A Few Montessori Materials to Consider at 4-years-old

In my mind's eye Nora is still a perfectly round little bald baby. But, in reality, Nora turned 4-years-old yesterday! I don't quite know where the time went but Nora continues to be wonderful. However, as she gets older her interests change and grow with her. At home, Nora mostly just plays or does art. We typically don't have academic work available to her since she is in school. 

But with the summer Nora is at school only a couple days a week. With so much time at home, I want to be sure I'm providing her with enough opportunities to work (should she want to). So, I thought I would share some of the Montessori materials Nora enjoys right now or will enjoy soon. 

This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. 

This list is not inclusive of every single thing she has been shown, or that a new 4-year-old could be working with. Remember that every 4-year-old is different, so consider your own child's individual needs and interests before introducing this work or something like it! Also, note that Nora does attend a Montessori school, so if there may be prerequisites that have helped her become ready for this work. 

Color Tablets Box 3 - This can be used in a variety of ways and similar work can be DIYed at home. I'm personally thinking about focusing on some color mixing this summer as a way to extend this type of learning. 

Sandpaper Letters - Nora is still working with the sandpaper letters. We have a set for our home, but again, this is an easy DIY. This is great for kids that need to learn letter sounds but have already spent a lot of time focusing on sound games. 

Movable Alphabet - Nora hasn't started this yet, but many children will around 4. I think she will move to this in the next few months when she has a better handle on her letter sounds. 

Metal Insets - Nora simply adores these. It has been her first formal introduction to using a pencil for constructive purposes beyond her own imagination. Eventually these motions will help her bring pencil to paper for writing. At home, I think a nice set of stencils is also a good alternative.  

Number Rods + Cards - In a traditional environment, these would be much larger. A large set is fine at home, but I also like the idea of a smaller set. Nora loves these and they have helped her really master 1-9 quantity and symbols. 

Sandpaper Numerals - Nora loves playing games with these. Another easy DIY to add at home. These will also help her learn to write numbers eventually. 

Spindle Boxes - This is Nora's newest math work and she can't stop talking about it. I'm going to come up with a DIY for this summer for her. Another great way to reinforce quantity and symbol. 

Table Washing - I'm told this is one of Nora's favorite works at school. This is something she is able to do here at home with the right access to supplies. 

Polishing - Metal/Wood/Glass - Another popular practical life work from Nora's class. She participates in many of these with the right supplies here at home. 

Practical life is still one of her most popular things to do right now and I could write a whole post about that! Cooking in particular remains a favorite for her.