Have you ever heard of Montessori education?
It’s a teaching method that’s focused on child-led learning and hands-on activities. As a mom and former teacher, I was drawn to using a Montessori method at home because of its emphasis on independence and self-discovery.
I’ve seen firsthand how kids have thrived in a Montessori environment, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite toys (skip ahead to the baby toys, toddler toys, climbing toys, or floor beds) and activities (skip ahead to the activities) with you! I’ll also give a quick overview of the basics of Montessori education and how it can benefit your child’s development.
Montessori education has been gaining popularity in recent years and with good reason. As a Montessori mom, I have witnessed the many benefits of this educational approach. From Montessori toys for babies to climbing toys for older children to Montessori floor bed toddler rooms, Montessori principles can be applied throughout a child’s life.
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But what exactly is Montessori parenting, and how does it differ from traditional parenting styles?
At its core, Montessori parenting is all about fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning in your child. It is based on the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, who believed that children have a natural desire to learn and explore their environment.
One of the key principles of Montessori parenting is the use of Montessori toys. These toys are designed to be simple, natural, and developmentally appropriate for children at different stages of their growth.
Montessori baby toys, for example, are often made of wood or other natural materials and are designed to encourage exploration and sensory development. They typically don’t require batteries and encourage open-ended and imaginative play. And as those precious babies get older and more mobile, Montessori climbing toys can be a great way to encourage physical activity and exploration.
These toys are designed to be safe and sturdy, allowing children to climb and explore their environment in a controlled and supervised way.
Of course, Montessori parenting is about more than just toys. It is a holistic approach to raising children that emphasizes respect, independence, and self-discipline. It is about creating a supportive and nurturing environment that allows children to grow and develop at their own pace.
So, what are the benefits of a Montessori education?
Research has shown that Montessori-educated children tend to be more independent, creative, and socially adept than their peers. They are also more likely to have a love of learning that stays with them throughout their lives. Montessori parenting and education can offer many benefits to children and their families.
From Montessori baby toys to climbing toys for older children, the principles of Montessori can be applied throughout a child’s life. By fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning, Montessori parenting can help children to reach their full potential.
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I’ve compiled some of my favorite Montessori toys for the baby and toddler ages, as well as some of my favorite Montessori mom activities to do at home.
My favorite part about these toys is that they all support small businesses – many of them being other mamas! You can find them all on Etsy instead of from big corporate box companies. Since they do come from hard-working men and women, they might be a bit pricier or take longer to ship. But by purchasing from small businesses, you’re also investing in the passion and dreams of individuals who have poured their heart and soul into their craft.
Small businesses tend to have a more personal touch, providing excellent customer service and building a relationship with their customers that larger corporations simply can’t match.
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Montessori Baby Toys
Pssssst! If you have time to wait on shipping, you can also download the Temu app and find some of these and/or similar toys at a fraction of the price!
1. Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle
2. Musical Rainbow Tower
3. Soft and Sturdy Large Ball Pit
4. Wooden Ring Stacker
5. Object Permanence Box Toy
6. Wooden Shape Sorter
7. Wooden Walker & Wagon for Baby
8. Baby Play Gym
9. Assorted Small Montessori Baby Toys
10. Wooden Fruit Stacker Puzzles
Montessori Toddler Toys
1. Chore Chart for Toddlers
2. Wooden Tool Box Kit
3. Colorful World Map Puzzle
4. Wooden Toy Car Garage
5. Wooden Toy Tea Set
6. Personalized Wooden Busy Board
7. Personalized Name Wooden Train
8. Human Body Wooden Puzzle
9. Pretend Play Butterfly Wings
10. Personalized Clock Puzzle
Montessori Climbing Toys
1. Multi-Use Climbing Arch and Chair
2. Indoor Pikler Climbing Cube
3. Wooden Balance Beam
4. Montessori Wobble Board
5. Indoor Wooden Slide
6. Climbing Gym with Pikler Triangle
7. Indoor Climbing Dome
8. Little Steps by Lily and River
9. Toddler Balance Beam
10. All-Inclusive Indoor Play Gym
Montessori Floor Beds
1. White Wood Floor Bed with Canopy
2. Simple, Natural Wood Floor Bed
3. Double Bunk Montessori Toddler Bed
4. Pull Out Montessori Toddler Floor Bed
5. Gated Large Floor Bed
Ultimately, when choosing a Montessori toy, it’s important to look for something that is simple, open-ended, and encourages exploration. You want to give your child the freedom to play and learn in their own way, without the limitations of preset rules or instructions.
