The Montessori Method: What is it?
Caring and respectful parenting is a core concern for young parents. Among the most popular educational approaches, the Montessori method stands out as a benchmark. But what exactly does this method mean? How does it work? And how can you apply it at home with your children?
In this article, we guide you step by step to understand Montessori pedagogy and offer you concrete tools from our selection of Montessori games.
What is the Montessori method?
Created at the beginning of the 20th century by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, this approach is based on a simple but powerful idea: each child has a unique potential that they can freely develop if they develop in a caring, structured environment adapted to their needs.
Rather than transmitting knowledge top-down (between teacher and student), Montessori pedagogy focuses on an active approach. It is the child who explores, manipulates, observes, and learns on their own, at their own pace and according to their interests.
The main principles of Montessori education
- Autonomy: the child learns to do things alone, which strengthens his self-confidence.
- Respect for rhythm: each child is unique; we avoid comparisons or imposed rhythms.
- Free choice of activities: the child chooses what attracts him in a prepared environment.
- Sensory learning: the Montessori games are designed to be manipulated and tested.
- The prepared environment: simple, organized, at child height, to encourage concentration and independence.
At what age should you start Montessori education?
The Montessori method can be applied from birth. The environment, toys, and activities evolve with the child's age, but the fundamental principles remain constant.
From 0 to 3 years old
The child develops their motor skills, language, and coordination. We favor simple and sensory Montessori toys for babies:
- Wooden rattles, sensory balls
- Manipulation games
- Lion Edmund Sensory Busy Board : a fine motor skills board with fasteners, buttons, Velcro... Ideal for ages 18 months and up.
From 3 to 6 years old
The child enters an intense phase of sensory and intellectual exploration. He wants to understand, test, and imitate. This is the ideal age to introduce:
- Sorting and matching games
- Imitation games and symbolic games
- Montessori wooden seesaw : gross motor skills, balance, tunnel or cabin! Suitable from 12 months.
- Mustard wood kitchen : perfect for imitation play between 2 and 6 years old.
- Wooden modeling clay kit : develops creativity and dexterity.
How to apply the Montessori method at home?
Here are some simple tips to create a Montessori atmosphere in your home:
1. Prepare the environment
Create a calm and orderly space with wooden Montessori toys arranged on low shelves, within easy reach of the child. Avoid noisy, electronic, or overly stimulating toys.
2. Offer suitable equipment
Montessori materials never "do things for" the child. They are self-correcting, aesthetically pleasing, and designed to develop a specific skill.
3. Observe and accompany
The adult does not teach, he observes and accompanies. He guides without directing, encourages without forcing.
Montessori Books and Resources
To go further, many Montessori books are available for parents. Some explain the basics, while others offer activities to do at home.
The Montessori method isn't a passing fad, but a proven teaching method that's been around for over 100 years. Adaptable from birth, it encourages parents to trust their child, respect their pace, and provide a framework conducive to their development.
Need some inspiration? At myplayground.store , we've curated a selection of Montessori games, wooden toys, and Montessori educational toys designed to foster children's independence and natural curiosity.
Want to know more about Busy Boards? Check out our dedicated article here .
