Montessori Ikea Hacks

part 1 of 3

Preparing a Montessori space for toddlers may take some extra time and planning, but it doesn’t have to be complex or expensive! In this blogpost I have explained the Ikea hacks I used when preparing 5 different areas of my classroom, along with links and lots of photos.

1.Easel

This easel allows the toddler to explore their own artistic creativity. I find that toddlers are interested in painting almost as soon as they can walk from around 14/16 months old! Of course it’s important to use washable paint (like the ones sold by Ikea) and have a washrag or little mop nearby to clean up any messes. 🙂

Instructions | I used a hacksaw to cut the legs by 17cm and sanded the edges.
I also dded a plastic hook to the side from which to hang the child’s apron. Clips hold pre-cut pieces of paper from the top of the easel. A bucket to the side holds extra pieces of paper. I have also added some art to the wall at the child’s level to beautify the space.

• MALA drawing paper 3,99
• MALA tripod 17,99
• KRYDDNEJLIKA kids apron 4,99
• MALA paint 6,99
• VANKIVA frames 2,49

2.Table and Chairs

These tables can be used in the play area for concentrating on activity or in the kitchen as a snack table. I have also seen them used as sensory tables and dollhouse tables. Toddlers LOVE having their own place to sit and work or eat. It’s something so simple, yet so important for them.

Instructions | Shorten the table so that it stands at a comfortable height for toddlers (38cm). Also shorten the chairs by 7cm. It’s slightly time-consuming, but very doable to make these with a simple hand saw and some sand paper-and it’s very worth it!

• LÄTT children’s table and 2 chairs 19,99

3.Self Care Area

The self care area is a place where toddlers can go to brush their teeth, comb their hair, wipe their nose, put on sunscreen, etc..

Instructions | At home you might add a self care area to the bathroom or changing area to support independence and collaboration. I also added some hats and a basket of sunglasses for the children to try on. Notice that the chair is the same as the one from the toddler table in IKEA hack #2.

• TINIUS stool 29,99
• IKORNNES table mirror 19,99
• LJUSNAN baskets 5,99

4.Reading Nook (relaxation corner)

This is a quiet area in my classroom where toddlers and babies can go to read, watch the aquarium, play music, and relax.

Instructions | I made this new cover and pillow to make the chair more inviting and beautiful. Also the Ikea chair cover is not washable (be careful!). While assembling the bead tracker, I added only one bead to each track in order to give the activity a clearer purpose: transferring beads from one side to the other. The extra beads are perfect for a threading material.

• MOSSLANDA picture shelf 4,99
• BESTÅ TV shelf 20,00
• POÄNG children’s chair 19,99
• MULA bead track 9,99

5. Newborn Movement Area

From DAY 1 we can start to offer freedom of movement. This movement area is a place where non-walking babies from 0-6 months can observe their movements and the world around them through the mirror. Visual mobiles hang within Baby’s range of sight and move naturally with the air in the room.

Instructions | Mount the mirror to the wall for safety. You can also secure the back with duct tape if the mirror is made from glass rather than acrylic glass. Attach the hanger to the wall and use a string to tie the mobile and adjust its height. On the mattress you can also put a fitted sheet for easy cleaning.

• Mirror (alternative to mirror in photo) 49,99
• VÅRELD quilt 34,99
• PELLEPLUTT foam mattress 21,99
• LEN mattress protector 5,99
• PERSHULT hanger (for visual mobiles) 3,50

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Thank you for reading! I hope you found this post interesting and helpful! I plan to make 2 more of these posts soon. Feel free to leave a comment or suggestion below if there is something more you would like me to include next time!

~ Katelynn