I love how Montessori education emphasizes practical life skills and beauty from an early age. Although I don’t subscribe to a strict Montessori teaching philosophy, the emphasis on practical skills, visual learning, and beauty deeply resonates with me.
In the Montessori classroom, beauty is not a luxury—it’s an essential part of the environment. One of the simplest and most beloved ways to introduce beauty and purpose into a child’s day is through the activity of flower arranging.
This Practical Life work combines grace, concentration, and care in a way that feels both peaceful and empowering to the child.
Maria Montessori once said, “The child should live in an environment of beauty.” Flower arranging allows children to engage with nature, develop fine motor skills, and contribute meaningfully to their surroundings—all while creating something lovely.
The inspiration for revisiting this timeless Montessori activity came from a Sunday Wellness Event at the Chase Center last summer, where a flower booth invited attendees to pause, breathe, and create their own floral arrangements. Watching my kids’ deep focus during this joy-filled process reminded me just how powerful and accessible this practice is—especially for children.
As Mother’s Day approaches, try this simple, engaging activity at home. A vase filled with hand-selected, carefully arranged flowers becomes more than just a Montessori lesson—it becomes a heartfelt gift, full of thought and love.
What is the Montessori Flower Arranging Activity?
In Montessori education, Practical Life activities prepare the child for daily living. These tasks develop motor control, coordination, concentration, and independence—skills that form the foundation of confident, capable adulthood.
Flower arranging is a beautiful example of this kind of work. It gently cultivates:
- Fine motor skills
- Sequencing and concentration
- Aesthetic appreciation
- Independence and confidence
Materials You’ll Need
Keep the setup simple and inviting:
- Small child-sized pitcher with water
- Tray or mat
- Funnel (optional)
- Small scissors
- Vases or jars
- Flowers (real or artificial)
- Sponge or small towel for spills
- Apron (optional)
- Visual bouquet recipe card (optional—more coming soon!)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Setup and Presentation
Preparation:
- Set up all materials on a tray or shelf at your child’s height.
- Choose a calm, quiet time to begin.
Presentation Steps:
- Invite the child and introduce the activity by name.
- Demonstrate how to pour water into the vase using the pitcher.
- Show how to select flowers based on a bouquet recipe card or preference.
- Trim and place each flower thoughtfully into the vase.
- Invite the child to try.
- Model clean-up using the sponge or towel.
- Encourage placing the finished arrangement somewhere beautiful—on a table, shelf, or beside a family photo.
Educational and Emotional Benefits
- Builds attention to detail and an appreciation for beauty
- Encourages independence and environmental care
- Allows children to contribute meaningfully to their home
- Offers a calming, grounding sensory experience
A Heartfelt Mother’s Day Twist
Invite your child to create a flower arrangement as a special Mother’s Day gift. Add simple, thoughtful touches:
- A handmade card or drawing (I personally love the “All About Mom” cards)
- A ribbon around the vase
- A breakfast or snack tray delivery
- A photo of your child with their arrangement as a keepsake
The joy of giving something made with care and love is a powerful lesson—and one they’ll remember long after the flowers fade.
Tips and Variations
- Use seasonal blooms or pick wildflowers together
- Wrap and tie a bouquet with twine or ribbon instead of using a vase
- Incorporate color sorting or counting for added learning
- Invite siblings to each make a small arrangement for a shared display
Free Mother’s Day Bouquet Recipe Card
Check out my free Mother’s Day bouquet recipe card. I plan on making more cards soon and sharing them on my Etsy store.
Seven Founding Hills 
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