One of my favorite DIY Montessori Baby Activities is the traditional Montessori Open/Close Box!  That said, as a Montessori Infant Teacher, I always have my eyes peeled for baby-sized items that create a Montessori material. One of my favorite DIY Montessori Baby Activities is the Open/Close Box! 

This is a Montessori material that can be offered at different developmental stages in infancy. Like every Montessori Lesson, the Open/Close Montessori Material has a Direct and Indirect Purpose.

Directly…

The Open/Close Material offers the child an opportunity to practice opening and closing real-life objects. This practice helps our babies become a little bit more independent. They then gain confidence in their abilities just as their brain is making mental connections about who they are in this world!

Indirectly…

This DIY Montessori Open/Close Material offers the child opportunities for refinement of hand grasp, eye-hand coordination, and concentration. For instance, they will later be used for more advanced Montessori Lessons. Also, they will be used for basic educational milestones like reading and writing.

How does one create a Montessori Open/Close Material?

Well, the first step would be to find something to hold the Open/Close materials! This doesn’t necessarily have to be a box like I have! (Although I will say I did like the irony of having to open the Open/Close Material. 🙂 ) The items can also be held in a beautiful basket or on a small wooden Montessori tray with handles!

The second step would be to find items that your child can appropriately Open & Close. I have used things in the past like lipstick cases, zipper pouches, and and even small boxes. Once your child is able to use two hands in coordination, you can offer Open/Close materials that help them practice opening and closing things that they use daily. This can look like small lunch containers, jars, or lunch boxes.

Then once you have assembled your Open/Close objects, add them in the basket and right into your baby’s activity area!

Pro Tip: I highly recommend rotating the objects within the basket/tray/box every couple of weeks. This keeps the activity exciting and developmentally stimulating for your baby!

As always, I wish you so much joy n your journey with your baby (babies)! Let me know if you try this activity and what you think in the comments below. 🙂

Xoxo,

Bianca, Your Baby Tour Guide