Teaching Preschoolers About Money Builds Both Life Skills and Early Math Skills 💰

Money may seem like a “grown-up” topic, but children as young as preschool age can begin learning the basics in playful, meaningful ways. In Montessori-inspired education, money is not only currency — it’s a tool for practical life skills, math concepts, and character development, like patience, responsibility, and gratitude.

With simple activities, you can introduce money concepts to your preschooler in ways that build confidence and independence. Here are 15 fun money lessons for preschoolers in 2025 that teach both life skills and early math.

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1. Recognizing Coins & Notes

Lesson: Learn the names, sizes, colors, and values of coins and notes.
Activity: Create a “money basket” with safe play coins (or real coins under supervision). Play sorting games by size, shape, and value.

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2. Understanding That Money is for Exchange

Lesson: Money is used to buy goods or services.
Activity: Set up a pretend shop with play food, baskets, and play money. Take turns being the shopkeeper and customer.

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3. Earning Money

Lesson: Money comes from working or providing a service.
Activity: Offer simple “jobs” like watering plants or sorting laundry, and reward with tokens or coins.

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4. Counting Money

Lesson: Money connects directly to math — adding and grouping.
Activity: Count coins together to “buy” small toys at your pretend shop. Start with 1-to-1 counting, then simple addition (2 coins = 2).

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5. Saving Money

Lesson: Not all money should be spent immediately.
Activity: Give your child a clear jar piggy bank. Watch coins “grow” over time and talk about saving for something special.

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6. Spending Wisely

Lesson: Money should be used carefully, not wasted.
Activity: At the shop, let your child choose between two small items. Talk about making choices and trade-offs.

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7. Sharing & Giving

Lesson: Money can also help others.
Activity: Create a “sharing jar.” When your child saves, encourage them to put one coin aside to give to charity or someone in need.

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8. Patience & Waiting

Lesson: Sometimes we must wait before buying what we want.
Activity: Choose a toy to save up for. Use a sticker chart to track progress and celebrate when your child reaches the goal.

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9. Value of Hard Work

Lesson: Effort leads to reward.
Activity: Link chores to tokens that can be exchanged for playtime privileges or small treats.

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10. Money & Numbers in Everyday Life

Lesson: Numbers on money connect to math.
Activity: At the grocery store, point out prices. Show your child that higher numbers mean more money.

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11. Digital Money Basics (2025 Skill!)

Lesson: Money isn’t always physical.
Activity: Show your child how you “tap to pay” or use an app. Let them play with a pretend “digital wallet” app designed for kids.

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12. Wants vs. Needs

Lesson: Some things we need (food, clothes), others we just want (toys, sweets).
Activity: Sort picture cards into “needs” and “wants.”

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13. Making Change

Lesson: Giving and receiving the right amount.
Activity: Play shop and practice giving coins back as change.

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14. Budgeting Simply

Lesson: You can’t buy everything at once.
Activity: Give your child 5 play coins and a basket of toys with “price tags.” They must choose what to buy within their “budget.”

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15. Gratitude for Money

Lesson: Money should be appreciated, not taken for granted.
Activity: Practice saying “thank you” when receiving coins, gifts, or items.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Teaching preschoolers about money is not about adding financial pressure — it’s about building confidence, math readiness, and life skills that last a lifetime. With playful, hands-on activities, money lessons become exciting opportunities to nurture independence and responsibility.

👉 For more Montessori-inspired activities and guidance, explore my book Teach from the Heart: A Parent’s Guide to Home Learning — available on Selar and Selfany.

📌 Pin this post for later and share with other parents who want to raise financially smart kids!

Let’s stay connected:
📸 Instagram: @thehomelearningnest
📘 Facebook: The Home Learning Nest
🎵 TikTok: @thehomelearningnest
▶️ YouTube: The Home Learning Nest

Child-Led Painting: Encouraging Creativity the Montessori Way

Painting is more than just a fun activity for children — it’s a window into their imagination, emotions, and development. In Montessori-inspired learning, child-led painting gives children the freedom to express themselves, build fine motor skills, and develop confidence without the pressure of “doing it right.”

And yes, painting can be messy — but the benefits far outweigh the spills and splatters. With the right setup, that “mess” is really just evidence of learning in progress.

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🌱 What Is Child-Led Painting?

Child-led painting means allowing children to guide the creative process. Instead of giving them a model to copy, you provide tools, space, and freedom to explore colors, strokes, and shapes in their own unique way.

