She not only worked with the letters, but it was just a great way to work on her fine motor skills with the small type keys.

I created a VERY basic pillow case out of an old t-shirt. I used transfer paper on scrap canvas I had to create pockets on each side. The "learn" side held color cards and such and our "pray" side was for pictures of people we were praying for. Behind it we had a large mirror that she couldn't pull down, but could watch herself and become more self-aware. The mirror is a fantastic thing to have for babies still on their bellies or sitting too. They love looking at themselves...it's very engaging for them. Just make sure that the mirror is safe and attached to the wall at a level for them.

Our first nook also consisted of a small Rubic's cube to play with, a cardboard tea canister I cut holes in for her to put Q-tips in (I was always with her for this activity), stacking buckets, shape sorters, sea shells, books, an old tissue box to put items in and an old camera that she could get gadgety with. I changed the nook every season. I'll post other ideas from some of our seasonal nooks down the road, but for now...have fun creating a simple and engaging area for your baby or tot!! Turn the t.v. off and if you want music you can always play some nice, classical music in the background. Just allow them to explore and find their way with it! They don't need to be overstimulated...just challenged and engaged.