Montessori ideas to learn about night time and play in the dark!
Nov 10, 2021 - Montessori - By Carine Robin
With the hours of day light shorter and the darker winter months ahead, it becomes less appealing to go outside. Some children might be frightened by the night.
Let me share with you some activities to learn about night time, play outside even if it's dark and some indoor activities that are perfect for this time of the year.
Learn about Night time with those Montessori friendly activities:
Learn about the constellations and spot the stars in the night sky
Download a star count activity pack from CPRE association.
Our very popular Space box will be back in 2024!
Are you looking for Montessori activities for your child, but you don't have time to make three-part cards and search for printables?
Are you unsure what activities are appropriate? How best to present them to your child?
The Montessori Family box is a monthly subscription box for children aged 3 to 6, delivering Montessori activities directly to your door.
No more searching, printing and laminating!
LEARN MOREInvest in a good telescope
I am still searching for the perfect one. Recommendations welcome!
Observe the moon
Observe the moon and learn about the moon cycle. Record the moon cycle every day for 28 days.
Learn about nocturnal animals
three-part cards and control card! You will then receive our regular newsletter
Go for a walk
Go for a walk with a lamp torch and teach your child how to assemble and dissemble the torch.
Here are my recommendations for torches:
Melissa and Doug Torch/flashlight
A very big and safe one.
Brainstorm space torch
More a fun projector than a light. There is also "animals", dinosaurs and many other brands do similar torches.
Hape wooden flashlight
Hand charged, made from Bamboo.
Play hide and seek in the dark
It's best to play that game in your garden or even in the house with the lights dimmed to the minimum. Give a torch to your child and have one yourself. Keep the game short to help your child to get used to the darkness.
Roast marshmallows
if you have a fire pit, roast marshmallows and enjoy the night sky.
Use glow in the dark chalk
Use glow in the dark chalk to draw outside. Hard to find but you can make your own!
Paint some pebbles
Paint some pebbles with glow in the dark paint and hide them in the neighborhood
Make shadows
Remember when you were making shadows with your hands? Here are some ideas:
Make a shadow puppet theater: Great how to + printable templates or buy it ready-made (we had one about the Little Red Hood)
Roll some beeswax candles
Decorate some candles and candle holders
Glow in the dark sticks
Use glow in the dark sticks for a dance party in the dark, a bath in the dark, a treasure hunt in the dark (glow sticks showing the cues)
Books
If your child is afraid of the dark, see our books recommendations here.
Sleeping corner
Create a cosy reading nook with fairy lights
Sleepover
Organise a sleepover in the living room with an early movie night
Have you tried any of these ideas? Share yours in the comments!
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About the Author: Carine Robin is a qualified and experienced Montessori teacher and founder of The Montessori Family. With over 15 years of experience, Carine offers a blend of professional insight and personal understanding as a mother of two and qualified child psychologist. Inspired by the success of her Montessori subscription box, she created The Montessori Family to provide a comprehensive resource for parents and teachers globally. This platform aims to support child growth and well-being through curated educational activities. Additionally, Carine maintains the UK's most popular Montessori blog and administers the largest Montessori UK Facebook group, making her a central figure in the Montessori community.
