Montessori toys are toys developed based on the principles and philosophy of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. The toys are specially designed to help children develop naturally physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally.
Montessori toys are often simple and have a minimalist design. It focuses on promoting independence, creativity, concentration and problem-solving skills in children.
Rather than toys that merely provide entertainment, Montessori toys provide children with opportunities for active learning and discovery. The toys are mostly hands-on and encourage sensory experiences, motor skills, logical thinking and social interaction.
Montessori toys are suitable for children of different ages, from infants to toddlers and even older children. The toys focus on encouraging children's natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation, allowing them to learn and grow at their own pace.
Using Montessori toys at home or in educational settings contributes to a stimulating environment in which children can develop their skills and potential in a way that meets their individual needs. It is an approach to play and learning that promotes children's development in a holistic and positive way.
Montessori toys for 0-year-olds
Montessori toys can also be valuable for 0-year-old babies. Although babies at this age cannot yet actively play like older children, they can benefit from certain Montessori toys aimed at their sensory development and motor skills.
The main purpose of Montessori toys for babies aged 0 years old is to stimulate their sensory perception and promote the development of their fine motor skills. Using Montessori toys allows babies to explore their senses and improve their motor skills in a natural and playful way, which can have a positive impact on their overall development.
Gripping toys
Gripping toys with different textures, shapes and colours are perfect for babies in their first months. They help develop hand-eye coordination and the grasping reflex.
Montessori toys for 1-year-olds
1-year-old children begin to explore their environment more actively. Montessori toys for this age group encourage them to further develop their physical skills and cognitive abilities. Some suitable options include:
Stackable Blocks
Stackable blocks are ideal for developing a 1-year-old child's motor skills. They can stack, flip and sort the blocks, honing their problem-solving skills.
Puzzles with Big Buttons
Puzzles with large buttons are perfect for 1-year-old children. They help develop fine motor skills and understanding of shapes and colours.
Montessori toys for 2-year-olds
At age 2, children begin to become more familiar with their environment and show interest in exploring new activities. Montessori toys for 2-year-olds stimulate their creativity, language development and motor skills. Here are some suitable options:
Sorting games
Sorting games with different shapes and colours are perfect for children as young as 2 years old. They can learn to sort by colour, shape and size, developing their cognitive skills.
Montessori toys for 3-year-olds
At age 3, children are curious and actively involved in learning and discovering the world around them. Montessori toys for 3-year-olds encourage their creativity, logical thinking and social interaction. Some suitable options include:
Craft kit
A craft set with colouring pencils, paper, safe children's scissors and stickers is perfect for 3-year-olds. They can express their creativity, learn to recognise colours and further develop their fine motor skills.
Building blocks
Building blocks are great toys for 3-year-olds as they stimulate their imagination, problem-solving skills and spatial understanding. Children can build, stack and experiment with different shapes and structures.