Setting up an accessible, well-organized toy shelf for your little one is a great way to encourage more meaningful, focused play – and learning – at home. It’s also a simple way to help prevent the overwhelm and stress of other toy storage methods, like an overflowing toy box that leaves your child bored and keeps your home in a constant state of disarray. Sound good? Keep reading to find out how to store your child’s toys the Montessori way, whether you’re new to Montessori or not!
What is a Montessori toy shelf?
A Montessori toy shelf is simply a low, open shelf made with natural wood. Because Montessori shelves are child-sized, little ones are able to easily access all their toys. Additionally, Montessori shelves don’t have cabinet doors or anything else to prevent a child from seeing which toys are available to them.
When children can clearly see and easily access their toys without help, they spend more time playing (and learning!) and less time digging through an overflowing toybox looking for something to do. This helps children build independence and concentration.
It’s also worth noting that Montessori shelves are well-organized. On a Montessori shelf, toys and other materials are stored neatly in baskets and trays. There’s a place for everything, and through practice, little ones learn how to return their toys to the correct place. This helps children develop a sense of order, as well as responsibility for their belongings.
At what age should I introduce a Montessori toy shelf to my child?
The age at which you introduce a Montessori toy shelf to your child will depend on the child’s developmental stage and their readiness for independent exploration and self-directed learning. Montessori materials can be introduced to children as young as 6 months old, when they start to become interested in their surroundings and begin to develop fine motor skills.
For infants and young children, the materials on the shelf should be simple and designed for exploration and discovery, such as stacking rings, blocks, and soft toys. As the child grows and develops, the materials on the shelf can become more complex and challenging, such as puzzles, shape sorters, and counting bears.
It’s important to keep in mind that every child is unique and develops at their own pace, so it’s important to observe your child and follow their lead when introducing new materials. It’s also important to observe the child’s engagement with the materials and adjust the shelf accordingly, to ensure that it is challenging but not overwhelming for the child.
What types of toys should be included on a Montessori toy shelf?
The types of toys that can be included on a Montessori toy shelf vary depending on the age and interests of the child. Some general categories of toys that may be appropriate include:
- Sensorial materials, such as blocks, puzzles, and shape sorters, that help children develop their sense of touch, sight, and hearing.
- Practical life materials, such as kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, and small tools, that help children develop fine motor skills and independence.
- Language materials, such as books, flashcards, and letter blocks, that help children develop their reading and writing skills.
- Math materials, such as counting bears, number rods, and bead chains, that help children develop their math skills.
- Science materials, such as magnifying glasses, binoculars, and nature specimens, that help children learn about the natural world.
- Art materials, such as paint, markers, and scissors, that help children develop their creativity and self-expression.
It is important to note that the toys should be age-appropriate, safe and not harmful to the child.
Should toys be in the bedroom Montessori?
Perhaps the child can be more creative, more expressive when playing in the comfort of their own room. I wouldn’t suggest that all of the child’s toys need to be in the bedroom. There is a role for the child to have space throughout the home including in shared play spaces and in living areas.
In a Montessori approach, the child’s bedroom is considered a “prepared environment” that is designed to promote independence, focus, and self-regulation. Toys can be included in the bedroom as long as they are age-appropriate, safe, and support the child’s interests and development.
Having a selection of toys in the bedroom can be beneficial for a child as it allows them to access activities independently, which can help to foster their sense of autonomy and self-directed learning. However, the number of toys should be limited to avoid over-stimulation and clutter. It is important to keep in mind that the main purpose of the bedroom is for sleeping and resting, so the toys should not be overwhelming or disruptive to the child’s sleep.
It is recommended that the toys are easily accessible and reachable by the child, so they can take control and responsibility of their own environment. Additionally, the child should be taught to care for the toys and keep them organized, this will help them develop a sense of order and responsibility.
How often do you rotate toys in Montessori?
The frequency of toy rotation depends on the child’s interests and level of engagement with the materials. Generally, it is recommended to rotate the materials every 3-4 weeks. This allows the child to have a fresh set of materials to explore and prevents them from becoming bored or over-familiar with the materials.
It is important to note that rotation does not mean replacing all the materials on the shelf at once but rather swapping out one or two items for others that are similar but offer a different challenge or variation. This way, the child can continue to explore and learn from familiar materials while also being presented with new opportunities for growth and development.
When rotating the materials, it is important to observe the child and their level of engagement with the materials, and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, it is important to store the rotated materials in a accessible place, so the child can revisit them if they show interest.
How do I teach my child to use and care for the toys on a Montessori toy shelf?
To teach your child to use and care for the toys on a Montessori toy shelf, you can use the following strategies:
- Modeling: Show your child how to use and care for the toys by demonstrating yourself. For example, you can show them how to properly hold a pencil or how to put a puzzle together.
- Verbal instructions: Give clear and concise instructions on how to use and care for the toys. Use simple and age-appropriate language, and repeat the instructions as needed.
- Hands-on guidance: Provide hands-on guidance and support as your child learns to use and care for the toys. For example, you can help them hold a pencil correctly or assist them in putting a puzzle together.
- Repetition: Repeat the instructions and guidance as needed, until your child becomes more confident and independent.
- Encourage independence: Gradually encourage your child to use and care for the toys on their own, and provide positive reinforcement for their efforts.
- Teach responsibility: Encourage the child to take care of the materials, put them back in their place, and clean up after themselves. This will help them develop a sense of responsibility and care for their environment.
- Praise and positive reinforcement: Praise and positive reinforcement are important when teaching children to use and care for toys. Recognize and acknowledge their efforts, progress and achievements.
It’s important to keep in mind that children learn best through hands-on experiences, and that the goal is to encourage children to take control of their own learning and development.
