When it comes to preschool education, many parents are very active and vigilant to get their kids admitted to the best of schools possible. There is already a vast sea of competition, which is only getting deeper as the days pass by. This has created a sense of distrust, a fear of missing out amongst the parents, and they are following anything and everything to make the kids the brightest in the class. One of these tried and tested techniques is the Montessori method.
The Montessori method was originally formulated by Maria Montessori back in 1099 when the young doctor began documenting her scientific pedagogy in a mental asylum, where she felt that the confined kids needed a better and more productive environment to study. This technique has been edited, formatted and republished a few times, and is now used by many parents as a trusted way to engage their young children in studies.
There are many methods of this technique, and many schools all around the world are now offering or are completely based on this method. They do not use the basic and conventional methods of teaching, such as using tests and assessments to grade the development. Rather, there are specialized toys that help in this, and these are assorted in a hierarchy of difficulty patterns. You can check out and buy some of the Montessori Toys Made In Canada Cubos from here. And the following data would help you understand the concept better:
Some Famous Montessori Toys
These toys are an excellent medium to teach children to be free and independent, along with also providing them with some important life lessons whilst keeping them engaged and their curiosity to the peak.
Blocks Set
A brilliant way to kick off the list would be with one of the most used and popular toys amongst kids, the basic block set. These are very useful if you plan on instilling in your kids the values of imagination, creativity and motivation. These open-ended gaming blocks are available in many shapes and sizes, which can be changed and usually depends on the age of the child.
Moreover, the kids are free to arrange these blocks in any random order and are free to build whatever they want to. This allows them to feel free in some sense and is proven to help them in the long run.
Montessori Arch
This is one the most used toys in a Montessori school, as it grips the interests of a child and keeps them busy all the time. This arch is a great way to incorporate balancing and taking risks at a young age. It is also known to promote coordination and strengthen imagination in kids.
Rainbow Stacker
This is basically recommended for children below the age of 2, but is a common toy and can be easily seen in the toy section of the Montessori schools. It has assorted panels and arcs, and when arranged in a particular fashion, forms a rainbow with all of its distinct colors. This rainbow is the most common form, however, it is not the only way to arrange these arcs. The panels can also take the shape of a rooster if the child gets creative enough, and hence, is a great asset to promote creativity and problem-solving skills in kids.
Wooden Balance Board
An interesting toy that has become a hit amongst toddlers and preschoolers alike. This balance board has a carved, arched figure, making it look somewhat like a graphical curve when placed on the ground. This interactive toy has become so popular that parents had to buy them for their homes as well. It is fun to watch kids roll around and have fun trying to balance the board just in the right spot and angle, else they might fall. This has some potential hazards to it but is a great tool to instill the kids with balancing and facing unknown terrain and challenges in life. Additionally, it is also good for promoting eye and foot coordination in them.
Play Kits
Play kits are available in a variety of format, shape, and size in the market, and the same are being used in schools as well to promote creativity and hand and eye movements. Play kits are kits with designated holes, which would accommodate a specific piece of the shapes that are available. This would give the child a better understanding of the various shapes and sizes, along with telling them that things would only fit in a space if it is designated for it. It also promotes the habit of keeping clean and organized, which is very helpful for them for their future endeavors.
Natural Counting Boards
Another impressive toy that would help a child to learn the numbers in a fun and organized manner is the counting board. These have beads and numbers printed on them with proper space and gap. The beads are color assorted and can be mixed and matched as well, depending on the choice of the student. These beads are then arranged in a sequential manner to fill up the designated spot and would correspond to the number printed next to it. This is a fun and interactive way to teach young students numbers and some basic mathematical functions, such as elementary addition and subtraction.
Things To Observe Whilst Buying Montessori Toys
While these toys are fun and innovative, these can become boring really soon for some students. Therefore, it is advised to buy the products which offer more functionality than the others. Additionally, buying colorful products would also help you, as kids love anything that is colorful. Lastly, these products are generally safe for kids and are made out of non-toxic substances and paints. However, it is still recommended to do a little research before making any investments.
Conclusion:
The Montessori method uses devices, toys and techniques other than the conventional forms of studying, as it helps children in a broader spectrum. They are not only getting education that would help them but also are getting trained to deal with real-life situations in these small games and tasks. It also promotes life skills, such as confidence, creativity and team spirit in them.