Montessori Dwellings

5 Simple Tweaks to Make Your Home Montessori-Friendly

These design ideas are equal parts eye-catching and educational.

Words by Kristen Brzoza | Photos by Arlene Laboy

I love working with families and showing them how, with a few small changes, the Montessori philosophy can make an immediate impact on their child’s play. Children learn best in a clutter-free environment with a limited number of toys and activities available.

No matter if you have a playroom or a designated corner of your living room, a prepared environment can be a meaningful place that brings joy and meets your little one’s developmental needs. When materials, books and toys are easily accessible, your child can gravitate toward their interests, giving them autonomy over their learning and play. Here are fi ve simple ways to incorporate a Montessori approach into your own home:

#1

Opt for Open, Low Shelving

Ideally, anything in your space will promote independence, and that includes where your toys and activities are located. In traditional playrooms, it’s typical to see large bins or baskets containing a mix of toys all thrown together. It may seem like these bins lead to organization, but it’s too many choices — something that can easily distract little ones. By displaying toys individually on an open shelf, it allows your child to see exactly what’s available, entices them to engage and shows them where items belong when it’s time to put them away.

What is Montessori?

Developed by an Italian physician, this educational philosophy lets children lead the way in how they develop, learn and interact with the world around them. The approach, which can be applied both at home and in the classroom, fosters independence, citizenship and accountability.

#2

Invest in Natural Wooden Toys

One of the most noticeable things you will fi nd in a Montessori environment is how soothing, calm and minimal the space feels. When it comes to toys, there is a lack of bright colors, fl ashing lights or loud sounds. Features like these offer immediate gratifi cation, but they also tend to limit problem-solving skills and imaginative play. Montessori toys are often made of natural materials like wood, so they are beautiful, durable and tactile. Because the outside world can often lead to overstimulation and constant input, toys that promote a more peaceful and sustained play space can be wonderfully benefi cial to a child’s development. It’s important to have books available at a child’s level so they can easily access them. Since younger kids can’t read, a low shelf or ledge allows them to see the cover and prevents them from dumping books on the fl oor if they’re searching for a specifi c one. Try to keep the number of books minimal to make cleanup more manageable, and add a few fl oor cushions or a child-sized chair to create an inviting reading nook.

#4

Provide Gross Motor Opportunities

If space allows, provide an area for indoor physical activity and climbing since babies and toddlers were made to move. By giving them a “yes” place to do that, we encourage their gross motor skills while also providing them an area to explore safely. Another perk: It redirects those babes who love to climb the coffee table or other off-limits furniture.

A good starting point is a Pikler triangle. It’s a favorite play structure because it encourages little ones to challenge their physical skills at their own pace. Kids begin using it by pulling to stand, move on to climbing and eventually navigate scaling the top. It gives children confi dence in their own abilities independent of their parents.

#5

Set Up a Functional Kitchen

Pretend kitchens are a mainstay in most play spaces, but in the Montessori world, we take it up a notch by encouraging children to actively prepare food and drink for themselves. By giving access to a small water source, even young toddlers can independently get a drink whenever they need to. Small dishes, utensils and rags for cleanup provide all the materials necessary to make a snack or wipe up spills. This is an easy Ikea hack, but many play kitchens can be modifi ed to function similarly.