Montessori Toys

Montessori education was developed by the Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. It rests on the idea that children learn best when they are allowed to work independently with suitable materials. The adult does not lecture but prepares the environment and observes. A toy does not need to entertain with sounds and lights; it needs to give the child a chance to try, make mistakes and try again.

• One clear task. A shape sorter teaches shapes, an abacus teaches counting, a lacing toy trains finger dexterity.
• Natural materials. Wood has weight, texture and temperature that a child can feel.
• Realistic objects. A doctor's kit, a workbench or a vanity table lets children copy everyday tasks.
• Built-in control of error. The child sees when a piece does not fit and can correct it without an adult.

• From 6 months. A sensory activity cube with six activities, different textures and a shape sorter that develops touch and grasping. See more in toys for 0–1 year olds.
• 12 to 18 months. Shape sorters, stacking trains, balance puzzles and wooden sensory blocks. They train hand-eye coordination and an understanding of cause and effect.
• From 2 years. Lacing toys and vehicles for fine motor skills and concentration.
• From 3 years. An abacus and a letter fishing game for first maths and the alphabet, an emotions board for naming feelings, a magnetic puzzle and role play: doctor, builder, hairdresser.

The main benefit is independence. When a child finishes a puzzle or laces every animal onto the string alone, they feel the pleasure of a job well done. At the same time they practise fine motor skills, attention, logic and language, because every action can be named. Toys with letters and numbers are in letters, numbers and counting, and more learning toys are in educational toys.

You do not need much. A low shelf where the child can take and return toys is enough. Put 6–8 toys on it rather than everything at once, and swap a few every week or two. That way the child is not overwhelmed by choice and explores each toy more deeply. Keep small pieces in boxes or baskets. Let the child choose what to play with, and do not interrupt when they are absorbed.

Most toys in this collection are wooden. You will find a wider range in wooden toys, and ready-made boards and sets in Montessori boards and sets.