Montessori Homeschool Materials for Homeschooling Moms

Homeschooling can be the most enjoyable experience that you have with your kids, but it can also be incredibly difficult to stay organized and prepared for your lessons and activities. In this post, I will share the Montessori homeschool materials and tools that I use on a regular basis for our learning projects and why I find them helpful. Some of these are fairly inexpensive, whereas others are more of an investment.

After you’ve finished taking a look at this list, get started on your first Montessori DIY project using one of my free printable downloads, such as Montessori Number Rods, or Color Nomenclature Cards.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Laminator

In the Montessori world of “natural materials,” plastic lamination may not sound like it fits the mold. However, many Montessori-inspired projects use paper, and if you want your learning materials to last, a laminator is the way to go. I use my Fellowes Saturn 3i 95 Laminator for most of my paper projects, you can find it here: Amazon Fellowes Laminator Saturn 3i & Amazon Fellowes 5mm Clear Lamination Sheets.

2. Paper Cutter

Paper cutters are fairly inexpensive and easy to get your hands on. They come in a range of sizes and prices. I recommend using one that has a replaceable blade, so you can change it out when it gets dull without having to buy a whole new one. Again, I use this every time I am making something with paper and need a nice clean cut that scissors just can’t give me, a definitely must have montessori homeschool tool This Fiskars Surecut Deluxe Paper Trimmer is a great choice, you can find it here: Amazon Fiskars Surecut Deluxe Trimmer .

3. Mason Jars

I use mason jars in all sizes for storing just about anything. I love mason jars. Marbles for the marble run? Grab a pint-size jar. Dyed macaroni for projects? Grab a half-gallon jar. They keep small craft items such as beads, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners, organized and easy to access. The screw top lids can keep little hands out. An additional bonus is that they fall in line with the “natural materials” theme that Montessori learning uses.

I always recommend starting with wide-mouth jars: Amazon Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars 32 oz

4. Cricut Explore

The Cricut Explore is one of those tools that was an investment. This machine cuts any shape, any size, in any quantity needed from a variety of materials such as wood, vinyl, felt, paper, card stock, and much, much more. I use my Cricut machine for special projects that need details that are too time-consuming or difficult to do by hand. While this is the most expensive tool on this list, it’s worth the investment due to the time it saves me while also giving me a quality end product.

You can find it here: Amazon Cricut Explore Machine

5. Baskets & Wooden Trays

Sticking with the “natural materials” theme, next on the list we have baskets and wooden trays. Woven baskets and wooden trays can serve so many purposes in the Montessori homeschool setting. Grab one to store learning materials on the shelf, use it to hold manipulatives, or for presenting new information or items. I use baskets and trays in a variety of sizes, from 8-inch round to larger rectangular trays. The great thing is you can find these at thrift stores, or re-purpose ones you have lying around the house.

You can find some great ones here: Amazon Round Wicker Baskets

6. Mod Podge, Hot Glue Gun, Elmer’s Glue, Glue Sticks, Scotch Tape, Masking Tape, Spray Adhesive… ADHESIVES, ADHESIVES, ADHESIVES

There is nothing worse than not having an adhesive on hand when you need one. I always try to keep plenty on hand for DIY learning materials and arts and crafts projects. I love to use Mod Podge for added durability (like the cardboard cash register we made), hot glue guns for something that needs to be sturdy and tough (like our DIY Halloween robot costumes), tape for fun in-the-moment activities (like DIY marble runs or cardboard racetracks). Long story short, adhesives are one of those things you should have an assortment of and keep plenty of on hand.

Find my favorites here: Amazon Mod Podge, Amazon Scotch Tape , Amazon Masking Tape , Amazon Elmers Spray Adhesive , Amazon Elmers School Glue , Amazon Elmers Glue Sticks

7. Colored Construction Paper

Making Montessori learning materials from scratch requires a LOT of colored construction paper, in a variety of colors. Luckily, you can buy a rather large pack with all the colors of the rainbow for pretty cheap. Many Montessori learning materials use colors to categorize and organize information (like my DIY Montessori Continent Folders). Buy a pack, then grab one more, because you WILL use it up!

This is a great option: Amazon Crayola Construction Paper

8. A Good Quality Printer

Okay, so this one might be a bit obvious, and most of us have a printer available to use, however, you would be surprised about how many printers are not capable of printing on white cardstock. This feature alone is so important when making Montessori learning materials. Using cardstock instead of regular printer paper creates durable, long-lasting items that can be used again and again and again. Do yourself a favor and make sure your printer supports the use of cardstock paper. I use the Epson ET-2800 and I couldn’t be happier with it.

You can find it here: Amazon Epson Eco-Tank

9. Zip Ties – Clear, Black, White

It has been so long since I have written this post (hence 8, not 9 items!) so I have to admit that as time goes on, I realize extra necessities come in handy. Zip Ties are so helpful whether you are organizing an actual room and neeed to place labels, to organizing individual student’s items, fixing stems in the outdoor garden, or using them to build a tunnel… Your child will be thankful you have the zip ties on hand!

And there you have it, my top 8 tools and materials I use in our Montessori homeschool environment. Do you have any favorites that aren’t on this list? Share them with me in the comments below, I’d love to hear what you’re working with!

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