Montessori-inspired Learning at Home
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We are probably never going to be the family that has a floor bed, but I love adding in little ways to teach our toddler independence. This kitchen drawer is an easy way to do it. Pro tip: introduce it for the first time when they ask for a snack. This way you can tell them to get a spoon and bowl or whatever is needed for that snack. If they know it’s where their dishes are and that those dishes are used for snacktime or mealtime, then they’re less likely to want to play in the drawer (empty it out 12 times a day).
This has been a hit in our house so far. Watch our YouTube Short to see how I pulled it together!
I used these clear drawer organizers from the Container Store to separate out items. Here’s what’s in our drawer:
Placemats with spaces for plate, flatware, and cup
The MVPs
Before I start off on the basics, these no-spill pouch toppers are nothing short of brilliant. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve repurchased them.
I’m trying out these water bottle converters next.
Flatware
We love these tiny spoons by ezpz and have used them for ages. He’s just aging out of them. These are a fun introduction into flatware kids can grip easily. We use flatware from Cutelery and these most often.
Plates, cups, and bowls
I scooped these alphabet plates, cups, and bowls from Target a year or so ago. I wish I could link them, but they’re sold out. Here are some similar plates. These are really similar – in a black and white alphabet design.
The sectioned plates we have and love are by Aegi (the bowls are, too, and come with lids – brilliant. We use them ALL the time on the go and at home) and WeeSprout. We also love the silicone tiny cup, especially for littles who are just learning.
I haven’t tried these, but they seem super practical (and not plastic) for on-the-go. Here are some cute bento box organizers to fit blueberries and other tiny items.
Sippy cups
The Thinkbaby stainless steel cups are the best. They are sold out everywhere right now. You can buy the bottle and the sippy cup transition set separately though.
This silicone one by Mushie is also fantastic. We use it often.
We have these by Munchkin and they’re a staple I feel like. I’ve just bought them in stainless steel to swap them out since these and the regular Camelbaks are our last plastic items in the kitchen just about. As a new mom, it took me forever to figure out how kids use them, but they really do know how to do it – and they don’t spill as much as others can.
I love the stainless steel sippy cup and straw sets by Elk and Friends. We have SO many. They are sold out, but sign up for their newsletter in case they restock.
Snack storage
We use these 24/7. Love them – and they have fun animal designs. I finally caved and grabbed these silicone snack cups to replace our plastic Munchkin ones. My fingers are crossed that the sides don’t collapse. That’s been my one hesitation in making this switch.
Happy organizing!