Whether you decide to go with a classic wooden block set or a more modern take on the Montessori approach, the key is to prioritize your child’s learning and development. With the right toys, you can foster a lifelong love of learning and curiosity in your child – and that’s a gift that will last a lifetime.
So go ahead, invest in a few of these top-rated Montessori toys, and watch your child’s imagination soar! With their new toys and newfound skills, they’re sure to surprise and delight you with all the amazing things they’ll create and discover.
Montessori Activities
Here are 20 Montessori activities you can set up at home with your little one. Feel free to adjust each of them to fit your kiddo and the things you already have at home!
- Sensory Bins – One great Montessori activity is to set up a sensory bin. It can be as simple as filling a bin with rice and hiding small toys or objects for your little one to discover. One time, I filled a bin with different types of beans and my little one loved the different textures!
- Sorting Activities – Montessori toys often focus on sorting and categorizing, so setting up a simple sorting activity is a great way to introduce this concept. Try sorting different colored blocks or even kitchen utensils like wooden spoons and measuring cups.
- Nature Walk – Take your little ones on a nature walk and encourage them to explore and observe the environment around them. Talk about the different colors and textures they see, and even bring a small notebook for them to draw or write down what they observe.
- Practical Life Skills – Montessori education emphasizes practical life skills, so involve your little one in daily tasks like sweeping, wiping counters, or folding laundry. It may take longer with their “help,” but they’ll be learning valuable skills while spending quality time with you.
- DIY Montessori Toys – Although the toys above are all AMAZING ways to incorporate Montessori learning into your home, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a Montessori-inspired playroom. You can make your own Montessori baby toys at home with simple items like wooden spoons and fabric scraps. One of my favorite DIY toys is a sensory board made of different textures and materials.
- Climbing Toys – Montessori climbing toys are great for developing gross motor skills. You can make your own climbing tower with a few wooden boards and rope or even set up a mini obstacle course using cushions and pillows.
- Language Activities – Montessori education puts a strong emphasis on language development. Try reading books with your little one and pointing out different objects or animals. You can even make your own flashcards with pictures of familiar objects and words.
- Art Exploration – Encourage your little one’s creativity with art exploration activities. Set up a painting station with different colors and types of paint, or try making your own playdough with natural ingredients like flour and food coloring.
- Practical Math Skills – Math concepts can be introduced through practical life skills, like counting the number of buttons on a shirt or measuring ingredients for a recipe. You can also set up simple counting activities with blocks or beads.
- Outdoor Exploration – Montessori education values outdoor exploration and connecting with nature. Go on a nature scavenger hunt, set up a gardening station, or simply take a picnic blanket outside and explore the sights and sounds of your backyard.
- Science Experiments – Conduct simple science experiments like mixing baking soda and vinegar or making a volcano eruption.
- Play Dough – Make your own play dough at home using flour, salt, and water, and let your child play with it using different tools and cutters.
- Treasure Baskets – Fill a basket with natural materials like shells, pine cones, and stones for your child to explore and discover.
- Music and Movement – Sing songs, dance, and play musical instruments together to encourage your child’s love of music and movement.
- Sensory Bottles – Fill clear bottles with materials like glitter, water, and beads to create calming and soothing sensory experiences for your child.
- Planting – Plant seeds and watch them grow, teaching your child about the life cycle of plants and the importance of caring for living things.
- Dressing Frames – Provide your child with dressing frames to practice buttoning, zipping, and tying their own clothes.
- Gross Motor Games – Play games like Simon Says, hopscotch, or freeze dance to encourage your child’s gross motor development.
- Water Play – Fill a basin with water and provide your child with different tools and toys for a fun and messy water play experience.
- Cooking and Baking – Involve your child in simple cooking and baking activities, which teach them about nutrition, following directions, and patience.
There you have it!
Ten Montessori-inspired activities that you can easily do at home with your little one.
The beauty of Montessori parenting is that you can adapt and tailor the activities to fit your family’s needs and interests. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy these activities with your child, while also promoting their learning and development in a Montessori-inspired way!
Happy learning!
Jess
