Lock and Key

This Elementary Practical Life activity, children will learn how to lock and unlock different sized padlocks using keys. Children seem to really enjoy this activity and they find it very rewarding once they are able to complete the activity and unlock all the locks.

There are many things the children learn when locking and unlocking locks. One is being able to begin to do things on their own and another is growing their independence. Children will indirectly acquire different skills such as fine motor development and visual discrimination.

Lock and Key

Lock and Key

What kind of locks do children use in Lock and Key?

Children are given different-sized padlocks; small, medium, and large. The keys to the locks are put onto a string or a key ring. Each key either fits the small, medium, or large padlock. In this Montessori Practical Life Elementary exercise, children’s hand-eye coordination will improve, as well as dexterity and concentration.

Children will learn to be patient, as it may take a while for them to find the correct key matching the correct padlock. Lock and Key is an interesting elementary exercise in the Practical Life classroom.

Looking for more Montessori activities?

Here is the full list of the Montessori tasks, including preliminary, elementary, applied exercises, and grace and courtesy. Just click on the activity you want to learn about to go there.

Montessori preliminary exercises

Montessori elementary exercises

Montessori Applied Exercises: Care of the Environment

Montessori Applied Exercises: Care of the Person

Montessori Grace and Courtesy

Control of Movement