Not sure how to play with your baby or worried they’re bored and missing out on growth?
Maybe you’re concerned about their cognitive or motor skills, or they’re ignoring toys, making messes, and not cleaning up when you ask. It’s tough when they won’t play independently or concentrate, and you’re stuck wondering which toys to even buy or how to organize them in a way that works for you and creates inviting opportunities for play. You might also be interested in Montessori and wanting to purchase materials.
In Montessori we think of productive kids’ play as work: as they interact with things in their environment with their body and mind, they’re learning about the properties of the world, about themselves, and learning to concentrate on tasks of their choosing. To foster this kind of work, our goal as adults is to set up a space that’s tidy and accessible, with objects that are optimal for their current stage of development, and finally observe their activity to adjust.
Here are some quick tips:
- Focus on “passive toys” without lights, sounds, or instructions.
- Prioritize quality toys that can be used in many different ways.
- Think of toys as tools, offer things to build and create with - the simpler the better.
- Display toys in limited quantity on an open shelf so kids can choose.
- Build a habit of putting a toy away after they’re done using it, and teach it repeatedly.
As an AMI-certified Montessori 0-3 guide and your parenting sidekick, I can help you offer engaging play experiences to your child with less clutter, mess and work on your end. Book a free 15-min call with me, share your challenges, and let’s create a plan together.