I remember being so excited with the first Montessori-inspired, DIY posting activity I put together for Asher when he was 11 months old. It was a simple activity made up of an empty bottle and colored craft sticks, but he was so engaged with it. Flash forward a couple of years and as I’ve learned more and more about the benefits of posting activities, we’ve tried out some other DIY options and invested in some wooden posting toys.
Posting can help with fine motor development and visual spatial awareness. These are important skills that eventually translate into pre-writing and writing activities. Posting can also help to develop an understanding of object permanence. Both Asher and Aiden started showing interest in posting activities around 10 months. At 14 months, Aiden initiates posting activities on his own daily (and even makes up his own!) Here are some of the Montessori-inspired posting activities and toys my boys have loved as babies and toddlers-
DIY Posting Activities
Pom-Poms in Wipes Container
I used pom-poms for this just because it’s what I had on hand, but I’ve seen many other possibilities for this!
Craft Sticks in Plastic Bottle
This is the first posting activity I ever created for my oldest. He tried it around 12 months and gained confidence the more he worked with it. Dumping the sticks out at the end has been a favorite for both of my boys!
Paper Straws in Large Spice Container
I love that this DIY work offers three different levels based on fine motor development- 1. With the lid completely removed. 2- With the lid on the spice bottle and the large “pour” side of the lid opened. 3- With the lid on the spice bottle and the “sprinkle” side of the lid opened. The sprinkle holes are just large enough for the paper straws to go through.
Marbles or Pebbles in Box
For this one, I cut a hole in the top of a cardboard gift box and included some little glass pebbles from the craft store.
Card Stock Cut-Outs in Oatmeal Box
This posting activity can be adapted to fit different themes and/or holidays! I shared this version of it on Instagram awhile ago. Aiden first tried this around 10 months.
Posting Toys
I love DIYs (and our budget loves them too), but here are a few toys and products that incorporate fine motor “posting” skills that my boys have also loved.
one | Object Permanence Box– We have this and it has been one of the absolute favorite toys starting around 6-8 months.
two | Montessori Coin Box– Another Montessori-inspired classic that my boys love.
three | Shape Sorter Box– We have a similar one. There are tons of options on Amazon!
four | Dump Truck Shape Sorter– This one was recently gifted to Aiden. He can’t post the shapes yet, but he and Asher have both enjoyed playing with it.
five |Sorting Box for Toddlers– We don’t have this one but I think it looks awesome for older toddlers!
six | Wooden Connect 4– On my list for Asher and eventually for the boys to be able to do together.
More Posting Ideas
There are SO many amazing DIY posting ideas out there! Here are just a few others that are worth checking out-
Posting Play with Lets Play Little One
Birthday Candles Posting with Tot Time Blog
Posting, Pushing, and Threading with How We Montessori
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Jami says
My little boy is 9 months old. These activities will be so fun for him. I LOVE how simple and cheap they are 🙂
KMenko says
Oh I’m so glad! I love the simple activities for babies. What seems so simple to us is usually so engaging for them. Hope he enjoys them!
Jenn ~ onehoppymomma says
Fine motor skills are so important. Glad we can find ways to work on them that is fun and doesn’t break the bank.
KMenko says
I agree! I love that there are simple, budget-friendly ways to work on these skills!
Lydia says
I love these ideas thank you for sharing!
KMenko says
Thanks for checking them out!
Amber Dunn says
These are great posting ideas! Baby Girl will love trying some of these.
KMenko says
Oh, good! I’m glad they were helpful!