Montessori-Inspired Screen-Free Activities

It seems a bit funny to write about Montessori-inspired screen-free activities when Montessori education by nature emphasizes hands-on, screen-free activities. Still, it’s nice to have some specific Montessori-inspired ideas that are fun alternatives to screen time during Screen-Free Week (or anytime you want to reduce screen time).

Although a total Screen-Free Week doesn’t work for every family, you might want to go screen free for a few extra hours or even a few days. Following are some ideas for Montessori activities that are great as a replacement for screen time.

Montessori-Inspired Screen-Free Activities

Activity Bags (Busy Bags)

Activity bags (busy bags) are wonderful for non-screen time on the road or in waiting rooms. You’ll find lots of ideas, such as the ones at Training Happy Hearts (Montessori in a Bag), H is for Homeschooling (Popsicle Stick Animal Friends),  Our Country Road (Busy Bags and Travel Games), or 123 Hommeschool 4 Me (Velcro Craft Sticks), in my roundup post Traveling with Kids – Montessori-Inspired Activities, and on my Traveling with Kids Pinterest Board. I also have a post with easy-to-prepare activity bags for Montessori on the go.

Montessori-Inspired Playdough Activities

Playdough activities are great for young children, and you’ll find many Montessori-inspired activities in my Montessori-Inspired Playdough Activities 101 and Montessori-Inspired Spring Playdough Activities.

Sensory Tubs and Other Sensory Activities

There are limitless options for sensory activities for young children. Sensory bin aren’t a traditional Montessori activity, but they can be fabulous for Montessori families. I often have sensory bins in my unit studies and holiday-themed activities, and you can find sensory bins and sensory experiences for any season on my Any-Season Sensory Tubs/Sensory Experiences Pinterest Board. I have many themed sensory bins we’ve used in a DIY sensory table (although they can be used on the floor instead of in a table).

Food Preparation Activities

Food preparation activities are especially fun for parents and children to do together. You’ll find lots of ideas in Montessori-Inspired Food Preparation for Preschoolers and Montessori-Inspired Food Art. I even have lots of healthy recipes for kids in the kitchen.

Fine-Motor Activities

Practical life activities are an essential part of Montessori education, and they often focus on fine-motor activities. In my April Themed Activities for Kids and May Themed Activities for Kids, you can find links to many seasonal activities for fine-motor coordination. For older kids, you can emphasize fine-motor activities through activities such as sewing, crafts, or even creative activities such as the water maze activity from Busy Kids = Happy Mom.

Large-Motor Activities

Montessori-Inspired Movement Activities can be especially fun during Screen-Free Week.

Literature-, Music-, Drama-, and Art-Based Activities

Montessori-Inspired Ideas for Enjoying Books with Your Child or Students has ideas for a number of literature-based activities. You’ll find activities that include both music and drama in my Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Peter and the Wolf (May 2, 1936 was actually the debut of Peter and the Wolf), Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Carnival of the Animals, and Montessori-Inspired Activities for the Tortoise and the Hare. You’ll find lots of ideas for applying the works of famous artists in Montessori-Inspired Art Appreciation and Art Appreciation and Creation for Kids. Just go with your child’s interests in deciding which type of screen-free activities to emphasize.

Non-Competitive Games

Play some non-competitive games: How to Use Non-Competitive Games to Teach Sportsmanship.

Outdoor Activities

Spending time outdoors is always one of the best screen-free activities and something Maria Montessori encouraged. You’ll find Montessori-inspired outdoor activities in my post Montessori-Inspired Outdoor Environment.

If you’re looking for ways to use natural materials found outdoors, check out my roundup post with 50+ creative ways to use materials found on your nature walks.

Have fun this week! I’d love to hear how you’re spending some screen-free time. 🙂

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