As a parent, Montessori play is a concept you’ve probably come across, or at least heard of. The Montessori perspective explores self-directed activity in children and a hands-on approach to learning and play. As Maria Montessori once said, “Play is the work of a child.” It’s fundamental to their learning and it’s through exploration that our children really begin to grow.
A Look Back
First of all, let’s take a look at the history behind it all. The Montessori method was developed by Dr Maria Montessori in Italy in the early 1900s. It's a specific method of education, centred around little ones, that involves child-led activities, sometimes referred to as ‘work’. Used predominantly in education, classrooms accommodated children of varying ages to promote collaborative play. Teachers offered a supportive overview, but encouraged child-led play and therefore, independence among their pupils. Montessori understood that children learn better when they have the freedom to choose what they learn.Education
Over the last 100 years, Montessori play has had a huge impact on education worldwide. Encouraged throughout early years, it’s been implemented in all aspects of the curriculum. Creating a fun and accessible environment for a child to learn in, is key to overall development. True to the Montessori foundations, today’s classrooms offer activity stations for children to choose from throughout the day. As opposed to standing at the front of a classroom and ‘telling the children what to do’, teachers act as a guide to help and support children to choose their own learning pathways.At Home
Montessori play at home can be easily created. Having lots of stimulating options dotted around the playroom will encourage your little one to make their own decisions. Of course, you can help and support them should they stuck but encourage them to complete things in their own way and at their own pace. Building their confidence will allow them to gain initiative to solve their own challenges and get inventive!Set Up for Success
Montessori believed that you could set your little ones up for success by providing the right toys and materials for their age. Considering simple things like textures and sizing for little hands and minds is important if you want to try Montessori play. Stimulating the senses should be prioritised, so toys and activities that offer different colours, shapes and materials to explore is perfect. These will help to develop the foundations for fundamental problem solving and motor skills as your child grows.Our Montessori-Inspired Toys
Visual appeal proves a successful contributing factor to Montessori play. Gentle colour palettes and soft materials help to sooth and inspire children, whereas garish visuals can distract them from creative learning. At Baby Boosa, thoughtful design is at the heart of everything we do. Our pastel coloured Cutie Cubes and Tiny Towers are the perfect introduction to the Montessori approach. Our toys promote cognitive and sensory stimulation, not to mention, the buttery soft silicone means they’re suitable for teething – and dentist approved of course! Take a look at our previous blog for a closer look at the benefits they offer!Get In Touch
What do we love most? Following your learning developments and getting to know so many amazing parents on this journey. For some fun DIY colour and texture activity inspo, click here! Please tag us @babyboosa or feel free to contact us with any questions. We’d love to hear from you!
