Including toddlers in daily life -- social customs and chores -- is a foundational Montessori principle. In fact, Maria Montessori would say that this is not how we teach them, but rather how they teach themselves, by watching us and imitating.

Since Dr. Montessori's time, educators have further developed methods by which we introduce young children to the doing of daily life.Â
On this page, you'll see four different kitchen projects to try at home.
In Montessori, the role of the adult is to prepare the environment and to invite the child to try the activity.Â
Watch: The videos on this page will show you what the prepared environment looks like and which steps your child can do as we make pizza, peel and cut a banana, and bake muffins.
Watch: Making Pizza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAUTtzK_ddE
The Montessori approach recommends that the adult say very little as they show the child the steps. This way the child will watch our actions, not look at our moving mouths.
Watch: Peeling a Banana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW8jTy-nZ5g
Watch: Slicing a Banana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IdKzHQcsik
Watch: Baking Banana Muffins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-55u_CxA550
Watch: Making a Salad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlHrnBr5ZW0
Allowing your child to participate in activities in the kitchen allows them to build confidence as they make a real contribution to the family.
The only toys you'll need. Delivered.Montessori for ages 0-3. Learn more about how we enable Montessori learning at home.