Montessori Living Things Classification: Plants, Animals & Fungi

Help children explore the characteristics of living things through hands-on comparison, observation, and classification.

This Montessori-inspired science resource supports children in comparing plants, animals, and fungi using the characteristics of life often taught through the “MRS GREN” framework. Designed for elementary Montessori classrooms and homeschoolers, this resource encourages children to think deeply about how living things are similar and different.

Rather than simply memorising facts, children are invited to sort, compare, discuss, and make connections — supporting the holistic and curiosity-led approach of Montessori science education.

What’s Included

This printable Montessori science resource includes activities that help children compare:

• Plants
• Animals
• Fungi

Children explore how each living thing:

• Moves
• Respires
• Responds
• Grows
• Reproduces
• Excretes
• Gains nutrition

The activities encourage critical thinking, discussion, and scientific observation while building foundational biology vocabulary.

Montessori-Aligned Learning

This resource was created to support:

• Elementary Montessori biology studies
• Classification work
• Living vs non-living lessons
• Botany and zoology extensions
• Independent shelf work
• Small group science lessons

The layout is simple, clear, and accessible for children working independently or alongside an adult guide.

Why Teachers & Homeschoolers Love It

✔ Montessori-inspired and child-friendly
✔ Encourages deeper thinking and discussion
✔ Supports hands-on science learning
✔ Easy to prepare and reuse
✔ Suitable for mixed ability learners
✔ Helps children connect scientific concepts clearly

Ways to Use This Resource

• Science shelf activity
• Classification work
• Research extension
• Group discussion prompt
• Independent work cycle
• Montessori biology studies
• Homeschool science lessons

4 pages