“Do not tell them how to do it. Show them how to do it and do not say a word. If you tell them, they will watch your lips move. If you show them, they will want to do it themselves.” – Maria Montessori
Many mums and dads are keen to replicate the Montessori environment that envelopes their children at school in their own homes. Learning should foster independence and encourage both curiosity and creativity, all of which is supported by an ordered environment: few toys, carefully arranged and easily accessible.
Really, there is no such thing as a Montessori toy but there are toys that align with Montessori learning philosophy. So, what to choose?
Here are some characteristics of Montessori-aligned toys:
Made from natural materials – immersing children in nature is integral to Montessori philosophy. The more natural the toy, the more ‘Montessori’ it is – no flashing lights, electronics etc. The idea is for the child to make a meaningful connection between an action and its natural consequence as opposed to the toy doing all the work.
Simple but beautiful – uncomplicated toys that are beautifully made, with high-quality, natural materials are not only safer and longer-lasting but encourage a multi-sensory experience inspired by the natural world.
One skill at a time – Montessori-aligned toys will not overwhelm a child but allow him to master one skill at a time. A great toy is not necessarily single-use but will have multiple possibilities that a child can work with one at a time.
Age appropriate – a toy that compliments your child’s stage of development (with age as a guideline) will enhance their learning experience.
Teach life skills – toys should have a purpose and tap into essential life skills that nurture independence, are practical and facilitate an understanding of the real world (cause and effect as well as general life skills).
Fun and challenging – toys should be challenging (but not too difficult) and fun, so that the child returns to the same toy again and again until he has mastered the skill or challenge. Children learn through repetition and will enjoy toys that inspire creativity and curiosity.
It is not critically essential that every toy you own complies with Maria Montessori’s philosophy but we do live in a world proliferated by stuff and choice, and intentional choices when it comes to the things our children play with can make a massive difference to their confidence and ability.