Activities to Do with a Toddler in the Kitchen
As toddlers grow, they become increasingly observant and eager to help with the activities they see adults doing every day. In the Montessori approach, these are known as Practical Life Activities — real tasks that give children a genuine sense of purpose and contribution. Food preparation is one of the most meaningful of these.
Setting Up the Kitchen for Your Toddler
Making your kitchen accessible and child-friendly makes involvement easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Consider:
- A low drawer or accessible shelf with your child’s own utensils — a small spoon, fork, and cup they can reach independently.
- A designated space in the fridge for items they are allowed to get themselves (such as their water bottle or a piece of fruit).
- A step or learning tower that brings them safely to counter height so they can participate in preparation alongside you.
Simple Ways to Involve Your Toddler
- Washing produce — rinsing vegetables or fruit under the tap is a great first step for even very young toddlers.
- Tearing and mixing — tearing lettuce, mixing a salad, or stirring dry ingredients are safe, satisfying tasks.
- Pouring — from a small jug or measuring cup into a bowl (see our Pouring a Drink activity for a step-by-step guide).
- Setting the table — placing plates, cups, and napkins builds a sense of routine and real contribution.
The key is to keep the experience positive and low-pressure. Expect things to take longer and be messier than if you were working alone — and know that the time invested in these experiences builds independence, confidence, and a lifelong connection to food preparation.
Note: Always supervise children closely in the kitchen. Keep hot surfaces, sharp tools, and raw foods out of reach, and involve children only in age-appropriate steps.
This post is intended for general informational purposes only; please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your child’s individual needs.
I am trying to find the book that has this Montessori quote:
Recognize the real drawing teacher as the child’s inner life.
I am a Montessori Preschool Teacher at Milwaukee Montessori School
enjoyed your article, please i need more information on the day to day activities of the 0-3 years child in Montessori schools.
plz send whatever is new for kids
I enjoyed the practical activities. It has help me in my motessori class
i love this i will practise with my children
This site has proven to be a wonderful source of information for me and my group for we are putting into practice what we have learned and plan to implement in our family child care activities.
Thanks
very good my children enjoyed our first trial
am a west -african specifically from Ghana i have enjoyed this article, kindly give me more information, on where i can also be trained to help my community since i am a teacher.
thank you
We do this at home. J has his own drawer with all of his own things. It is brilliant.
very interesting , nice and knowledgeable!
i enjoyed your article, please i need more information on the day to day activities of the 0-3 years child in Montessori schools.