You’ve heard the word Montessori but how does it apply to toys, you ask? Well Montessori is an education philosophy for the early years that believes in nurturing a child’s natural curiosity and independence through hands-on but self-directed learning. Montessori as a philosophy is largely tool led, which means a child is exposed to tools that help them explore a certain topic and learn in a way that’s more organic and self-paced.
So how does this tie to toys? Like I said, being a tool led methodology, Montessori encourages the use of child size furniture or toys that simplify or address different phases and curiosities in a child’s early years.
You see, your child’s needs, especially in the early years, are fast changing. Babies and toddlers have very different needs from preschoolers and so the right toys at different developmental stages can prove super beneficial for your child in the long run. This is exactly what we at House of Zizi simplify.
So here’s a list of our offerings for various ages, to simplify your child’s developmental needs.
Toys for infants, 6 to 12 months
At this stage, babies are discovering their senses and learning to grasp. Toys at this age should be safe, simple and sensory rich, such as:
Wooden Engine, this simple you is a great fit for little hands and because it's a roll away toy, it's also a great tool to encourage crawling.
Aviation Toys, small and simple wooden aviation toys to get your little one’s imagination soaring! Again, great for little hands to practice grasping and because all our products are made in Mango wood, they are natural and hence not terrible if the baby ends up chewing them
Toys for young toddlers, 1 to 2 years
Once the abby is walking, the world opens up. At this age, toys should encourage movement, stacking and problem solving.
Rotating Stacking tree, makes for a quick and easy brain exercise for your little toddler. You’ll find your baby coming back to this one over and over again.
Boat Puzzle, simple puzzles make for a very stimulating activity at this age and this colourful, unique product will definitely catch your child’s attention and inspire their curiosity.
Toys for older toddlers (2-3 years)
Toddlers at this stage love imagination, storytelling. Toys that encourage pretend play, independence and early problem solving work wonders!
Cooking Tools Combo, these quintessential kitchen toys are great for developing muscle control and fine motor skills but more than anything else, this gives your child a chance to step into your shoes, pretend to be an adult and craft their own clay art.
Shoe Lacing frame, this one is a great one to build a great habit, encourage independence, patience and concentration, while also stimulating their mind!
Toys for preschoolers, 3-4 years
Preschoolers are curious little learners. Montessori toys at this age often mirror real-life tasks and gently introduce early academics.
Pizza Puzzle, this versatile product for exploring the shapes, developing visual-spatial reasoning while also building problem solving skills. In the long run it can be used to explore math and learn fractions.
Dolls house and pegs, another timeless toy to let your child spin their own stories, pretend to be an adult and exercise control, and just have a fun time!
Montessori toys are more than playthings, they are tolls that shape confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning. By choosing toys that match your child’s stage, you give them the gift of growth at their own pace.