How to set up a Montessori playroom

Have you been exploring parenting forums and come across the terms ‘Montessori toys’ or ‘Montessori learning’, along with its numerous benefits?

Maybe you’ve heard other parents discussing Montessori education at home and want your child to enjoy its many advantages, too.

A playroom geared towards Montessori learning is both fun and valuable to childhood growth - but how exactly do they look? And how should you go about designing one that’s inclined toward the Montessori method? Let’s take a look…

What is a Montessori playroom?

Montessori playrooms are child-centred spaces in the home that encourage education as well as entertainment. Their design is influenced by the principles of the Montessori learning style, which emphasises self-directed learning, exploration, concentration, and respect for children as individuals.

This philosophy was developed by the renowned physician Maria Montessori, who believed little ones excel the most in later life when given the chance to engage in independent play throughout their early years.

Montessori play areas are distinguishable from regular playrooms due to their minimal and clean appearance, which feature only a few educational toys.

What are the benefits of Montessori education at home?

• Independent thinking - a room dedicated to Montessori learning will instil critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in making informed decisions in later life.
• Motor skill development - Montessori toys and furniture aid the development of your tot’s gross and fine motor skills. This involves the activation and controlled movement of the wrists, hands, and the major muscles in the torso, arms, and legs. Motor abilities are needed to do basic functions such as tie shoelaces, write, and throw, among others.
• Improved concentration - a place for Montessori education at home will help to advance concentration as it’s a quiet area for toddlers to focus on solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles. Improved concentration and determination to complete tasks will benefit your kid throughout school and work life down the line!
• Sensory exploration - a room furnished with toys or furniture in intriguing colours and stimulating materials heightens your little munchkin’s sensory understanding and perception of their surroundings. Wooden Montessori toys are a great example!

Setting up your Montessori play space

Here’s how you should go about designing a Montessori play area in your home:

Simplicity is the way to go

Simplicity is key when it comes to creating your Montessori playroom. By keeping the room limited to just a few toys or apparatus and the decor understated, your tot can focus solely on one task at a time without distraction.

Ensure everything is easy to access

Independent learning and hard-to-reach toys or furniture don’t go hand in hand. For your child to explore for themself, they need easy access to storage boxes or shelves. This will also help them to keep an orderly environment - children crave routine, and by having a specific place for every item, they routinely perform the same tidy-away pattern when they finish playing.

What’s more, they’ll also require child-sized Montessori furniture - this includes cosy foam chairs for reading in comfort and a table and chair for hands-on table-top activities. Otherwise, they won’t be able to reach!

Don’t clutter your child’s space

An open space is best for inspiring movement, exploration, and play! Otherwise, children may find it difficult to use their toys and express themselves freely and safely.

Introduce nature

Nature makes up the essence of Montessori learning as it reminds tots of their connection with the outside environment, which is why incorporating natural light and materials into your playroom is fundamental.

Apparatus crafted from real wood, houseplants, and walls painted in natural colour tones are great ideas to consider.

Include a selection of Montessori toys

When populating your kid’s room with play equipment, be sure to select toys that promote Montessori education at home. These play items must promote purposeful play and stimulate curiosity otherwise they won’t offer any developmental benefits!

Montessori toys may include smooth wooden climbing frames, ball pits, foam playgrounds, and balance boards just to name a few.

Toy rotation is essential to not only keep your young one entertained and stimulated but to encourage all-round growth and development. Each toy will target different skill sets, so be sure to switch them up throughout the week.

Also, if you find your child getting overly frustrated with something they’ve been playing with for a while, it’s probably best to put it to the side for a while.

Choose KiddyMoon for quality Montessori toys

Your child can benefit from Montessori education at home with our wide collection of Montessori furniture and toys!

We have something for young children of all ages, so wherever your tot is in terms of development, you’ll find the right toys suited to their needs!

Have a question? Our team is more than happy to help you in any way they can - just give us a call on 0800 208 1435 or email us at contact@kiddymoon.co.uk.