Montessori Imbucare Box – Developing Object Permanence

Imbucare Box

The traditional Montessori Material, the Imbucare Box, introduces children to the concept of object permanence whilst also providing opportunities to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. To create your own, all you need is a container with an opening, and some found objects. Imbucare boxes can be made with a protein shaker, tissue box, cereal container, or any type of house-hold object that has an opening. Please ensure you select objects that are child-safe and not a choking hazard. Imbucare box activities should always be supervised.

To support this activity, see our video, where we demonstrate both the traditional Imbucare Box and a homemade version made from everyday materials. The key learning here is object permanence; the understanding that something still exists even when it’s out of sight. This important developmental milestone typically begins to emerge around 8 to 10 months of age.

In the video, we show variations using corks, sticks, or small discs placed into containers with openings. Infants are invited to explore with repetition, which helps strengthen neural pathways and builds confidence in their ability to influence their environment.

This activity also offers early exposure to mathematical thinking. By incorporating sorting, matching, and counting into your child’s play, you introduce the foundations of quantity, order, and comparison.

For older children, consider extending the experience by using different-sized containers and classifying objects by shape or colour. This turns a simple sensory activity into a rich opportunity for cognitive development. You can also introduce simple challenges, such as hiding an object under a cloth or inside a box with a lid, to further develop problem-solving and memory skills.

Home Lesson One

1. Create an imbucare box from a container at home and a number of child safe objects (if you don’t have anything child-safe you can always create objects  such as discs from cut-out card board)
2. Show your infant how to drop the object into the opening of the container
3. You may choose to add the words “open” “shut” and “gone”
4. Invite your child to take a turn

Descriptive words paired with action help infants begin to associate language with their experiences. Repetition reinforces both vocabulary and motor memory.

Home Lesson Two

1. For older children you can extend on this activity by counting the objects as they go into the container

Use a calm, rhythmic tone as you count, helping your child begin to notice pattern and sequence.

Home Lesson Three

1. For older children you can extend on this activity even further by adding classification and sorting activities

Encourage your child to group by shape, size, or colour and talk about comparisons such as “more,” “less,” or “same.” This early mathematical language supports numeracy development.