This makes it more meaningful than pre-cut crafts or adult-led projects, where the outcome is already decided. In child-led painting, the child becomes the creator, not just the follower.

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🎨 Benefits of Child-Led Painting

• Encourages self-expression – Children learn to communicate ideas, feelings, and stories visually.

• Supports brain development – Painting engages both fine motor skills and creativity.

• Builds confidence – With no “wrong way” to paint, children feel proud of their creations.

• Enhances focus – Painting requires concentration, patience, and attention to detail.

• Develops independence – Choosing colors, tools, and designs fosters decision-making skills.

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🎉 Why Child-Led Painting Wins Every Time

When compared to other common activities, painting always comes out on top:

1. Over Pre-Cut Crafts ✂️
   Pre-cut crafts may look neat, but they leave little room for individuality. Every child ends up making the same thing. Painting, on the other hand, ensures each child creates something unique — a true reflection of their imagination.

2. Over Adult-Led Projects 🧑‍🏫
   Adult-led projects often focus on following steps or replicating a model. Children may feel pressure to “get it right.” Painting removes that pressure. There’s no wrong way to mix colors, splash, or stroke. It’s about exploration and freedom, which builds confidence and joy.

👉 That’s why painting always wins — it values the process over the product and places the child at the heart of the experience.

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🖌️ How to Set Up Child-Led Painting at Home

1. Prepare the Environment

• Use a child-sized easel, table, or even the floor with a washable mat.

• Cover surfaces with old sheets or oilcloth to embrace the “mess” without stress.

• Place paints, brushes, and paper on low shelves so children can access them freely.

2. Offer Simple, Quality Materials

• Non-toxic paints (watercolor, tempera, or finger paints).

• Brushes, sponges, cotton buds, or even natural tools like leaves or pinecones.

• Thick paper, cardboard, or recycled boxes that can handle paint.

3. Step Back and Observe

Instead of directing (“Paint a house”), try open-ended prompts like:

• “I wonder what colors you’ll choose today.”

• “What happens if you mix these two paints together?”

4. Embrace the Mess & the Process

Painting may leave hands, tables, and clothes splattered, but this is part of the joy and learning. Unlike adult-led projects, where neatness is the goal, messy painting builds creativity, freedom, and resilience.

5. Encourage Clean-Up as Part of Learning

Provide a small sponge, cloth, or water bucket so your child learns that caring for the environment is part of the painting process.

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🌿 Montessori Tip: Rotate Materials

Just like on Montessori shelves, rotate painting tools — some weeks offer brushes, another week try sponges or natural items. This keeps the activity fresh and engaging.

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💛 Final Thoughts

Child-led painting is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to nurture creativity at home. Yes, it’s messy — but in that mess lies discovery, confidence, and joy. Unlike pre-cut crafts or adult-led projects, which limit a child’s imagination, painting offers endless opportunities for self-expression.

👉 For more Montessori-inspired activities and guidance, explore my book Teach from the Heart: A Parent’s Guide to Home Learning — available on Selar and Selfany.

Let’s stay connected for more ideas:
📸 Instagram: @thehomelearningnest
📘 Facebook: The Home Learning Nest
🎵 TikTok: @thehomelearningnest
▶️ YouTube: The Home Learning Nest

Together, we can make learning at home creative, joyful, and child-centered. 🌟

How to Set Up a Montessori Homeschool: A Gentle Beginner’s Guide

Homeschooling the Montessori way doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful steps, you can create a calm and nurturing learning environment right at home. Here’s how to get started:

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1. Create a Prepared Environment

Montessori learning thrives in a space designed for independence.

How to do it:

• Use low shelves to store materials and keep everything at your child’s height.

• Choose child-sized furniture like a small table and chair.

• Organize toys and activities in trays or baskets, one per activity, to avoid overwhelm.

• Keep the space calm and clutter-free with neutral tones and natural light.

Resources to explore:

• IKEA child-sized furniture

• Affordable wooden shelves from local carpenters or online marketplaces

• My book Teach from the Heart: A Parent’s Guide to Home Learning for detailed room setup tips

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2. Start with Practical Life Skills

Everyday activities help children build confidence, independence, and coordination.

How to do it:

• Invite your child to pour water into a glass, sweep with a small broom, or fold napkins.

• Involve them in cooking by letting them wash vegetables, stir, or measure flour.

• Rotate simple activities daily to keep them fresh.

