7 Montessori games to help shy children blossom

Shy children can sometimes find it difficult to interact with others and express their emotions. Montessori pedagogy offers a unique approach to helping these children develop self-confidence and social skills through specific games and educational activities. Here are 7 Montessori games for shy children:

1. Color boxes

Learning to recognize colors is essential for young children, and this Montessori game can be a great way for shy children to improve their communication skills and self-confidence. Visit color boxes contain several shades of each color, enabling the child to identify and classify them by hue.

How to use the color boxes

First, introduce the child to the first color box, which usually contains primary color pairs. Let him manipulate the different objects and associate the colors with each other. Then encourage him to name the colors out loud, which will help him gain confidence in his ability to communicate.

2. Playing with geometric shapes

This Montessori game aims to teach children about different geometric shapes while stimulating their creativity and fine motor skills. It is particularly suitable for shy children, as it enables them to concentrate on a specific task while expressing their creativity.

How to use the geometric shapes game

Introduce the child to the different game pieces and let him explore the shapes and colors freely. Then encourage them to create pictures or patterns using the game pieces, giving them a chance to express themselves without needing to speak.

3. The silence game

Visit silence game is a Montessori activity that encourages children to develop concentration and self-control. Shy children may find this exercise reassuring, as they don't need to talk or interact with others during the activity.

How to set up the silence game

Set up a quiet, comfortable space in the room where children can relax and concentrate. Explain that they will try to remain silent for a short period of time, then invite them to close their eyes and concentrate on their breathing. When the time is up, congratulate the children on their concentration and discuss the experience together.

4. The pink tower and brown staircase

The pink tower and the brown staircase are two Montessori games that help children develop their fine motor skills and visual-spatial coordination. By manipulating the different-sized blocks, shy children can gain confidence and learn to work independently.

How to use the pink tower and brown staircase

Present each set separately to the child and let him explore the different rooms freely. Then encourage him to stack the blocks of the pink tower in order of size and sort the rungs of the brown staircase by length. At the end of the exercise, congratulate the child on his efforts and discuss his successes.

5. Sorting objects

Sorting objects is a simple but effective Montessori exercise for developing concentration and logic in children. By classifying various objects according to their characteristics, shy children can boost their self-confidence while improving their observation and reasoning skills.

How to set up object sorting

Choose several objects of different sizes, shapes and colors and invite the child to sort them according to different criteria (size, color, material, etc.). Encourage him to explain his choices and justify his decisions, which will help him develop his communication skills.

6. Rough letters

Rough letters are a Montessori tool designed to teach writing to children in a sensory way. By tracing the letters with their fingers, shy children can familiarize themselves with letter shapes while developing their fine motor skills.

How to use rough letters

Introduce the child to the different rough letters and invite him to touch and explore them. Then encourage him to trace the letters with his finger, following the correct writing motion. Once he's mastered this skill, invite him to write the letters on paper or an erasable board.

7. Montessori gardening

Gardening is a practical activity that helps shy children develop self-confidence while learning to care for plants and nature. By growing their own vegetables, fruit or flowers, they boost their sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.

How to start Montessori gardening

Set up a small corner of the garden where children can plant and care for their own plants. Provide them with tools adapted to their size, and guide them through the various stages of planting and caring for plants. Encourage them to observe changes and growth cycles, enriching their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

All in all, Montessori games offer many opportunities to help shy children gain confidence and develop their social skills. By adapting these activities to the specific needs of each child, it is possible to provide them with an adapted and caring learning environment. Find all the games you need in our boutique.