With the holiday season upon us, the thoughts of parents turn to what presents to buy for their kids.
If you’re a parent of a Montessori student, finding a Montessori-appropriate toy can be a challenge. Dr. Maria Montessori didn’t design toys, so there is really no such thing as a “Montessori toy.”
The good news is there are toys you can still buy to help advance your child’s learning and stay true to the Montessori philosophy.
Just like the method to which they conform, Montessori materials are designed to develop a child’s intellect and imagination while sticking to simple designs and functions. Montessori-appropriate toys skip the bright lights, loud sounds and plastics in favor of natural materials and purpose.
The simplicity of Montessori materials helps satisfy a child’s need to play by holding their attention. Toys with batteries and bright lights, on the other hand, can overwhelm a child.
When shopping for toys to fit in your Montessori home, focus on those that are simple, beautiful and functional.
Another set of gifts that can help aid a Montessori student’s growth are the tools used to teach math in the Montessori classroom. As the Montessori Method utilizes sensorial learning in early math teachings, these tools are both colorful and offer a hands-on demonstration of how numbers are part of their world. And since these tools utilize fun shapes, colors and dimensions, they can be fun and toy-like for early learners.
At La Prima Casa Montessori, students can find many of these learning tools and materials in their classrooms. But having some at home can help continue their learning and development outside of classroom.
Feel free to ask our teachers for ideas about Montessori-based activities for your little one this holiday season. And when shopping, please try to shop local to help keep our area’s businesses thriving.
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