Imagine a child playing with a wooden stacking tower. They keep stacking the blocks as the tower knocks down, and children keep trying to rebuild the tower. This time, they attempt to construct a castle rather than a tower. They are engaging in pure hands-on play, stepping away from screens and digital devices.

That’s the magic of Montessori—no flashing lights, no bright, loud colours. This procedure ensures children are not overstimulated and practice sound and mindful play.

 

 

Montessori: Blending creativity with play

Montessori principles were introduced in the early 20th century by an Italian doctor named Dr. Maria Montessori. Since then, they have been in practice to influence the early years of children via play and learning.

A Montessori toy is one that teaches experimentation and provides opportunities for open-ended play. This sense of experimentation encourages self-learning and spatial awareness. Montessori principles have been in practice for a very long time. Montessori toys are activities for children in which they have to decide and make choices for themselves, involving brainstorming, decision-making, and problem-solving.

 

 

Benefits of wooden Montessori toys

Montessori toys are all about encouraging little ones to explore and experiment. This approach helps them to learn through play without overwhelming them with so many educational toys.

As they sort, stack, and manipulate different blocks and pieces, they're having more than just fun. They're developing essential skills that support their growth and development. 

Let’s see how these toys are a game-changer:  

• They build confidence and independence from an early age. As kids learn to make choices, they make mistakes too and solve problems on their own, encouraging them to make their own decisions.

• Montessori play sparks creativity and strategic thinking as children participate in open-ended play. This allows children to use their imagination and think creatively, thereby stimulating their creative instincts. 

• They boost problem-solving skills in children. A child sharpens their critical thinking every time they figure out how to fit a shape or balance a block.

• They encourage focus and concentration. As children engage with sensory-based toys, it helps kids to develop patience and attention to detail. In today’s age of multitasking, attention and concentration are two critical skills to learn in early childhood.

• They nurture social skills and empathy. Whether it’s playing solo or in groups, Montessori toys teach kids virtues of cooperation, sharing, and understanding. These skills help children to grow into kind and responsible adults.  

In short, these toys are more than just playthings. They help shape well-rounded, curious, and capable little explorers who have a natural zeal for learning.

 

 

DIY Montessori play ideas for kids

You might be surprised to learn that you don't need to purchase all Montessori toys from a toy shop. We can arrange some activities at home to stimulate open-ended play. We have listed some Montessori-based DIY activities below:

1. Colour sorting game: You can collect many blocks and shapes of different colours and ask children to segregate based on the same colours and the same shapes. The activity promotes colouring and shape recognition in children.

2. Wooden treasure box: Collect many everyday items like leaves, spoons, and small pebbles in a basket and ask kids to separate them into different boxes.

3. Art and craft activities: Giving a blank canvas or a sketchbook to paint anything that they see. It boosts hand movements and also nurtures creativity.

 

 

Science behind a clutter-free play space

If children have a few selected toys to play with, they are more likely to have better attention and concentration abilities. Too many toys can curb or restrict the imagination and creativity of children. That’s why having fewer toys and a clutter-free play space actually helps children to focus better and get the maximum out of their play sessions.

While you want your kids to have all the fancy toys in their playroom, don't overwhelm them. Instead, be mindful of your children’s play interests and get them toys accordingly.

 

 

Final thoughts

Remember, the best toys don’t only make children play—they inspire. So, the next time you want a toy for your little ones, consider buying a wooden one. Whether it’s a sorting toy or a  DIY project, every such toy and activity is a step towards enhanced imagination and creativity in your child.

We hope that the guide above gave you useful insights and will help you find the next best toy for your kids. Explore our entire collection of toys at Barnshenn for newborns and toddlers. Are you in search of additional inspiration? Hop on to our social media handles, like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram, for more gift inspiration for toddlers. See you in the next blog.

 

 

FAQs

 

1. Are Montessori kids creative?

• Montessori is based on nurturing creativity and problem-solving by allowing toddlers to engage in creative problem-solving without a lot of external help or guidance. This fosters independent play, and children learn to navigate things at their pace.

 

2. Which age is best for Montessori play?

• Montessori play begins at early childhood levels, and for maximum benefit, start it before age six because 90% of a child's brain development happens before that age.