Montessori Inspired Art Trays for Toddler

The first marks children make on paper are purely experimental – often incidental! As they notice the effect, they repeat and gradually master control of their creative media, and from there a whole new world of communication begins to open up. Drawing and painting (however primitive in form) are their picture language.

Mia loves art work and can sit for long periods of time to create her vision. Because of her age, Mia isn’t quite ready for a free range of art supplies. Instead, I prepare work for her in a tray and it works much better. There is no perfect outcome or expectation and the creative possibilities are endless.

So, here are 7 Montessori inspired art trays. We always have two trays out for Mia and I rotate them according to her interest.
2. Collage (for this you will need a glue & collage paper).
3. Chalk and chalkboard.
5. Animals stickers.
Does your toddler like art?
L xoxo

28 responses to “Montessori Inspired Art Trays for Toddler”

  1. Lauren | also known as mama Avatar

    I love this post! I always see cute wooden trays like this in thrift stores, and this is the perfect idea for them! Thanks for sharing, mama!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Lauren!

  2. Jessica Peresta Avatar

    Wow! These are really a fun idea and so creative!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Jessica!

  3. Krystal Sadler Avatar

    I absolutely love Montessori philosophies! These trays are age appropriate and open-ended. And your little one is adorable! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you so much Krystal!

  4. Erica Nicole Avatar

    I absolutely love this! I’ve been trying to find more hands on Montessori activities for my toddler!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Erica!

  5. Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries Avatar

    My daughter loved art at that age and still does. I love how those trays help kids stay focused on the one project.

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Corey!

  6. hanna Avatar

    I love these! I’ve been thinking about getting some sort of organizer to make into ready activities like these!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      It is much easier specially with toddlers.

  7. Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms Avatar

    I love the idea of rotating these out! I will have to put some of our art supplies together in trays that my daughter can choose from!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Vicki!

  8. Amelia Furman Avatar

    Trays would make our art mess so much easier! What a great idea:) Dollar store, here I come! My boys constantly switch between painting, coloring, paper cutting, playdough and the like. Oh, what about doing a bead stringing tray? The tray might help contain the mess. Hmmm….

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Bead stringing tray is on my list 🙂 Thanks Amelia!

  9. Megan Avatar

    I absolutely love this! What an awesome idea. Now I need to go out and get some cute trays to play with 🙂

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Megan!

  10. Francesca Avatar
    Francesca

    These are all such great ideas! My daughter would love these!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Francesca!

  11. Sharon Chen Avatar

    Looks like she’s having fun with art! Your daughter is so adorable 😉

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Sharon!

  12. Sarah | Now One Foot Avatar

    I love the beautiful simplicity of these trays and I love how it allows so much room for creativity and doesn’t overwhelm littles with too many options!!!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Sarah!

  13. Nicole Banuelos Avatar

    These are so cute, my kids would love them!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Nicole!

  14. Lindsey Avatar

    Fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing. Want to try with my 3-year-old!

    1. Leky83 Avatar
      Leky83

      Thank you Lindsey!

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I’m Leila

Welcome to My Little Keepers, my cozy corner of the internet dedicated to all things Montessori, family, homemade and delightful. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of creativity and education and all things handmade with a touch of love. Let’s have fun!

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