Studies suggest that children who have been accustomed to Montessori principles of learning have better literacy, numeracy, executive function, and social skills. Let’s discover more about them.

 

What is Montessori philosophy?

Montessori principles date back to the early 20th century. Developed by Italy’s first female doctor, Dr. Maria Montessori, these principles are still useful and have been adapted into various educational teaching methods and the way kids play.

Montessori learning is an educational philosophy that emphasises the importance of learning through experimentation and exploration. This promotes independent and self-directed learning in children. 

The best part about Montessori learning is that it actually encourages students to develop an interest in learning. Children who have been through Montessori education usually display a natural curiosity and ability to learn new things.

 

Types of Montessori toys

Montessori toys are crafted from child-safe and high-quality materials for an immersive play experience. They are the best learning toys for kids that promote holistic growth and development of the child. Some of the cherished Montessori toys include:

1. Stacking toys: Stack, sort, and let the fun begin! Stacking toys like the farmhouse puzzle game and the elephant stacking game promote sequential thinking in kids. They also nurture hand-eye coordination and cognitive development in children.

2. Puzzles and building blocks: Puzzles have been children’s favourites since forever. Puzzles serve as a unique mental exercise that enhances children's cognitive abilities and promotes their early development. Some of the most popular puzzle games from our collection are the farmhouse shape puzzle and the magnetic farm toy for kids.

3. Learning numbers and counting: Ideal for learning numbers and mathematics, toys like the colourful and bright bead abacus and the adorable wooden clock for kids are a must-have. This not only teaches counting skills but also stimulates sensory exploration in kids.

4. Activity toys: Such toys spark the creativity and imagination of children as they play with them. Toys like the baby walker and activity table for kids promote independent play and nurture motor skills as children play with these activity toys. 

 

Benefits of Montessori toys

More than just wooden playthings, the Montessori toys are a tool for children’s development. From promoting brain growth to nurturing emotional development in children, Montessori toys are brimming with marvels.

1. Spatial awareness: It is the awareness of one’s own surroundings. Playing outdoor games like the golf set and ring toss game at an early age nurtures children’s understanding of the world around them and helps in learning crucial skills.

2. Critical thinking: To think critically and see both sides of the situation is a quality that even many adults and experienced people lack today. This is because critical thinking is a virtue that starts to develop from early childhood. Various toys like the rainbow stacker and the puzzle games promote thinking prowess in kids.

3. Improved mathematical and numeracy skills: As discussed above, learning and counting toys promote mathematical and numeracy skills in toddlers. This also prepares them for preschool and classroom learning in future. Moreover, such toys nurture children’s confidence as they learn these skills early.

4. Stimulates fine motor skills: Wooden toys like the musical toys and baby walkers for kids stimulate children’s fine and gross motor skills as children practice hand movements while they play.

5. Promotes expression: Many role-play toys, like the dollhouse and makeup and hairdresser playset, promote reaction and expression in kids as they play.

 

Choosing the best Montessori toys

Choosing the right Montessori toy for kids can be difficult at times due to so many options available today. So, pick that toy that matches your toddler’s interests. 

• It should neither be too complex for them to handle nor too straightforward that they feel bored. 

• Always check for wooden toys with more stable and durable wood that ensures the longevity of the toy.

• Look for international safety standards like EN71 certification to ensure quality and safety.

• Check the edges of the wooden toys. It must be soft and polished to avoid any injuries and accidents.

 

Wrap up!

When choosing Montessori toys, try to look for simple, thoughtful toys that promote open-ended play in kids. Always ensure that your chosen toys are appropriate for your child’s developmental stage. This helps children to build essential life skills while enjoying the wonders of play. Montessori is a step towards your child’s enhanced learning, as it helps in nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in their early years.

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. What is the difference between Montessori and regular toys?

Ans: Regular toys are made for specific purposes and can limit a child’s imagination. However, Montessori toys are multidimensional and encourage creativity in children.

2. What are the rules in Montessori?

Ans: Montessori schools of learning disallow fantasy and pretend play. It only emphasises hands-on play experiences that nurture kids' thinking prowess.