Montessori education is a teaching method developed by Italian physician and pedagogue Maria Montessori. Her philosophy is based on the belief that children are naturally inquisitive and learn best in an environment that encourages them to explore independently. This idea also forms the basis for Montessori toys, which are specially designed to help children learn in a natural and intuitive way. In this blog, we delve deeper into the Montessori vision and show how Montessori toys fit in perfectly with it.
The core principles of Montessori
Montessori education focuses on the following core values:
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Independence – Children are given the freedom to make their own choices and direct their own learning process.
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Sensitive periods – Montessori emphasizes that children are sensitive to certain learning experiences in different phases of life. Education responds to this with adapted material and guidance.
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Experiential Learning – Children learn by doing. Actively engaging with materials helps them understand concepts better and develop skills.
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Respect for the child – In the Montessori philosophy, each child is seen as a unique individual with their own pace and learning style.
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A prepared environment – The learning environment is designed in such a way that children can discover and learn on their own initiative.
Montessori toys: learning through play
Montessori toys are specially designed to help children with their cognitive, motor and social development. The toys adhere to Montessori principles by stimulating children to develop skills in a playful and natural way.
1. Toys that encourage independence
Montessori toys encourage children to solve problems and experiment on their own. Think of plug-in puzzles, sorting games and bead frames, where children learn to make connections independently.
2. Sensory material for sensitive periods
Maria Montessori discovered that children are extra sensitive to developing sensory skills at certain stages. Montessori toys such as sand and water tables, touch boards and sound blocks help children refine their senses.
3. Wood instead of plastic
Montessori toys are often made from natural materials such as wood, as this has a pleasant texture and is more durable than plastic. Think of wooden stacking blocks, shape sorters and balancing games that stimulate both motor skills and problem-solving thinking.
4. Simplicity and focus on one skill
Unlike many modern toys with bright colors, lights, and sounds, Montessori toys are simple and purposeful. A classic example is the pink tower, where children learn about size and order without distractions.
5. Learn math and language in a playful way
Montessori toys help children learn math and language in a playful way. Counting racks, counting frames and number puzzles make abstract concepts concrete and tangible. For language development, there are, for example, letter cards and sound boxes that help learn letters and sounds.
Why Montessori Toys Are a Valuable Choice
Montessori toys support children's natural curiosity and learning ability. They help them develop independence, improve motor skills and stimulate logical thinking. Moreover, they are durable and timeless, which means they can be used for years.
By choosing Montessori toys, you give your child the freedom to learn through play and discover the world around them, just as Maria Montessori envisioned.
Do you want your child to grow up with toys that really contribute to his or her development? Discover our range of Montessori toys and experience the benefits of this timeless educational method for yourself!