Montessori-inspired toys

The Montessori method was developed by an Italian doctor named Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. Dr. Montessori was an inspiration, someone who broke gender barriers, fought for women’s rights, and believed in educating children with learning differences.

Dr. Montessori believed in promoting independence in even the smallest children. She did this by carefully preparing the learning environment with a specific set of educational tools and by providing plenty of uninterrupted work time.

What We Love About Montessori:

1. Emphasis on less clutter, more order, and fewer toys.

2. Commitment to offering children the kinds of challenges that develop independence and concentration; willingness to let them struggle a little bit.

3. More natural and simple toys that help teach children to understand and enjoy the real world.

4. A thoughtful environment with child-sized furniture, low shelves, and stools to help children reach things for themselves.

5. Belief in freedom of movement for babies and toddlers.

6. Real-world, sensory-rich experiences.

7. Time to cultivate a child’s focus and flow with limited interruption.

Playthings in Montessori environment spark your child's curiosity through repetition and purpose, and by reflecting their daily experience.

Characteristics of a Montessori-inspired toy:

• It doesn’t have electronics or flashing lights

• It’s based on real life

• It’s made from natural materials

• It focuses on one skill at a time

• It promotes STEM learning

• It encourages independence

While officially, there is no such thing as a “Montessori toy,” our Play Kits and Playthings are Montessori-inspired because they align with the Montessori learning philosophy in many ways.

Our Play Kits are stage-based and designed to provide just the toys your child needs, at just the right time. That’s because when it comes to Montessori-inspired friendly toys, less is always more. Our Playthings support the educational philosophies inspired by Montessori like the use of natural materials; being simple and distraction-free; focus on a single skill; and highlight the real world through realistic design and imagery.

With that said, our Play Kits and Playthings deviate slightly from the Montessori philosophy in some ways. For example, imaginative play is de-emphasized in Montessori, yet we believe this kind of role play is important for children's brain development.

Sometimes it seems like Montessori sets the bar really high—so high that it feels unattainable for a busy parent. The good news is your child is naturally drawn toward Montessori learning. Here are three simple takeaways to practice Montessori at home.

1. Invite Participation in the Home
   Invite toddlers to participate in household responsibilities. Remain open-minded about the outcomes and try to be okay with how long it takes. We want the child to develop problem solving skills, critical thinking, coordination—all of these things are more important than spilling a little juice, or unevenly chopped carrots.

2. Introduce the Real Before the Abstract
   Toddlers are curious about the world around them. Foster that curiosity by introducing them to living animals and real-world things. What can your child smell, touch, taste, hear? Multi-sensory experiences help them to make connections that will build on that curiosity and lay the foundation for more learning. Children need to experience something directly with their bodies before they can understand it in their minds.

3. Pause Before Stepping In
   You might be surprised by how capable your toddler is if you give them an opportunity to rise to the occasion. Take a pause before stepping in to help—whether that be in pouring a drink or putting their shoes on. Because quite often those moments when your child is struggling, is when they are most likely to learn for themselves.