Resources to explore:

• Small cleaning tools (dustpan, broom, mop)

• Child-friendly kitchen tools

• Free activity ideas on my Instagram: @thehomelearningnest

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3. Introduce Sensorial Materials

Montessori emphasizes hands-on exploration to refine the senses.

How to do it:

• Invest in classic Montessori materials like the Pink Tower or Knobbed Cylinders if possible.

• Try DIY alternatives:

  • Fabric swatches for touch

  • Spices or flowers for smell jars

  • Colored beads for sorting and counting

• Encourage exploration with open-ended questions: “What do you notice?”

Resources to explore:

• Montessori material shops online

• Pinterest for DIY sensorial material ideas

• Activities outlined in Teach from the Heart

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4. Follow the Child

Montessori is about respecting your child’s natural curiosity and rhythm.

How to do it:

• Observe what draws your child’s attention and provide matching activities.

• Offer choices, but let your child decide which activity to do.

• Avoid rushing—children learn best when they’re genuinely interested.

Resources to explore:

• Montessori parenting books and blogs

• Practical examples on my Instagram

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5. Keep a Rhythm, Not a Rigid Schedule

Children thrive on predictability, not strict timetables.

How to do it:

• Set a daily flow such as:

  • Morning: Practical life or sensorial work

  • Midday: Outdoor play and lunch

  • Afternoon: Storytime or creative play

• Keep it flexible so learning feels natural, not forced.

• Use visual cues like a wall calendar or simple routine chart.

Resources to explore:

• Free printable rhythm charts (search Montessori homeschool printables)

• My Instagram for visual guidance

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6. Incorporate Nature

Nature is one of the best teachers in Montessori education.

How to do it:

• Bring nature indoors with plants, shells, pinecones, or rocks.

• Take daily nature walks, collect treasures, and talk about them.

• Create a nature table where children can display what they find.

Resources to explore:

• Gardening tools for kids

• Free online nature journaling templates

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7. Use Gentle Guidance

Instead of giving strict instructions, model and demonstrate.

How to do it:

• Show the activity slowly once, then step back.

• Avoid correcting immediately; let your child learn through practice.

• Offer encouragement, not pressure: “You’re working so carefully!”

Resources to explore:

• Gentle parenting and Montessori discipline guides

• Videos on my Instagram

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💛 Setting up a Montessori homeschool is less about fancy materials and more about creating a space that respects your child’s natural drive to learn. Start small, observe, and grow with your child.

📘 Want more Montessori-inspired guidance and free learning resources?
Grab my book:

• Teach from the Heart on Selar

• Teach from the Heart on Selfany

🌿 Let’s connect and grow together:

• Instagram: @thehomelearningnest

• Facebook: The Home Learning Nest

• TikTok: @thehomelearningnest

• YouTube: The Home Learning Nest

7 Types of Movement That Boost Brain Development in Children (Montessori-Inspired Guide)

Movement is more than just play — it’s how children build strong, healthy brains. From crawling to climbing, Montessori education reminds us that purposeful movement is key to concentration, independence, and whole-child development. When children move, they are not just exercising their bodies; they are also strengthening the pathways that connect their brains.

Here are seven powerful types of movement every parent can introduce at home to support learning and development.

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1. Cross-Lateral Movements (Cross-Pattern Movements)

Ages: From 6 months (crawling stage) up to 10 years+

Examples: Crawling on hands and knees, “cross-crawl” marching (touching right elbow to left knee), climbing playground ladders.

Brain Benefits: Builds connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, improving reading, writing, and problem-solving.

Best Time to Initiate: As soon as your child starts crawling. Keep incorporating through preschool and early primary school.

THLN At-Home Ideas: Make a “movement path” where your child crawls under a table, climbs over a cushion, and marches across the room with cross-body steps.

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2. Vestibular Movements (Balance & Spinning Activities)

Ages: 1 year and up

Examples: Swinging, rolling down a grassy hill, spinning in circles, balancing on a beam.

Brain Benefits: Strengthens balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and focus. Supports calmness and emotional regulation.

Best Time to Initiate: As soon as toddlers can sit, stand, and explore safely.

THLN At-Home Ideas: Use a safe indoor swing, let your child roll on a yoga ball, or practice “walking the line” (a classic Montessori balance activity).

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3. Proprioceptive Movements (Deep Pressure & Body Awareness)

Ages: Toddlers to teens

Examples: Jumping, carrying weighted objects, crawling through tunnels, pushing/pulling carts.

