As parents, you want nothing more than to buy the best toys for your child.
You may be wondering if Montessori toys are worth your investment.
Weighing the pros and cons of Montessori toys will help you make an informed choice.
By Renuka.
I gave my little one a Montessori toy when he was hardly a year old and watched his imagination take wings. Loved how beautiful and inspiring these toys are. My little one certainly loved exploring these toys for hours on end.
It was a rainbow stacker.
He loved arranging the arches in increasing order of size. This then led to him learning all about the colors.
The toy, later on, served as a base for his other toys like cars.
Along the way, he also learned simple math concepts such as counting, addition and subtraction.
At the end of the day, I think that the Montessori toys are definitely worth it!
Read on to know all about Maria Montessori toys, their benefits, downsides, and the perfect Montessori toys for babies and one-year-olds.
What are Montessori toys?
Montessori toys are those that are based on Montessori’s educational principles.
These toys are designed for children to play independently, and they have control of error.
It means that they can correct any mistakes they make on their own without any intervention from grownups.
Montessori toys are simple and made with high-quality natural materials. These toys will hold the child’s attention and keep them engaged for hours.
Every Montessori toy helps to develop a particular skill.
Montessori toys inspire curiosity and help children explore and learn at their own pace.
Basically, these are the characteristics of Montessori toys:
- The toys are simple
- They are made with natural materials
- These toys are based on reality
- The toys are practical and functional
What are the benefits of Montessori toys?
There are a lot of benefits of picking Montessori toys over regular toys.
Here’s everything good about these toys.
Montessori toys are fun
Montessori toys may be simple, but they provide lots of opportunities for open-ended play.
Kids can manipulate the toys in various ways while having fun at the same time.
Develops gross and fine motor skills
Many Montessori toys aid in refining fine motor skills like grasping and lacing.
Fine motor skills are developed when children play with Montessori toys, like fitting pieces of a puzzle or block together.
Montessori toys that help develop gross motor skills in children include rattles, balance boards, play gyms etc.
Improves self-confidence
When children do something on their own, it helps develop confidence. They gain greater confidence in their intellectual and physical capabilities.
Safer and healthier
Montessori toys are made with natural materials like wood for instance. They do not contain any toxic materials, chemicals, or plastic. It’s good for children and safe for them to play with.
Teaches kids independence
Montessori toys help children to be independent.
Promoting independence is a key component of Montessori.
They allow children to do things for themselves. When children play with these toys, they can go back and correct a mistake they made without the aid of anyone.
The children can play with Montessori toys without the assistance of their parents or teachers.
It helps in growth and development
Montessori toys help in developing numerical and literacy skills in children. They also stimulate growth and balance.
They aid in the enhancement of cognitive, social and emotional skills too.
Montessori toys help your child focus on mastering one skill at a time.
The downside of Montessori toys
There are not many negatives when it comes to Montessori toys. However, there are a few downsides to Montessori toys.
Read on to find out what they are!
Montessori toys could be very expensive
You will find Montessori toys to be more expensive than regular ones. It is because the materials that go into making these toys are of the highest quality.
Further, the manufacturing process is unique and involved. This adds up to the cost.
Too many toys can be counterproductive
Too much of anything is bad, and that is the same when it comes to toys.
According to a study, having way too many toys can make it tough for kids to express their creativity and get any learning out of their environment.
When children are bombarded with too many toys, even Montessori ones, they can get distracted and overwhelmed.
It will impair any learning and fun they may get out of the toys and undergo fatigue.
Montessori toys for babies
Montessori toys are for all age groups.
The ones tailored for children are typically small, basic and easy to use.
Babies at this age imbibe spatial and body awareness, fine motor skills like grasping as well as gross motor skills.
Here are some of the Montessori toys for babies:
- Montessori egg cup
- Montessori mobile hangers
- Rattles
- Musical instruments such as drums
- Play gyms with mobile hangers
- Crochet toys
- Object permanence box
- Wooden pegs
Montessori toys for one-year-olds
This is a time when kids start to walk and speak a few words.
One-year-olds are not only very active but quick learners as well.
They may also take things to their mouth, so it’s important to give them safe materials like well-polished wood.
These are some of the Montessori toys for a one-year-old:
- Stacking toys
- Crocheted sensory balls
- Puzzles
- Ball trackers and marble runs
- Push and pull toys
- Musical toys like a xylophone
- Race tracks
- Activity walker
Conclusion
Montessori toys have so many characteristics that set them apart from regular toys.
Children can learn about the size, shape, texture and many other things from playing with these toys.
These are based on reality and help kids perform functions like real tools that can be put to use in their daily environment.
They help children play independently and think creatively.
Photo by Tara Winstead.
