25 Simple Montessori Activities for 18-Month-Olds to Build Independence

Lately I’ve been reading more and more about Montessori education. The idea of encouraging toddlers to be independent through small, everyday tasks resonated with me deeply.

It wasn’t about buying fancy toys – thought I admit I do induldge my toddler sometimes – neither was it about setting up complicated activities—it was about empowering my little one to take part in life.

At 18 months, toddlers are at an amazing age. They’re curious, eager to “help”, and bursting with a desire to explore the world around them. This is the perfect time to start giving them small responsibilities that build confidence, develop motor skills, and, honestly, give us parents a moment to breathe.

Here are some Montessori-inspired activities for 18-month olds I’ve tried (or plan to try) with my toddler to build independence—and some real-life notes on what works and what doesn’t.

Practical Montessori Activities for 18-Month-Olds

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Montessori philosophy is big on practical life skills—think of tasks that toddlers see us doing every day. These simple activities make them feel capable and included.

1. Using a Small Broom to Sweep

One of the first things I introduced was sweeping. I wish I’d bought a small child-sized broom – nope my toddler used the big one -, and we just swept around without any goal. Next step will be to get stuff into the dustpan.

Tip: Start with one area to sweep—like under the dining table—and guide them gently. It’s less about perfection and more about learning coordination and responsibility.

2. Carrying Their Own Snack Plate

My aunt is a kindergarten teacher and she told me her 1-year olds carry their plate to the table. This got me really inspired so now I give Luca his plate to put on the chair next to the table, as well as his spoon.

I even let him carry my breakable plate sometimes. I always worry he falls and am ready to interfere. He never has so far and I am really proud.

I never thought handing over a snack plate could feel so monumental, but here we are.

3. Helping Empty the Dishwasher

This is a favorite in our house. I assign Luca the “safe” items, like plastic cups and utensils, and he hands them to me one by one. It’s great for sorting skills and makes him feel like a tiny kitchen assistant. He absolutely loves the dishwasher.

At the end he closes it and says “zu” (German word for close).

4. Washing Hands with a Learning Tower

If you don’t have a learning tower, it’s a game-changer! It lets toddlers reach the sink safely.Or the table when you cook. It’s my number one item I’d recommend for kids over 1 year.

We made handwashing into a step-by-step activity: turn on the water, rinse, and dry. Sure, it’s messy at first, but it’s worth it. They even gave a free thingy for the sink so the water flows further.

5. Tidying Up Toys

Something we try to do together every night before going to bed. (I think that’s a good habit to start young. Btw what are some habits you’d like to teach your toddler?)

We turned tidying into a game by sorting toys into baskets. Next I want to add pictures to the bins—blocks, cars, stuffed animals—so Luca knows where things go.Thought so far it seems he doesn’t need it. Does it happen perfectly every time? Nope. Sometimes he untidies.

Looking for more hands-on activities? Explore these DIY Sensory Activities for Toddlers. And if you want to keep the mess to a minimum? Check out these Mess-Free Sensory Play Ideas.

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Self-Care Montessori-Inspired Activities

Helping toddlers care for themselves is key to fostering independence.

6. Brushing Hair and Teeth

I let Luca brush his own hair and teeth first, then step in to finish up. A toddler-sized brush makes it easier for little hands to manage.

Also the brushes are just a lot softer. I have a toothbrush by Jordan 0-2 years. I tried so many different brands. Some lose the bristles, some are too hard. My toddler likes these a lot and when he was younger he used the end to bite on. And for his hair I have a baby goat hair brush and a comb.

7. Applying Cream (to his Legs)

He got a toddler eczema, which is apparently really common so I had to apply a lot of cream. He suddenly started to do it himself.

This one started as an adorable little accident and quickly turned into a regular part of our bedtime routine. Giving your little one their own dollop of cream to rub onto their legs not only builds independence but also works on those fine motor skills and body awareness.

At first, my toddler smeared lotion everywhere on me (maybe I looked like I needed it). But after a few tries—and a lot of giggles—he got the hang of it. Now he just occasionally tries to apply toothpaste on my face.

Looking for seasonal inspiration? Don’t miss these Winter-Themed Montessori Activities.

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Household Chores Toddlers Can Help With

Toddlers love mimicking what we do, so why not let them pitch in?

8. Watering Plants

I handed Luca a small watering can – he still grabs the big one -, and he happily watered (read: overwatered) our plants. Supervision is key here, but it’s a great way to teach them about nurturing living things.

9. Helping with Laundry

Luca loves pulling clothes out of the dryer and handing them to me. We’ve also turned sock-sorting into a fun matching game.

10. Wiping the Table

Luca loves wiping the table after he has eaten.

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Eating and Mealtime Montessori-Inspired Activities

Mealtimes are a great opportunity for toddlers to practice independence.

11. Eating with a Spoon and Fork

I bought toddler-friendly utensils with rounded edges and smaller sizes. We started with easier-to-scoop foods like mashed potatoes, and he’s slowly becoming a pro.

12. Peeling and Eating Foods

Peeling mandarins or opening small snack wrappers (with supervision) gives toddlers a sense of achievement—and snacks as a reward!

My toddler helped me peel a piece of garlic – and took a bite lol – but the garlic was perfectly peeled.

Peeling a banana is a skill we’re working on, too. I start by peeling it halfway and letting him finish. It’s great for fine motor skills, and honestly, he loves bananas.

13. Drinking from Their Own Cup

We’ve been practicing with a small open cup, since he was less than 1. There were spills (a lot of spills), but over time, Luca’s coordination improved. Pro-tip: start with just a tiny bit of water to minimize messes.

Now he uses a small to medium size glass cup with 0 spills.

14. Helping wash food

I also let him help we was veggies and rice sometimes.

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Activities to Introduce Next

Here are a couple of activities I’m planning to introduce soon:

15. Planting Seeds

I’ll set up a small pot with soil, seeds, and water and let Luca plant his first flower or herb. It’s a fun way to teach patience and care.

16. Learning to Dress Themselves

Starting with easy tasks like pulling on socks or slipping into loose pants will give him a head start on dressing. He does take of his socks so far.

17. Baking Together

Involving my son in simple baking tasks like stirring batter, pouring ingredients, or using cookie cutters. This promotes fine motor skills.

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What Doesn’t Work So Well Yet

Not everything has been smooth sailing. Potty training, for example, has been a process. While Luca doesn’t mind sitting on it, I am a horrible judge of timing—and that’s okay! We’ll get there.

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More Ideas for Independence

If you’re looking for more ways to foster independence, try these:

18. Setting the table with lightweight plates and utensils.
19. Feeding pets (like scooping kibble into bowls).
20. Stacking or organizing books on a shelf.
21. Putting away groceries (e.g., lightweight items on low shelves).
22. Putting shoes in a designated spot near the door.
23. Cleaning their face with a small washcloth after meals.
24. Learning to blow their nose with a tissue.
25. Putting away their pajamas or clothes in a drawer.