How to organize the play space with the Montessori method

The Montessori method, named after the Italian pedagogue Maria Montessori , is a renowned educational approach that emphasizes the holistic development of the child . Based on the idea that every child is naturally curious and eager to learn, this educational philosophy highlights the importance of creating an environment conducive to the development of their abilities . At the heart of the Montessori method is the concept of autonomy , independence and respect for the rhythm of each child.

By providing them with toys and materials adapted to their age and interests, we promote their learning in a natural and balanced way.

By adopting this thoughtful approach to storage, you will help stimulate your child's curiosity , develop their sense of order , and promote their autonomy while creating a harmonious environment that will encourage them to develop fully . Let's discover together how to put these principles into practice and offer your child an educational and adapted play space according to the Montessori method.

Create a well-defined play space using the Montessori method

A clearly delineated environment will provide your child with a sense of security and comfort, allowing them to fully concentrate on their activities. Here are some tips for setting up a play space according to Montessori principles

• Delimit a dedicated space

Choose a place in the house where your child can play independently and safely . It can be a part of his bedroom, a corner of the living room or even a specially designed playroom. Make sure this space is clearly demarcated, preferably avoiding visual and sound distractions from other areas of the house.

• Use activity mats or mats

Activity mats or mats are essential elements to delimit the play areas in the dedicated space. These delimited surfaces offer the child a personal space where he can arrange his toys and activities in complete freedom. Mats are also great for promoting order and organization, as they help delineate the space for each activity and encourage the child to put toys back on the mat after use.

• Choice of location

Choosing the location for your child's play space is crucial. Opt for a quiet place , away from distractions, but also easily accessible for your child. If possible, favor an area well lit by natural light to provide a welcoming and pleasant environment. Also make sure the space is secure, keeping dangerous or fragile objects away.

An organized environment adapted to their needs will encourage them to feel confident in discovering the world around them independently. In addition, by establishing this play routine in a delimited space, you help develop his sense of order and promote his concentration .

Reduce the amount of toys

By reducing the amount of toys, you promote the development of responsible awareness and critical thinking in your child. He will thus be able to grow in an educational, stimulating play area adapted to his needs.

• Promote attention and concentration

A play environment overflowing with toys can be distracting for the child. Too many choices can scatter him, preventing him from focusing on a specific activity. By reducing the amount of toys available, you allow your child to develop more sustained attention , giving them the chance to fully immerse themselves in every game and activity.

• Sorting and selection of toys

To reduce the number of toys, sort them according to their relevance to your child's age and interests. Keep in mind that toys that are developmentally appropriate are more likely to engage their interest and encourage learning. Select toys that are educational, stimulating and durable, rather than passive or too specific objects that could limit his creativity.

• Involve the child in the process

Involving your child in sorting and choosing toys is a great way to help them develop a sense of independence and responsibility . Get him actively involved by asking him to choose his favorite toys and explaining why certain toys could be given to other children who might enjoy them more. This approach allows him to feel listened to and respected in his choices, thus strengthening his self-confidence i.

Organize toys neatly

To create a harmonious play environment according to the Montessori method, it is essential to organize the toys in an orderly manner. This promotes the child's autonomy and offers him a space conducive to concentration and exploration . Here are some ideas and tips:

• Shelves at child height

Use child-height shelves to store toys. This allows the child to easily see and access their toys without needing to ask for help. Open shelves provide clear visibility of available toys, encouraging the child to choose and explore independently .

• Transparent storage bins

Use transparent storage bins to store toys. This allows the child to see what is inside each bin without having to open them all. For example, label the bins with pictures or simple words to help the child associate the toys with their appropriate location.

• Define spaces for each type of toy

Create specific areas for each type of toy. For example, a corner dedicated to construction games, another to puzzles and so on. This helps the child associate toys with specific categories and store them properly after use.

• Importance of storage after each use

Explain to your child the importance of putting toys away after each use. Show him how to put the toys back in their respective places on the shelves or in the storage bins. This promotes respect for their environment , in addition to facilitating the next play session.

By encouraging tidying up after each use, you're also instilling organizational values ​​in your child that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Encourage independence with Montessori toy shelves

Montessori toy shelves are a clever solution to encourage the autonomy and development of the child. Specially designed to meet the needs and abilities of the child. These shelves therefore offer a practical approach to storing toys . Here's how they promote the child's autonomy and how to organize toys in an attractive and accessible way on these shelves:

• Encouragement of independence

Montessori toy shelves are designed to be at the height of the child. Thus allowing him to see and choose the toys by himself . This independence promotes autonomous decision-making and the development of self-confidence in the child. By having control over his activities, he also learns to respect his own rhythm. He thus develops his sense of responsibility.

• Organization by categories

As I said before, to make the shelves attractive and accessible, organize the toys into clear categories . Use clear storage bins or baskets to collect toys from each category.

• Rotating Toys

To maintain the child's interest and preserve order on the shelves, practice rotating toys. You can select a few toys to present at a time, while the others remain in reserve. Change the available toys periodically , which will stimulate the child's curiosity and encourage him to discover new activities.

• Spaces conducive to concentration

Well-organized toys on uncluttered shelves provide a soothing environment conducive to concentration . Help your child put the toys back in their place after use. Also show him how to put the toys away neatly.

Autonomous access to toys stimulates their creativity , curiosity and desire to learn. By organizing the toys, you create a harmonious environment. This promotes the overall development of your child according to Montessori principles.

In conclusion

The Montessori method offers a thoughtful and balanced approach to storing toys and creating a stimulating play environment for children. In summary, here are the key principles to remember:

Simplicity, Accessibility, Order and Rotation of toys: Simplicity promotes concentration , accessibility encourages autonomy , order develops responsibility , and rotation stimulates the child's interest . These principles combined contribute to a balanced and educational play environment according to the Montessori philosophy.

We strongly encourage parents to put these tips into practice to create a play space that promotes the harmonious development of their children. By adopting the Montessori method for toy storage, parents can support their children's natural curiosity , stimulate their creativity and develop their autonomy from an early age.

We also look forward to hearing about your Montessori storage experiences and tips.

I hope that the article will help you more and can help you with your little ones! Feel free to share your comments and ideas below 😉