Constructed from high-quality materials, Small Smart’s unique collection of Montessori toys is designed to promote cognitive development and fine motor skills in children. Featuring brightly coloured geometric shapes, these toys are sure to capture your child's attention, stimulate their senses and encourage exploration from a young age.

What are Montessori Toys?

Montessori toys promote independence, language development, and learning through exploration and discovery. The Montessori philosophy emphasises discovering the world through one’s own experience, and the toys are designed to promote this type of play. 

What Montessori Toys Are and How They Work

Montessori toys are specially designed toys that engage a child’s senses and encourage hands-on learning. Most are made from natural materials like wood or cloth, and they often feature lots of colours but simple shapes.

Montessori toys can also be referred to as self-correcting, meaning that the toys provide immediate feedback to the child so that he or she can learn from mistakes without adult intervention. For example, a puzzle with only two pieces that fit together will only allow the child to put the pieces together in one way so they will know immediately whether they have been successful or not.

The Benefits of Using Montessori Toys in Early Childhood Education

There are many benefits of using Montessori toys in early childhood education. Some of the most notable include:

1. Helping children develop their fine motor skills. 

2. Improving hand-eye coordination.

3. Teaching them how to better concentrate and focus on tasks.

4. Enhancing problem-solving skills.

5. Enabling them to learn about colours, shapes, and sizes through independent exploration.

6. Encouraging creativity and imagination without adult direction.

7. Promoting independence and self-confidence as children and encouraging them to figure out the toys by themselves.

In addition, Montessori toys are typically very colourful and attractive, which can help to engage a child's attention and get them interested in educational play at an earlier age.

How to Select the Right Montessori Toy for Your Child

When selecting a Montessori toy for your child, it is important to consider the following factors:

- The developmental level of the child

- The interests and abilities of the child

- The purpose of the toy

Choose toys that are age-appropriate. Toddlers, for example, will be interested in toys that promote sensory exploration and discovery, while older children might enjoy toys that help them learn maths or science concepts. Additionally, look for quality materials and construction. Toys that are well-made will last longer and provide more opportunities for learning.

Popular Types of Montessori Toys

There are many different types of Montessori toys, but some of the most popular include puzzles, blocks, and educational games.

Puzzles are a great way to help children develop problem-solving skills and logic. Blocks can help with hand-eye coordination and spatial skills, while educational games can help teach children important concepts like counting, colours, and letters.

Ideas for Using Montessori Toys to Promote Learning and Development

First and foremost, remember that Montessori toys are designed to promote independent learning and exploration. So, don't hover over your child while they're playing with them or try to guide their play too much. Let them take the lead and figure things out for themselves!

One great way to use Montessori toys is to set up a series of simple, focused activities for your child to complete. For example, you might have them sort objects by colour or count out a specific number of balls. This helps your child stay engaged and focused on the task at hand.

Again, remember that the purpose of Montessori play is self-regulation so even if they stray from the task you have set, try not to intervene.  

FAQs

How are Montessori toys different?

Montessori toys are different in a few key ways. First, they're designed to promote self-directed learning. This means that they encourage kids to explore and discover on their own, without direct adult supervision. Second, Montessori toys are often constructed of natural materials like wood or cloth, which helps kids connect with the world around them in a more tactile way. And finally, Montessori toys often have multiple uses or functions, which challenges kids to find new ways to play with them each time. All of these factors work together to create an environment where kids can learn and grow at their own pace.

Are Montessori toys worth it?

The answer to this question really depends on your definition of ‘worth it’. If you're simply looking for toys that will keep your child entertained, then Montessori toys may not be the best investment. However, if you're interested in toys that will help your child develop important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, then Montessori toys can definitely be a great option.

What are the disadvantages of Montessori?

The disadvantages of Montessori education are primarily that it is a slightly more expensive approach to education, and that some children may not thrive in a Montessori environment if they require a little more guidance.