Generally, we tend to think about middle and high school experiences like robotics clubs when we are thinking about getting girls ready for and involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The truth is that the foundation in all these fields gets laid much earlier, most commonly through play and exploration when kids are very young.

Montessori education is a practice that promotes autonomous, experiential learning and caters to the individual rate of development of every child. It is highly effective in laying the foundation and development of high-quality skills. The hands-on materials used in the Montessori approach are not simply toys, but specially designed tools that allow children to study things like patterns, sequences, measurement, and spatial relationships, long before those terms ever appear in a textbook.

For young girls, getting familiar with these ideas through play builds a base of skill and curiosity that can last. Confidence building in general is important. Research has shown that confident girls have a 20% better chance of entering STEM majors.

Why Early Experiences Matter

Research has shown that children as young as 6 years old begin to form opinions about where they belong and if STEM is a right fit for them. In 2017, a study in the journal Science found that girls were less inclined than boys to consider their own gender as being "really, really smart" as early as first grade. This type of thinking has long-lasting effects; it can influence what they do, how confident they are at solving problems, and whether they continue studying subjects such as mathematics, engineering and science later in life. 

Introducing young girls to meaningful science or mathematics experiences can counteract the above stereotypes before they take hold- as long as these experiences are framed as fun, achievable, and rewarding. This is something Montessori classrooms and materials preeminently succeed at because they allow children to explore without creating the pressure of being right or wrong.

Montessori Materials as Early STEM Tools

Montessori materials are built to isolate specific concepts, making it easier for children to notice patterns and relationships. Here is how they map naturally to STEM skills:

• Pattern Recognition and Sequencing - Materials like the Pink Tower, which is a series of graduated cubes, encourage children to rearrange, build and unbuild. These types of activities help develop a child’s intuitive sense of size relationships, sequences, and patterns – all concepts they'll apply later in data analysis and algorithms.
• Spatial Reasoning and Measurement- Materials such as Knobbed Cylinders and Geometric Solids are used to teach students how to compare sizes, estimate an object's fit, and manipulate objects in space - all skills required for geometry, engineering, and design.
• Logic and Problem Solving - Everyday chores like pouring, measuring, and sorting helps kids try out new things, make predictions and adjust when things go wrong. This process of trial and error is at the heart of the scientific method.

The above activities and materials encourage a child to adjust accordingly. For example, if a piece won't fit, it signals the need to try again without adult supervision, building on a kid’s independence and resilience.

The Gender Connection

Montessori environments make sure all materials are available to all children. There is no “this is for boys” or “this is for girls”. When girls regularly play with number rods, spatial puzzles, and building blocks, they gain equal ground in important STEM abilities. A longitudinal study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2018) revealed that children who spent time playing in Montessori curricula exhibited superior math and executive function skills compared to peers in other traditional settings. This is very significant because when a young mind builds confidence in their math and problem-solving skills, these are strong predictors of future involvement in STEM.

Practical STEM Solutions and Resources for Educators

As a program director or educator of young children, it is necessary to help students develop a strong STEM base. The following are some easy steps that can be implemented to integrate Montessori-style learning into your teaching.

• Science
  Nature Trays: Prepare nature trays and put magnifying lenses, rocks, leaves, and seeds into them. In this scenario, the plan is to get the children to describe, sort, and classify the tray contents. 
  • Resource to Explore: National Science Teaching Association Early Childhood Resources
• Technology
  Unplugged Tech Skills: Introduce pattern cards or sequencing activities that mimic coding logic without screens.
  • Resource to Explore: Code.org’s Unplugged Activities
• Engineering
  Building Challenges: Provide unlimited and open-ended building materials such as blocks, connectors and recycled items that can challenge children to build a bridge or a tower in a fun way.
  • Resource to Explore: PBS Kids Design Squad Activities
• Mathematics
  Hands-On Counting Tools: Integrate number rods or bead chains to make it easy for kids to visualize patterns and better understand addition and subtraction.
  • Resource to Explore: Early Math Project – California

Tip: If at all possible, opt for US made or eco-friendly materials that are durable and nontoxic to children. These align with both Montessori ideals as well as being environmentally conscious. (Find more information on U.S. made Montessori toys and early friendly options here.)

Creating a Long-Term Impact

By integrating play infused with STEM into early childhood education, we invite girls to envision themselves as proficient scientists, engineers, and mathematicians well before they ever set foot in a formal classroom. Montessori materials with their emphasis on discovery, self-directed work, and hands-on engagement offer a realistic means of making that a reality.

When educators deliberately choose activities that build STEM knowledge and confidence, they are not simply transmitting knowledge. They are shaping mindsets. And those mindsets can carry girls forward into classrooms, careers, and innovations that shape the future.