Montessori Toys can be a great addition to any kids play room and toy rotation. These screen free activities can help children’s development and also help them learn problem solving, self directed play and life skills.
Here at So Handmade we have developed a range of Montessori toys including play mats and toys which we believe will not only help a child’s development but will also be fun and open ended to allow many hours of entertainment.
The thoughtful design of these play mats and toys are mixed with the Montessori approach for kids of all ages providing an educational and creative collection of toys.
What is a Montessori Toy?
Montessori toys are educational playthings inspired by the philosophy of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. These toys are designed to promote hands-on, self-directed learning and to encourage children to explore and discover the world around them at their own pace.
One of the key benefits of Montessori philosophy is their focus on fostering holistic development in children. By providing opportunities for sensory exploration, fine and gross motor skill development, and cognitive growth, these toys support children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being.
A Montessori toy is one that stimulates learning by encouraging kids to experiment. It should be a toy that they can hold and touch, as learning to manipulate objects is key in helping children develop their fine motor skills.
What Materials Are Montessori Toys Made From?
Montessori toys are usually made from natural materials such as wood and cottons which is good for the sensory touch of little hands.
So Handmade uses predominantly natural organic fabrics in the construction of our playmats. We use this cotton canvas as it is sustainably woven with organic cotton and it is also durable, washable and has a wonderful texture for little hands. We also use partner with other sustainable small businesses to add wooden toy vehicles to our construction, train and river playmats.
There are also many printable resources available to take part in preschool learning at home like this set of printable alphabet and numbers to trace
Montessori Toys Should:
· Promote fine motor skills through exploration
· Engage the child’s senses
· Quality made with natural materials and pleasing to look at
· No batteries, lights, buttons or sounds
Montessori Travel Toys
Travelling with a little one can be a stressful experience. Especially trying to keep a squirmy toddler buckled into a seat on a long flight or road trip. Going away on vacation of visiting family should be a joy but sometimes the preparation and stress of getting ready for the trip seems to zap all of the anticipation of a great time away.
Having the right toys and other engaging activities for them to do on their tray table, in their laps is the best way to prepare for a fun and exciting trip away. Montessori toys are perfect to bring traveling as they are ‘open ended’ they can perform a multitude of foundations for stories, games and imaginative play.
Check out my collection of Screen Free Toddler Toys for busy kids on the go!
For example a dinosaur play mat could be the base for a brave triceratops to battle the formidable tyrannosaurus. Then the next time it is taken out it could provide the backdrop for a name all the different dino game.
They can also help to promote fine motor skills on the go and help the little one start to learn to read like my Alphabet Learning Toy
Are Montessori Toys Worth it?
Montessori toys are usually more hardwearing and better quality as they are made from more durable materials then plastic toys.
As they are open ended and can be played with in a multitude of different ways they can also be played with over and over again without the child getting bored or tired of them.
The softer colors can also help to keep a little one more calm and focused which is great for traveling and taking out and about.
Choosing Montessori Toys:
Check out these collections curated with the age group in mind:
Why Montessori ?
Not only are Montessori Toys more durable, sustainable and better for the planet then other plastic toys but they are also educational and offer more benefits for your child's future.
Having Montessori toys for your kids is a way to help them gain their creativity and imaginations away from screens.
How Do I Start?
To start the best advice would be to seek out like minded parents to create a support network.
Together you can share resources, rotate toys and create kids playgroups. There are also many online groups who can offer support and ideas. Follow other Montessori Moms online to get inspiration for your own playrooms and daily routines. Join So Handmade's community through our email newsletter and instagram @SoHandmadeLLC for more great ideas.
Good luck!
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Shop So Handmade Montessori Collections Here: