What Is Montessori? A Simple Guide for Parents

What Is Montessori? A Simple Guide for Parents

Montessori is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. It’s based on the belief that children learn best through hands-on experience, independent exploration, and at their own pace.

Key Principles of Montessori

Child-Centered Learning
Children choose activities based on their interests, encouraging independence and motivation.

Learning by Doing
Montessori encourages the use of real, tactile materials (like wooden toys and practical life tools) to build skills naturally.

Respect for the Child
Montessori classrooms and homes are designed to respect children’s curiosity, intelligence, and ability to learn without constant adult direction.

Prepared Environment
The learning space is organized, calm, and accessible, allowing children to move freely and make independent choices.

What Are Montessori Toys?

Montessori toys are:

Made of natural materials like wood or fabric

Designed to be simple and purposeful

Focused on building one skill at a time (e.g., stacking, sorting, counting)

Encouraging independent play and concentration

Why Parents Love Montessori

Supports early development in motor skills, language, math, and self-care

Builds confidence and independence

Encourages focus, problem-solving, and creativity

Helps reduce screen time with meaningful, open-ended play

You Can Start at Home

You don’t need a Montessori school to start. Simply choose the right toys, set up a tidy and accessible space, and let your child explore at their own pace.

In short: Montessori is a gentle, proven way to raise confident, capable kids — and Montessori toys are a great first step.