Brain Benefits: Helps children understand where their bodies are in space, reduces anxiety, and builds core strength.

Best Time to Initiate: Anytime, especially when your child seems restless or overstimulated.

THLN At-Home Ideas: Encourage your child to carry laundry to the basket, push a box across the floor, or build a cushion fort to crawl through.

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4. Rhythmic Movements (Patterned, Repetitive Motion)

Ages: Infants to early childhood

Examples: Rocking, bouncing, clapping games, drumming, or dancing to music.

Brain Benefits: Develops timing, rhythm, and neural organization. Supports reading readiness, language, and self-regulation.

Best Time to Initiate: From infancy — think gentle rocking and lullabies — and continue through preschool.

THLN At-Home Ideas: Play clapping games, use pots as drums, or sway together to calming music before bedtime.

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5. Fine Motor Movements (Hand & Finger Skills)

Ages: 1 year and up

Examples: Stringing beads, pouring water, cutting with child-safe scissors, tracing letters.

Brain Benefits: Strengthens hand-eye coordination, prepares for writing, improves concentration.

Best Time to Initiate: Once your toddler shows interest in picking up and manipulating small objects.

THLN At-Home Ideas: Use Montessori trays for spooning beans, practice opening/closing containers, or offer free printable tracing worksheets (coming soon on THLN!).

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6. Gross Motor Movements (Large Muscle Activities)

Ages: Birth through childhood

Examples: Crawling, running, jumping, climbing, skipping.

Brain Benefits: Builds muscle strength, stamina, and confidence. Supports social play and emotional well-being.

Best Time to Initiate: From the earliest months of rolling and crawling — it grows with your child.

THLN At-Home Ideas: Create an obstacle course with cushions, encourage outdoor play, or play “animal walks” (crab walk, bear crawl, frog jumps).

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7. Eye-Tracking & Visual Motor Movements (Visual Coordination)

Ages: Infancy to early primary

Examples: Following a moving ball, tracing lines, catching a beanbag, puzzles.

Brain Benefits: Strengthens focus, reading fluency, and hand-eye coordination.

Best Time to Initiate: From early baby play (watching mobiles) and throughout preschool years.

THLN At-Home Ideas: Blow bubbles and let your child pop them, play balloon toss, or trace zig-zag lines together.

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Closing Thoughts

Children don’t just move to burn energy — they move to learn. Each of these seven types of movement lays a foundation for brain growth, emotional balance, and future academic success. The Home Learning Nest encourages parents to embrace movement as learning, weaving it into everyday routines.

Want more Montessori-friendly activities to support your child at home? Get my book Teach from the Heart: A Parent’s Guide to Home Learning on Selar or on Selfany.

And don’t forget to connect with me on social media for daily tips and resources:

• 📘 Facebook: the home learning nest

• 📸 Instagram: @thehomelearningnest

The Benefits of Sensory Table Fillers for Early Childhood Development

A sensory table is more than just a fun activity space — it’s a treasure trove of learning opportunities for young children. When thoughtfully set up, it can spark curiosity, develop important skills, and encourage independent play. The key to making the most of this resource lies in what you put inside: the fillers.

From rice and sand to water beads and natural materials, sensory table fillers open up a world of exploration. Let’s explore the many ways they benefit early childhood development.

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1. Boosts Fine Motor Skills

Scooping, pouring, pinching, and sifting are all movements that strengthen the small muscles in a child’s hands and fingers. These skills are essential for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and tying shoelaces later on.

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2. Encourages Scientific Thinking

Children naturally experiment while playing. They notice how objects sink or float, measure and compare quantities, and observe textures. Every sensory table session can be a mini science lab without them even realizing it.

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3. Promotes Language Development

Sensory play is rich with descriptive vocabulary: smooth, rough, squishy, soft, heavy, light. As children explore, you can introduce new words, ask open-ended questions, and encourage them to describe what they feel and see.

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4. Supports Emotional Regulation

The soothing nature of repetitive actions — such as pouring sand or swirling water — can help children calm down and self-regulate. Sensory tables are a safe space for them to explore emotions and find comfort in play.

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5. Encourages Cooperative Play

When several children gather around a sensory table, they learn to take turns, share tools, and work together. These social interactions build empathy and communication skills.

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6. Adaptable to Any Theme or Season

Sensory table fillers can change with the seasons or learning themes. In autumn, you might use dried corn kernels and small gourds; in summer, seashells and water. This flexibility keeps the activity fresh and engaging.

