"The Montessori method of education has been around for almost 100 years without much change, and there’s a good reason why—it focuses on nurturing the inherent gifts of children and sees them as capable, sufficient, and curious beings.
Lately, though, the method has caught fire as educational researchers confirm more and more that children learn best through exploration and discovery, rather than traditional, adult-directed education. There are many more resources now on how to utilize the Montessori method in your home—from setting up a child-centered space to implementing the philosophy in your parenting to setting up and selecting toys that promote open-ended play.
Montessori-inspired toys are typically passive, which means that they only respond to a child’s manipulation. Passive toys are seen as most beneficial for children’s development as they create active learners. An active toy, one that sings or lights up or moves on its own, likely allows the child to be passive which doesn’t create a great space for growth or development.
These are some of our favorite Montessori-inspired toys for babies and toddlers – let us know which ones are your little ones’ favorites!
