This is part two of “Montessori Toys.” In case you missed it, here is Part I.
Presentation of Montessori Toys
Playtime is about more than just having a big pile of toys for a child to sort through. Even if they are wonderful toys, they need to be presented to a child in a way that he/she can fully appreciate the toy.
Storing Toys
We recommend that toys are stored on neutral colored toy shelves because they offer the possibility of displaying a toy in such a way that it attracts and lures the child to it.
Each toy should be washed often and have all of its parts. If a toy is difficult to store or keep neatly on the shelf, make an attractive box for it.
Each toy that has removable parts should have a beautiful small box for the storage of those parts.
Keep it Fresh! – The art of rotating toys:
Toy rotation results in better use of toys. This way, children always feel that some of their toys are “new.” Limit the number of toys on the shelves to 8 or 9 at any one time. Remaining toys should be stored accessibly.
As the child tires of certain toys they can replace them with a stored toy. Of course, if a child asks for a “stored toy,” he/she should be able to have it.
Putting toys away
This is something that must be formed as a habit. It’s easy to form this as a good habit, but very difficult to break the habit of not putting toys away!
Encourage your child to replace each toy on the shelf immediately after he/she has finished using it (even if he or she plans on using it again later).
For more ways to create a Montessori environment in your own home, download our free eBook.→
Just a reminder that if you’re looking for a Montessori preschool near San Diego, students are still be accepted for the 2013-14 school year that begins in the fall.
To enroll your child, call (619) 422-1220 or view our official press release for more information on our Montessori Curriculum.
Talk to you soon!
-Edith
