We all heard the word Montessori tossed around a lot lately. But do we all know and understand what it means?
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Montessori is a system of education for young children that seeks to develop natural interests and activities rather than use formal teaching methods. This ideology aims to encourage children to reach their full potential in all areas, and expands their imagination and enthuses their innermost core. In other words, it’s based on the learner’s learning rather than the teacher’s teaching.
What are the benefits?
The Montessori method develops several skills for your children such as cooperative playing, self-discipline, social skills, and it inspires creativity. Several studies show that the Montessori method fosters the basic educational skills such as reading, listening, and writing. So, as a mum, exposing your child to this method comes with great benefits!
How can I use the Montessori approach?
It’s simple, you can do so by introducing Montessori educational toys to your child. Montessori toys are made from natural materials, with no distractions (like whistles or bells), and they have a purpose.
Here is a list for the best Montessori toys for babies and toddlers:
Loullou – Mobile Up In The Air FSC Woo
Decorations can contribute in stimulating your baby’s senses. Unlike battery-operated mobiles, this one is made of wood and is moved by the slightest breeze of air teaching your baby in the crib about cause and effect. Not to mention it is extremely captivating!
TeethSophie la girafe – Il Etait Une Fois Sophie la Giraffeer
Teethers might not be exactly made from natural materials, but this one is considered a Montessori toy for the following reasons: first, it’s softness makes it easy for the baby to grasp and mouth. It won’t roll away and frustrate young babies. Also, the squeaks it makes will teach the kids more about cause and effect, and color!
Done by Deer – Activity Play Mat – Powder
In other words, baby gym! It excites the baby’s senses and stimulates hand-eye coordination without being overwhelmed. It also introduces the baby to new materials and textures.
Viga – Shape Sorting Wheel
This toy is the best for encouraging creativity and imaginative play. It is also educational, fun, and safe because it is made of non-toxic paints and inks. Most importantly, it lets babies explore with their hands which strengthens them as well.
Wee Gallery – Wood Stacker Toy – Bear
Stacking toys encourages shape recognition and manual dexterity. This toy includes more than a shape store, the truck is also a pull-along toy allowing toddlers to play with it individually.
K’s Kids – Rattling Soft Ball
This soft ball is great for crawling toddlers! It’s colorful, it rattles, and it encourages your kid to crawl with its motion. We love the different textures and colorful tags on it which stimulate your toddler’s senses.
Viga – 4 Puzzle in 1 – Sea
We love learning through wooden puzzles. By placing the shapes into the correct receptacles in the tray, kids explore both colour and shape.The best part about this is your toddler can do it over and over again without getting bored.
Whether you set up your baby’s room with the Montessori approach, or you introduce it through toys and games, we assure you it is one of the best methods to develop your children’s senses and skills and it prepares them to explore the outer world!
