Should Montessori toys be made of wood? Is plastic a no go?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: May 19, 2023

My child just needs to Montessori toys to use? And always should wood are to properly stimulate the senses?

It is important to let your child explore and experiment, and for that it is good to use different materials.

In this article I will tell you why it is good to be different toys to use and what to pay attention to.

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Montessori toys for the home: a world of discovery

Montessori toys is designed to help children develop their motor skills, creativity and independence. At home you can do a lot of fun and educational Montessori toys Find what your child is actively involved in and learns through play. The beautiful thing about it Montessori toys is that it is often made from natural materials such as wood, wool, natural rubber or silk, which is a nice and sustainable choice for parents who like to be conscious of the environment.

Nice examples of Montessori toys for the home

There are countless examples of this Montessori toys that you can use at home to help your child learn in a playful way. Here are some fun options:

• Puzzles with large, wooden pieces that help children recognize shapes and develop their fine motor skills.
• A frame with different types of closures, such as buttons, zippers and buckles, with which your child can practice dressing and undressing themselves.
• Wooden blocks in different sizes and shapes, with which children can build, express their creativity and develop spatial awareness.
• Musical instruments such as a xylophone or drum, which help children recognize sounds and develop their hearing.

Is wood the only material for Montessori toys?

When I first met Montessori toys, I immediately noticed that most of the range is out wooden toys existed. Wood is a natural and safe material, ideal for young children who still put a lot in their mouths. Moreover, it carries wooden toy contributes to the development of the child's motor skills and creativity. For example, consider one wooden cube with different shapes that the child must recognize and place in the right place.

What do you pay attention to when choosing Montessori toys?

When choosing Montessori toys it is important to pay attention to the following aspects:

• Safety: Make sure the toy is safe for the child. Be aware of sharp edges, small parts and any toxic substances.
• Challenge: Choose toys that match the child's developmental stage and offer a challenge at the right level.
• Realism: Montessori toys should be as realistic as possible. This helps children better understand and explore the real world.

Montessori and plastic: a good combination?

The Montessorimethod is known for its focus on natural, realistic materials that help children develop themselves. Wood is a big favorite here, but is Montessori really against the use of plastic? Let's look at the basics of Montessori and how plastic fits into this.

Why wood is so popular in Montessori

Wooden toys has a number of advantages that fit perfectly with the Montessori-upbringing. First of all, feels wood natural and warm, which gives children a nice, homely atmosphere to play in. Moreover, it is wood sturdy and durable, so it will last a long time and can take a beating. Wooden toys also stimulates the senses through the different textures and weights, which contributes to the child's development.

Plastic toys in the Montessori world

Although wood plays a major role in the Montessorimethod, this does not mean plastic toys is prohibited by definition. The important thing is that it toys meets the basic principles of Montessori, such as encouraging independence, developing motor skills and offering realistic, meaningful activities. Like plastic toys meets these requirements, it can be done in one Montessorienvironment.

What to watch out for with plastic toys

If you are considering plastic toys in your Montessorirange, there are a number of things you should pay attention to:

• Quality: Choose sturdy, durable plastic that does not break easily. Cheap plastic toys can break easily and are often less safe for children.
• Simplicity: Montessori revolves around simple, realistic materials. Avoid plastic toys with too many bells and whistles, such as bright colors, sounds, and lights.
• Functionality: Make sure the plastic toy has a clear purpose and contributes to the child's development, such as stimulating fine motor skills or learning shapes and colors.

The choice is yours

Ultimately it comes down to you as a parent or educator deciding which one toys best suits your child's and your needs Montessori-upbringing. If you feel comfortable using plastic toys and it meets the Montessoriprinciples, there is no reason not to use it. The most important thing is that your child has fun and can develop at his own pace, whether with wooden or plastic toys is.

Conclusion

It is important to know that wood is of course a safe material to put in a child's mouth. Wooden toys stimulates children's motor skills and creativity and helps them discover their own world.

If you are looking for good montessori toys, it is best to choose wooden toy good quality.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.