One of my favorite things to do for my kids is to present non-Montessori toys in a Montessori-inspired way. I think it shows that activities don’t need to be wooden, or “learning materials” or purchased from a Montessori shop. Mainstream activities CAN and WILL align with Montessori philosophy if you follow these guidelines:
Interest: Remember to “follow the child”. Provide activities that are interesting to him or her.
Preparation: The preparation of the environment is huge! But so is the preparation of the adult! Children can sense when you’re “not into it” and when you feel what they’re spending time on is “silly”. Be excited, be invested, be present.
Independence: Still have those trays to define a work space; still ensure activities are complete to prevent frustration; still provide all the materials required so your child doesn’t need to ask for help, still offer an array of choices between activities so they are in control of both their time and their learning.
Observation: Observe to stay aware of meeting your child where they are, challenging them when it’s appropriate and guiding them when they need help. What’s easy? Frustrating? Inspiring? Observe to find out!
Here are some of our non-traditional Montessori shelf ideas that include mainstream toy themes.
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Dinosaur Shelf:
Dinosaur book // Figurines // Play doh // Pattern blocks with dinosaur templates // Dinosaur fossils // Dino egg dig kit // Dinosaur magnets // Dinosaur flash cards // Dinosaur floor puzzle // Dinosaur activity rug
Baby Shelf:
Various dolls // Play doh with baby carriage cookie cutter // Threading with baby doll beads and pipe cleaners // Dressing a baby doll // Sound/Object matching with Sandpaper Letters and objects like rattle, bottle, diaper, etc. // Fabric doll with fabric markers to decorate // Mirror with comb and spray bottle to brush hair // Paper doll templates // Baby washing with bin, towel, soap, sponge, cloth and doll // Various books: I Like Myself, Proud to Potty/Brush Up/Tubbie Time
Pokemon Shelf:
Pokemon cards for sorting between grass/fire/water Pokemon // Pokemon building set // Pokemon Printables
What mainstream toys do your children enjoy? Have you thought about presenting them in a Montessori-inspired way?
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