Every object in a Montessori classroom tells a story, and every materials-based lesson is an adventure in learning. But what exactly are Montessori learning materials? In this article, we try to answer that question and unravel the mystery behind them, delving into their ingenious design, how they adapt and grow with the child, their intrinsic beauty, and how they openly invite children to explore.

Montessori learning materials are not the method itself but rather tools used in Montessori classrooms to encourage logical thinking and exploration. They’re engagingly simple and straightforward, with each deliberately crafted to appeal to children at a specific stage of development. Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children learn best through direct experience and the process of research and discovery, so she designed and created multi-sensory, sequential, and self-correcting materials for mathematics, science, language, sensory development, history, and geography.

Montessori materials are ingeniously designed.

Montessori materials are ingeniously crafted to isolate and teach one concept or skill at a time, perfectly aligning with the child’s developmental stage. Each material is presented to the child when they’re ready, allowing for individualized learning experiences. Interestingly, many Montessori materials have been designed with a “control of error” feature which empowers children to self-correct and learn from their mistakes.

In Montessori education, “control of error” refers to a built-in mechanism within learning materials that allows children to identify and correct their own mistakes independently, without the need for external validation or intervention from a guide or teacher. This characteristic empowers children to learn from their errors and fosters a sense of autonomy and self-correction.

An example of “control of error” can be found in the iconic Montessori Pink Tower, a set of ten wooden cubes varying in size. The cubes are designed to fit together in a specific order, from the largest cube at the bottom to the smallest cube at the top. If a child places the cubes in the incorrect order, the tower won’t stand upright, providing immediate feedback that something’s amiss. Through trial and error, the child can rearrange the cubes until the tower is properly constructed, thus learning through self-correction without the need for adult intervention.

Montessori materials evolve with the child.

One of the remarkable aspects of Montessori materials is their ability to evolve with the child. Materials contain multiple levels of challenge and can be used repeatedly at different developmental stages of children. For instance, the Montessori Pink Tower introduces the concept of size to preschoolers but it can also be revisited by older children to explore perspective and measurement. This showcases its versatility and longevity, which is true of most Montessori materials. As children progress in learning and grow older, new aspects of the same material unfolds that perhaps wasn’t there before. Older children studying volume may return to the Pink Tower and discover that the cubes progress incrementally from one cubic centimeter to one cubic decimeter.  With Montessori learning materials, there’s simply so much more than meets the eye.

There often is an assigned location for each material on the shelves and they’re always organized in a certain order, from the simplest to the most complicated, from the most tangible to the most abstract, which provides children a sense of progression in learning. These materials build upon what a child learns from the concrete and sensorial, to the complex and abstract, in the end constructing the tapestry of the child’s knowledge.

Montessori materials are beautifully crafted.

Montessori materials are not only educational tools but also works of art. Their vibrant colors, natural textures, and meticulous craftsmanship engage multiple senses in the learning process, creating a sensory-rich environment that stimulates curiosity and exploration. From geometric solids to sandpaper letters, each material is thoughtfully designed to captivate and inspire children. It’s evident that Montessori materials are not toys but represent creative opportunities for discovery.

When you walk into a Montessori classroom, you’ll find children sorting, stacking, and manipulating a wide variety of lovely objects composed of a variety of mostly natural materials and textures throughout the classroom. The tactile nature of the materials provides a powerful argument for the relationship between experiential learning and the formation of new neural pathways in the brain that facilitate learning.

Take the material Fraction Skittles, for example. Fraction Skittles are a fantastic Montessori math material used to introduce young children to the concept of fractions in a hands-on and engaging way. These skittles typically consist of a set of colorful wooden pieces, each representing a fraction of a whole. For example, there might be skittles representing halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. Each skittle is usually color-coded and labeled with the corresponding fraction.

The purpose of Fraction Skittles is to help children develop a concrete understanding of fractions through tactile exploration and manipulation. By physically handling and arranging the skittles, children can see and feel how different fractions relate to each other and to a whole. Fraction Skittles are often introduced after children have already had some experience with basic math concepts like counting and simple addition and subtraction. They provide a more concrete and visual way for children to grasp the idea of fractions, paving the way for more advanced math concepts in the future, not to mention making learning math both meaningful and fun!

Montessori materials invite discovery.

Montessori teachers skillfully present materials to children when they’re ready, inviting them to explore and discover at their own pace. Dr. Montessori believed that not only do children want engaging instruction and interesting lessons, but they also like to be shown exactly how to use the materials. Dr. Montessori also recognized that children find precision to be very appealing and that the fine details of the materials help maintain their focus.

Observing a guide present a lesson to a child using the materials is a type of art unto itself. Montessori guides are highly trained and they use their training to carefully present lessons to children in a manner that mostly eludes the untrained or undiscerning eye. The precise presentation of materials from left to right, for example, subtly prepares children for future literacy and numeracy skills. And if you hadn’t noticed, a Montessori guide always sits on the child’s dominant side and it is no accident. The reason for this is that it is easier for the child to watch and imitate the guide’s exact movements in handling the materials from that position and vantage point. Through hands-on exploration and observation, children embark on a journey of discovery, guided by the gentle hand of the certified Montessori teacher.

Magic of Learning

In the world of Montessori education, learning is not confined to textbooks, lectures, and lessons in the traditional sense; it’s a highly dynamic and immersive experience fueled by curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Montessori learning materials serve as catalysts for this journey, providing children with the tools they need to unlock their full potential and navigate the world with confidence and curiosity. So, the next time you step into a Montessori classroom and behold the beauty of its materials and the children within engrossed working with them, just remember that what you’re witnessing is the magic of learning in action.

Still Curious?

The best way to really understand the magic of Montessori learning materials is to see them used in classroom.  Schedule a visit to watch children working with these materials or attend a parent information session.