About Montessori

Montessori is a child-centered education philosophy and practice that aims to help children and adolescents develop holistically and naturally. It was developed in the early 1900s by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, who believed that children are unique individuals with great potential who want to learn and be busy. Montessori education is based on seven principles and emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child's natural development. 

In Montessori classrooms, children are encouraged to explore, play, and learn with their peers through activities that stimulate creativity, challenge, autonomy, and mastery. Teachers guide students using a more child-centered approach than traditional schools, providing age-appropriate activities and materials that fit each child's specific needs and pace. Children make creative choices in their learning, and classrooms often have various activity stations for children to choose from throughout the day. 

Montessori classrooms are typically divided into five areas: practical life, sensorial, math, language, and culture. In these areas, children work on skills that help them develop independence, care for themselves, and enhance their senses. For example, in practical life, children might learn how to button up, pour water, or spoon food. In sensorial, they might participate in activities that help them enhance their senses. 

Montessori classrooms also feature mixed-age groupings based on developmental stages. For example, infants might be in a group from birth to 18 months, toddlers from 15 months to 3 years, and early childhood from 2½ to 6 years. 

Montessori toys are designed to help children learn and grow through play, and can be a good investment for their development. They are often made from natural materials, are durable, and can be age-appropriate. Montessori toys are designed to encourage children to explore and experiment, and to develop their independence and problem-solving skills. Here are some reasons why parents might choose Montessori toys: 

Hands-on learning

Montessori toys are designed to be held and touched, which helps children develop fine motor skills and learn to manipulate objects. 

Open-ended play

Montessori toys are designed to be open-ended, so children can engage with them in different ways and stimulate their creativity. 

Sensory development

Montessori toys can promote sensory exploration and imagination. 

Independent learning

Montessori toys are designed to support independent learning and problem-solving, and to teach one skill at a time through repetition and practice. 

Positive

Montessori toys are positive, and children have to manipulate them to get them to work, which can lead to deeper learning. 

Environmentally friendly

Montessori toys are made from high-quality natural materials, which can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than plastic toys.

Safety:Toys should be clean, have no sharp edges or small parts, and not contain toxic, flammable, or unsafe materials. You should also avoid toys with small magnets, which could fall out and be swallowed

Age and development:Toys should match your baby's age and developmental level. For example, blocks of different colors and sizes are recommended by pediatricians for infants because they can help develop their eyesight and brain

Durability:Toys should be made of solid materials so they can withstand repeated handling

Ease of use:Toys should be simple enough for your baby to use on their own

Entertainment value:Toys should be fun for your baby to play with now and as they grow, and they should have multiple ways to play with them. For example, open-ended toys like blocks can help your baby develop their imagination and problem-solving skills.

Sensory:Some toys can provide sensory stimulation, such as Infantino blocks, which have different animals and numbers on them and can be used as a teether. Play gyms can also incorporate many sensory activities into one toy

Child-sized furniture: Make sure the furniture is durable and easy for children to reach, such as low tables and sinks. This includes hooks for coats, cubbies for backpacks, and shelves for toys and books. 

Defined learning areas: Organize the classroom into areas for different subjects, like practical life, language, and math. 

Open shelves: Store materials on open shelves within the children's reach. 

Natural light and ventilation: These elements can affect the mood and energy of the space. 

Mats: Use lots of mats to keep the space open for children to run around and crawl. 

Greenery: Use greenery instead of too many synthetic materials. 

Decorations: Encourage children to decorate the walls with their art to make the space feel like theirs. 

Storage: Use bookshelves, containers, boxes, and cabinets to help keep the classroom clean and tidy. 

Dressing frames: These can help children learn how to fasten things like coats and bicycle helmets, which can help prepare them for independence. 

The Montessori method is based on the idea that children develop best in an environment that's designed for their size and stage of development. The structure of a Montessori classroom encourages freedom of movement and choice of activities, which can help children develop independence, initiative, and decision-making skills. 

Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In Montessori classrooms children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Children work in groups and individually to discover and explore knowledge of the world and to develop their maximum potential.