How to Make Montessori Metal Insets (DIY Guide)

Montessori Metal Insets are a beloved staple in Montessori classrooms—and for good reason. These colorful, geometric tools help children strengthen fine motor skills, refine hand-eye coordination, and develop the control they need for handwriting. And the best part? You can make them yourself with a few simple supplies!

Whether you’re a Montessori parent, a homeschooler, or an educator looking to get crafty, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create your own DIY Montessori Metal Insets.

What Are Montessori Metal Insets?

Montessori Metal Insets are geometric shapes (like circles, squares, and triangles) cut from metal plates and paired with coordinating frames. Children trace the inside of the frame and the outside of the inset, building pencil control and artistic expression while also preparing their hand muscles for writing.

The traditional set includes ten shapes and is color-coded: pink frames with blue insets. But when you’re making them yourself, feel free to use colors and materials that fit your space and your child’s personality.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Thin cardboard, foam board, or acrylic sheets (for durability)

• Scissors or a craft knife

• Ruler and pencil

• Stencils (or print out geometric shapes like circles, squares, triangles, ovals, rectangles)

• Sandpaper (to smooth out edges)

• Paint (optional, for color-coding and creativity)

• Buttons, wooden pegs, or small knobs (optional handles)

  
  

Step-by-Step DIY Instructions

Step 1: Trace & Cut the Shapes

Start by tracing simple geometric shapes onto your chosen material. If you're using printouts, you can tape them on top and trace directly onto the board.

Cut out the inside of the shape, leaving the outer frame intact. This will be the tracing guide for your child.

Montessori tip: Make sure the cut-outs are big enough for a child's hand to fit a pencil through easily.

Step 2: Smooth the Edges

Use sandpaper to gently smooth all cut edges. This is especially important if you're using wood, acrylic, or thicker board. You want the edges to be safe and smooth for little hands.

Step 3: Add a Handle (Optional but Recommended)

Traditional Montessori insets have a small knob or handle in the center of each shape. You can mimic this by gluing a button, a small wooden peg, or even a large bead to the center of each cut-out shape.

This helps children learn to grasp and center the inset independently.

Step 4: Paint & Let Dry

Want to stay true to Montessori aesthetics? Paint the frames pink and the insets blue. Or, feel free to get creative and use a variety of colors to appeal to your child's unique style.

Let the pieces dry completely before using them.

How to Use Your DIY Montessori Metal Insets

Now comes the fun part!

Place the frame on a sheet of paper, and show your child how to:

1. Trace the inside edge of the frame.

2. Remove the frame, place the inset in the traced space, and trace around the outside of the inset.

3. Try different line styles (straight lines, wavy lines, zig-zags) within the shape.

4. Experiment with layering shapes to create art!

   
   

This simple exercise builds the foundation for writing skills, all while nurturing creativity and concentration.

Tips for Success

• Store your DIY insets on a tray or in a basket on a low shelf—just like in a Montessori classroom.

• Offer a variety of colored pencils or crayons for tracing.

• Let your child explore the shapes freely before offering formal lessons.

• Make only a few at a time so the process stays joyful and manageable.

  
  

Montessori at Home: Simple, Beautiful, Meaningful

Making Montessori materials yourself not only saves money—it deepens your connection with your child's learning. By taking the time to create thoughtful, hands-on tools like Metal Insets, you’re supporting their development in a truly meaningful way.

Happy crafting, and happy tracing!