Did you know that from the day you bring your baby home, you can incorporate Montessori concepts into your home? You don’t have to wait for preschool! An easy place to start is to watch out for the toys that surround your little one. We’ve compiled a list of the best Montessori toys for every age group. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
What is Montessori?
The Montessori Method is an educational program developed by Dr. Maria Montessori was developed. The main mission of the program is to develop students who are capable, accountable, and knowledgeable people with the strong confidence they need to be successful in the real world. The main difference in Montessori is that the training is led by the students and is led and assessed by the teachers.
The Montessori Method believes that growth and key formation begin from birth through the age of 6 and it is a critical time in laying a solid foundation for a child’s future. To learn more, visit the American Montessori Society website.
Montessori toys are simple toys that are often made from natural materials such as wood, cotton, metal, or maybe even stones. It does not move or make a sound unless it is physically manipulated by a child. They are rooted in reality (no talking tigers, unicorns, or beeps). Most importantly, Montessori toys teach children a skill or a simple task with real consequences. Check out our list of the best Montessori toys for kids below!
7 of the best Montessori toys for babies
Object persistence field
This toy is a box with a hole, ramp, and ball. It’s a great addition to any family and is fun for babies. With this simple toy, babies can practice hand-eye coordination and train their thinking skills while watching the ball fall into the box and roll out.
Carrot harvest wooden puzzle
This fun toy is an easy way to help babies find motor skills by practicing putting the carrots in and pulling them out again.
Wooden rattle set
Ideal for younger babies and for teething. This rattle set is designed to stimulate and develop your baby’s vision and hearing. I love this safe and colorful set!
Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether Grasping Activity Toy
What like a geometric strand of DNA or something from Dr. Seuss looks, this toy is fun for babies to chew and just play around with. Highly rated for children on the autism spectrum.
Stack rings
This is a classic for babies, but wood stacking rings are safe and chewable. It promotes the practical ability to recognize colors and shapes. It also grows with the baby, as they become toddlers they learn combinations and patterns. This is one from Leo & Friends is so cute.
Twisty Caterpillar
This adorable caterpillar moves just like your baby can shape it. It’s also a great piece for tummy play time as your baby can see it in the face. Your baby will develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. It comes in a pack of 2.
Wooden animal puzzles
These wooden puzzles are good for babies 9 months and older. They’re safe, but also great for babies to play and study with. First colors and animals, then spatial recognition. These cute puzzles will help your baby develop hand-eye coordination.
7 of the best Montessori toys for toddlers
Wooden train
This train is a great addition to your toy collection. It consists of three removable parts that toddlers can use to redesign and reconstruct the train in different ways. It encourages their creativity and improves fine motor skills. Made from non-toxic and environmentally friendly paint and wood, it is ideal for toddlers aged 18 months and over.
Match & Roll shape sorter
This Melissa & Doug shape sorter teaches a variety of skills including color and shape recognition, sorting skills, problem solving skills, and manual dexterity. It’s great for kids 12 months and older and is designed to stimulate the imagination.
Activity Cube
This activity cube will keep your toddler entertained for hours. Six-sided with Shapre sorter, bead maze, clock, number matching and puzzle, it helps your little explorer to develop his mind and coordination.
Wooden car ramps race
This all-natural wooden car set gives toddlers the ability to focus and become curious as they develop fine motor skills and learn about physical actions and reactions.
Rainbow wooden ball tray
This toy will stimulate your child visually, mentally and creatively. Easy to hold and lightweight, your toddler will spend hours matching the balls with their colors.
Pop up fire truck
Your toddler will love zooming around the house with this fire truck. The firefights move up and down as you roll, but can also come out entirely. Great for promoting color recognition and counting.
Magnetic fishing game made of wood
This simple magnetic fishing game comes with two poles and is fun for hours. It is ideal for hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This option from Coogam also encourages letter learning.
7 of the best Montessori toys for preschoolers
Stacking peg board
If your toddler is starting preschool this stacking breadboard set is a must have. Stacking and placing the pens strengthens your child’s hand-eye coordination, visual perception, and motor skills. This is a fan favorite in our house.
Stack of wooden blocks number toys
This stackable woodcut number set is a great toy for all preschoolers. It’s educational and fun. You can also find ones that contain the alphabet. Great for learning shapes, colors, numbers, and letters (when you get the advanced board).
Balancing cactus made of wood
Another fan favorite in our home, this balancing cactus will help your child develop critical thinking. Kids will have hours of fun stacking the different cactus pieces to make sure the cactus doesn’t fall over.
Building block set
Building blocks are the ultimate toy. Children learn concepts such as math, physics, and engineering while playing. We love this 70-piece set that stimulates your child’s imagination while developing their spatial awareness and motor skills. Lovevery makes some great sets!
Screwdriver board
This simple screwdriver board is ideal for older preschoolers. It teaches practical life skills such as holding different tools while developing fine motor skills.
Balance board
Definitely for older toddlers, this balance board offers hours of fun. It can be used in endless ways and is great for open-minded learning and imagination. It will grow with your child too, as they can hold up to 485 pounds!
Car driving busy board
For your little NASCAR fan, this driver set is a sensor board with which your toddler can use his imagination and develop fine motor skills. What’s also great is how compact it is, which makes it a breeze to have in the car!
As you can see, bringing Montessori toys into your home isn’t that difficult! There are tons of ways to keep your little one entertained and have fun learning.
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