Monterssori

MONTESSORI BIRTH-THREE TOYS AND MATERIALS - ORDER ONLINE

At this link it is now possible to order the The Joyful Child, which is a 70-page Montessori overview and catalogue of appropriate toys, tools, and materials for the home or school that support the Montessori philosophy for educating the child from birth to three years of age.

Preparing the Environment

Learning comes from a natural interaction with the environment much more than from listening or watching another. For this reason the preparation of the environment is extremely important.

Considering quality and beauty is very important in attracting the child. Shelves do not have to be expensive; they can be as simple as boards and bricks. Tables and chairs made of wood instead of plastic develop a taste for quality, and show respect for the child.

Pictures on the wall, hung at the eye-level of the child, can be beautiful framed art prints, or simple posters.

Rather than keeping things in large toy boxes, we recommend trays and baskets for most things. This helps the child sort his belongings and makes putting things away much more logical and enjoyable.

Here are some things to keep in mind in organizing a child's environment:

1.Have a place in each room - the bedroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, front hall, bathroom, garage, and so forth - for the child's few, carefully chosen belongings. By the front door a stool to sit on and a place, within reach, to hang coats and put shoes. In the living room shelves for organizing a few of the child's books, toys, puzzles, or games.

2.Think carefully about family activities and the materials used, in all areas of the home, and arrange the environment to include the child.

3.Don't put out too many items at one time. A few baskets or trays holding tools or toys that are being used at the moment is sufficient.

It is a good idea to rotate books and toys—taking out those that have not been chosen lately and removing them to storage for a time....