Every couple of months I re-read one of Susan Stephenson's books. Susan is adamant that there is no place for Montessori Materials in the home. For the most part, I agree with her. If you want to see how she homeschooled you can read Montessori Homeschooling: One Family's Story.

We do have a few Montessori materials in our home but one that you DO NOT need is the Montessori Dressing Frames. I picked up these dressing frames in the UK but there are lots of other, free alternatives if we just look around our home.

There are lots of dressing frames available including large buttons, small buttons, snaps, buckles, and lacing. The idea is the child can focus on one skill at a time and progress in difficulty through the frames. This work also helps to build concentration and fine motor skills.

It is easier for the child to focus on and practice to develop each skill like buttoning before they need to use this skill on their own, worn clothing.

I've seen some dressing frames in Montessori toddler classrooms but mostly they are presented in the 3-6yr environment. Otto above is using a large button frame. 

This frame is for the snap buttons. 

Here I've collected some clothes with simple fastenings. Buttons, toggles and a zipper. We can find other times and pop them into a basket for the child to practice.

I've chosen a small cardigan here with medium size buttons. Even though Otto can do up buttons, it's not easy for him, this practice is useful.

The cardigan is stretchy and is actually easier to use than the dressing frame. 

Toggles are fun and interesting. 

Yes, we need more practice using zippers. 

Backpacks, handbag straps, and belts often have interesting closures and buckles that children can practice with too! 

If the child does this work repeatedly, I take that as a sign of interest and leave it out for him to further explore.

The buckle was harder for him than I had expected. 

You can find these snap locks on dressing frames too, they are hard for little hands, but practice helps!!

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