I’m a huge Montessori fan
I voted that we have specific Montessori materials and use them often. I also needed to vote for “my child is enrolled in a Montessori school and we do NOT do additional Montessori activities at home”. With my 4 year old, I did some sensorial and early math and language (phonics) works the year before primary (3-6) and found the materials to be redundant after school started. I actually gave away most of the sensorial works to a homeschooling friend. I kept a few for my 1 year old. Some, I’d rather her just wait and experience at school only.
Concepts and materials we use (or did use) with my 14 month old:
0-4 months
Movement mat with various mobiles, including a gobbi mobile (found on etsy, mobiles talked about in the book “Montessori from the start”), a wooden ring on a string and a bell on a string for emerging motor activity
Floor bed. We partially co-sleep, but she also has a Montessori floor bed, which for us is just a mattress on the floor next to our bed. The room is baby proof and a few select activities are available fir her to crawl to.
Weaning table and chair. We just got her a youth (or “independence”) chair. I have mixed feelings about the weaning table (an infant sized table and chair designed so the child can get in and out independently). Her motor skills have no doubt been improved from the use of it. It did always feel like she was off in a corner eating by herself though. (she never minded).
Youth chair. A highchair without a tray that has a step so the child can get in and out of it independently. My daughter’s gross motor skills are not where she can use it completely independently, and I use a safety strap if I am not sitting right next to her. We plan to take that off as soon as possible. We used a youth chair from about 20 months with my oldest and LOVED it.
Fine motor/toddler materials
“5 baby toys” from pink house on Etsy, small manipulatives. I really loved them, though I think we probably couldn’t have gotten some parts cheaper. I would buy them again though as a set.
Imbucare box
Designed to introduce/enhance object permanance. I took a few videos at different ages with her use of this and it was quite interesting to see her varying reactions. Very fun and worthwhile purchase.
Various other toddler materials. Really, about 90% of the toys my youngest has access to are Montessori toddler materials. And I do think her fine motor skills are advanced for her age.
We also used only clear glass dishes from 7 months (when we started solids) on with her. She had a shot glass sized cup (bought from “For Small Hands”, mentioned above). She is fairly proficient with a cup now and just turned 14 months.
In general, the way our house is set up is very “Montessori”. The children have access to their clothing, which has been chosen to aid in independence. There are hooks by the door for jackets, and a bench with shoe storage to aid in independent dressing. A very small chair for my 1 year old to sit and change clothes, which she’s attempted to help with since 7 months. The children’s dishes are on a low shelf, we have snacks low for easy access, a small juice pitcher in the fridge. Appropriate cleaning equipment (working broom, mop, dustpan, etc.) A moistened sponge and crumber for cleaning up independently after meals, etc.
For my 4 year old, who attends a Montessori school, we don’t do any other specific Montessori primary activities at home. We do other things, and I just try to pick non-conflicting things. I haven’t yet decided about math. I’ll be very interested to hear if anyone uses Montessori math AND something else. Especially touchpoint math, as at some point I’d like to teach the concept (my mom taught me as a kid and I found it invaluable).