Let’s continue our Montessori activities series with Montessori activities at 6 to 9 months.
What is the child working to master at this age?
It’s important to know what the baby is working to master at this age so we can provide appropriate activities to help them develop in these areas.
Much as the baby from 3 to 6 months, the primary focuses for this age group are:
1. Language Continue to talk, sing and respond to the babies’ sounds and language attempts. Continue to build the basis of conversation by responding to them with their sounds and smiles.
2. Movement At 6 to 9 months babies can start to roll, slither and some will bring themselves to sit and/or crawl. Having lots of time for free movement and interesting objects that are safe to explore (like a basket of soft balls) will encourage such movement. Also, remember to be encouraging of movement and create safe spaces so they don’t get scared to explore when we say “be careful” all the time.
3. Hand-eye coordination Around 8 months, some babies will start to clap their hands and wave. They bring objects to their mouth to explore (still the most sensitive part of their body). And they are exploring cause and effect, for example, if I move this toy it makes a sound. They may use two hands to hold things, one hand, or transfer from one hand to another. Their grasp may becoming more refined and still use the base of their palm to pick things up.
4. Aural development (hearing) Singing, rattles and objects with bells are all interesting as their aural development continues. Provide a variety of musical instruments to shake and bang, and music to listen to (with moments for silence too).
The Montessori Shelfie at 6 to 9 months
- Galt pop-up toy – young babies love to remove the pegs (and great for teething on). Then one day the pegs go back into the holes – like a first puzzle.
- 3-size circle puzzle (similar here) – a circle is the easiest shape for a puzzle as there are no corners. At this age, the baby works on their grasp to remove the pieces and we can help replace them so they can repeat.
- Use the base of a stacking toy and find some wooden rings – this is a first threading activity. First the baby masters removing them from the stick; then will be able to get the rings back on. Vary the size of the rings depending on the difficulty.
- Spinning drum (this one from MontiKids as part of their subscription, similar here) – this has been one of the favourite toys in our baby class. A child who has learned to sit enjoys to make the drum turn and the soothing balls inside invite further exploration. Toddler still enjoy to come back to it too.
- Egg and cup (this set a gift from Sarah Moudry at Studio June) – this is a lovely first puzzle and the size of the egg fits nicely in the baby’s palm or grasp with all fingers.
- Ball posting with tray (object permanence box, similar here) – this activity looks simple but has so many opportunities for a baby to practice releasing a ball, getting it into the hole, seeing the ball come back, and learning all about object permanence.
Next to the shelf you’ll also see:
- Ball tracker by TAG toys – babies can track the ball across their midline and they’ll soon be pulling up to stand to post the ball as well.
- A basket of soft balls – great for young babies to reach for, crawl after, practice their hand-eye coordination and manipulate with their hands.
It’s so lovely to share all my favourites for each age group.
- 3 – 6 months
- 6 – 9 months
- 9 – 12 months
- 12-15 months
- 15 – 18 months
- 18 – 21 months
- 21-24 months
- 2 years – 2 years 3 months
Check back for more activities by age coming soon. Also, don’t forget I put together this free 42-page download for you of Montessori activities by age (0 to 4 years).