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Tips for Choosing Sensory Table Fillers

• Opt for safe, non-toxic materials.

• Consider allergies, ease of cleaning and storage.

• Consider age appropriateness — avoid small items for toddlers who still mouth objects.

• Rotate fillers regularly to maintain interest.

• Add tools like scoops, funnels, and sieves to extend play possibilities.

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15 Everyday Items You Can Use as Sensory Table Fillers

(Montessori-Inspired Play Ideas from The Home Learning Nest)

Sensory tables invite children to touch, scoop, pour, and explore — all while strengthening fine motor skills, building vocabulary, and encouraging imaginative play. The best part? You don’t need expensive materials to set one up. Many perfect sensory fillers are already in your kitchen cupboards, bathroom shelves, or backyard.

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1. Rice

How to use: Offer cups, scoops, funnels, and small containers for pouring and transferring. Hide small toys for a “treasure hunt.”
Benefits: Strengthens fine motor control, introduces measurement concepts, and promotes sensory vocabulary (“smooth,” “grainy”).

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2. Dry Pasta

How to use: Sort by shape or color, thread pasta onto string, or scoop and pour.
Benefits: Builds hand-eye coordination, pattern recognition, and pincer grasp.

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3. Beans or Lentils

How to use: Mix varieties for texture contrast, scoop into containers, or sort by size.
Benefits: Encourages tactile discrimination and develops counting and sorting skills.

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4. Water

How to use: Add cups, sponges, funnels, or floating toys; experiment with warm vs. cold water.
Benefits: Teaches concepts like sinking/floating, volume, and temperature; calming for emotional regulation.

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5. Sand

How to use: Dig with scoops, create shapes with molds, or bury “treasures” for discovery.
Benefits: Improves hand strength, creativity, and problem-solving.

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6. Oats

How to use: Pretend cooking play, mix with small farm animals, or scoop and pour.
Benefits: Soothing texture for sensory regulation, encourages imaginative storytelling.

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7. Ice Cubes

How to use: Add to water play, use tongs to transfer, or freeze small objects inside for excavation.
Benefits: Teaches cause and effect (melting), builds fine motor skills with cold handling.

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8. Cotton Balls

How to use: Pretend snow play, color sorting, or use tweezers for picking up.
Benefits: Strengthens grasp control, promotes color recognition.

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9. Pom-Poms

How to use: Scoop with spoons, sort by size, or toss into cups.
Benefits: Develops sorting, categorizing, and gentle handling skills.

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10. Nature Finds

How to use: Arrange leaves, pebbles, pinecones, and shells in patterns or sensory trails.
Benefits: Connects children to nature, introduces seasonal vocabulary, and encourages observation skills.

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11. Birdseed

How to use: Scoop into containers, pour through funnels, or hide small figurines.
Benefits: Strengthens fine motor skills, promotes sensory discrimination with mixed textures.

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12. Shredded Paper

How to use: Hide small toys for a scavenger hunt or use in themed pretend play (e.g., “nest” building).
Benefits: Promotes imaginative play, encourages problem-solving.

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13. Cornmeal or Flour

How to use: Draw shapes or letters with fingers, scoop into molds, or sift through a sieve.
Benefits: Supports early writing skills, enhances tactile sensitivity.

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14. Buttons (supervise closely)

How to use: Sort by color or size, count, or create patterns.
Benefits: Builds sorting and sequencing skills, visual discrimination.

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15. Small Fabric Scraps

How to use: Sort by texture, color, or size; pretend play with “clothing” for dolls.
Benefits: Enhances tactile awareness, teaches descriptive vocabulary (“silky,” “rough”).

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Final Thought

Sensory tables are more than just messy fun. The fillers you choose can nurture a child’s physical, cognitive, language, and emotional growth. Whether you’re a parent or educator, incorporating sensory play into your routine is a joyful way to support early learning — and with these 15 easy, affordable fillers, you can start today.

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If you’ve enjoyed this post and want to dive deeper into creating a nurturing, Montessori-aligned learning environment at home, my book Teach from the Heart – A Parent’s Guide to Home Learning is the perfect next step. It’s packed with practical tips, step-by-step activities, and easy-to-follow guidance for parents of nursery and primary children. Get your copy today on Selar or Selfany. Don’t forget to like, follow, and connect with me on social media for more home learning inspiration: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube. Let’s keep learning, growing, and teaching from the heart—together!