As a teacher, especially a Montessori teacher, I have seen my fair share of toys and materials that claim to be Montessori, or Montessori-aligned. The pink tower, the brown stair and the geometric solids are staples of any Montessori school, but there are others like the object permanence box, or the ball tracker that most of the time steal the show with the toddlers and preschoolers.
I've observed toddlers learning through sensory exploration. Learning about the world through touch, sight, and even taste is a cornerstone of baby and toddlerhood. So I encourage my little learners to sharpen their senses safely with toys and materials.
In my classroom, one of the best toys to do just that is the Montessori busy board. It is the ideal way to encourage learning through play. Each component of a busy board helps build necessary foundational problem-solving skills. But how do you know if you chose the right one?
I'll answer that in this post — covering what a busy board actually does for your child, who benefits most, and what to look for when choosing one.
So, What Exactly Is a Busy Board?
To put it super simply, busy boards are pieces of wood with varying lifestyle tasks attached to them. These tasks include anything from buttons and fasteners to zippers and tie strings. Some may even have an etched path for young children to guide a knob through.
Everyday items fascinate toddlers and preschoolers. Rather than constantly trying to keep them away from dirty shoes or loose buttons, busy boards give them a safe outlet to explore practical items. Then, when they're old enough to fasten their buttons or tie their shoes, they'll have a much easier time mastering those concepts.
How Do Busy Boards Fit in With Montessori Learning?
The popularity of busy boards in the Montessori method stems from their ability to promote independence. Although some Montessori educators do not see them as "true" Montessori, busy boards are usually made of sturdy wood and other natural/practical materials, aligning with the Montessori aesthetic. Let's explore some of the other ways busy boards fit into Montessori learning:
- Life Skill Practice: Each part of a busy board mimics some sort of everyday task. These tasks may include lacing a shoe, fastening a button, or unlocking/unlatching a hook. Fostering independence is a cornerstone of the Montessori philosophy and Montessori busy boards serve as excellent teaching tools.
- Sensory Experiences: Feeling a rough zipper, hearing a clicking switch, or seeing a latch slide open helps create deeper learning connections.
- Encouraging Concentration and Problem-Solving: Montessori busy boards are open-ended toys, making them ideal for teaching problem-solving. As they learn how each component works, they're building up their attention span and learning how to focus on things that interest them.
Who Can Benefit From a Busy Board?
The short answer? Just about any curious little toddler or preschooler! Lock and latch boards are designed for toddlerhood and preschoolers, but they can also be helpful for children with sensory issues or developmental delays. As so many of us try to veer away from having "too much stuff," Montessori busy boards serve as the perfect "grow-with-them" toy. Let's explore a little further into how different children can benefit.
Toddlers (Ages 1–3)
Children grow so much within the first three years of their life and during this time, they develop the foundations for the skills they'll need as they get older. Lock and latch boards are an excellent tool for helping little learners practice fine motor skills, like twisting and pulling. As an added bonus, the various textures and sounds that come from a busy board offer a fun and engaging sensory experience.
Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
The most basic busy boards might be too easy for a preschooler. However, a busy board with zippers and tie strings gives them the opportunity to gain confidence in completing basic life tasks on their own. More complex lock-and-latch boards can also help preschoolers practice patience and resilience.
Children with Sensory or Developmental Needs
For kids who benefit from extra sensory input or hands-on learning, busy boards are perfect. They can be especially helpful for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, providing a safe, soothing outlet for exploration.
💡 Ready to shop? Our US-made Montessori Locks & Latches Board is safety-tested, built from furniture-grade wood, and designed to grow with children from ages 1 to 5. See it here →
What Makes a Good Busy Board?
Just because something is marketed as a "busy board" doesn't necessarily mean it's of good quality. A good Montessori busy board will have several components, a durable build, and developmentally appropriate elements for the age you're buying for. After all, you aren't going to want to give your one-year-old a lock and latch board with complex buckles or shoelaces they could choke on.
A Variety of Engaging Elements
- Zippers – Help with fine-motor coordination and self-dressing skills
- Latches & Locks – Encourage problem-solving and logical thinking
- Buttons & Snaps – Great for strengthening finger dexterity
- Switches & Dials – Help teach cause and effect
- Gears & Pulleys – Introduce basic mechanical concepts, ideal for STEM-focused families
- Buckles & Velcro Straps – Prepare kids for dressing independently
- Shoelaces & Beads – Enhance hand-eye coordination and patience
Safe, High-Quality Materials
A high-quality Montessori busy board uses non-toxic and smooth wood. Each component will also be securely attached to the board to prevent any potential choking issues. If you choose to buy one pre-made, look for explicit safety certifications. To be safe, always try to buy American-made lock and latch boards — they are required to meet stringent US safety testing standards.
Developmentally Appropriate and Open-Ended
Choose a lock and latch board that has a mix of simple and more complex components. This way, your child can move on to more difficult activities once they master the easier ones. Open-ended activities like laces and gears also encourage creativity and independent exploration — both cornerstones of the Montessori approach to toddler play.
Should You Buy One or Build Your Own?
Making a busy board yourself is a reasonable DIY project if you enjoy that kind of challenge — you can customize it to your child's interests and it can be cheaper upfront. That said, if you go the DIY route, every component must be securely attached to avoid choking hazards, and you won't have the safety certifications a pre-made board provides.
For most families, a pre-made board from a reputable maker is the easier and safer choice. In my classroom, I've found that boards made from furniture-grade wood — like this US-made Locks & Latches Board — work particularly well. The freestanding format is especially versatile: it works in home playrooms and classroom settings alike, and parents appreciate that nothing needs to be mounted to the wall.
🔎 Also worth exploring: See our full range of Montessori sensory toys for hands-on learning options at every age and stage.
The Bottom Line on Montessori Busy Boards
Montessori busy boards are one of the most effective hands-on learning tools available for toddlers and preschoolers. From fine motor development to fostering independence, a well-chosen busy board earns its place in any toy rotation.
When you're ready to buy, start with one that matches your child's current skill level — and look for a board that will grow with them as they master each component. Our US-made Locks & Latches Board is a great place to start, built with safety-tested materials and designed for children ages 1 to 5.
