Choosing Toys For the Montessori Home Environment

By Ina Woolcott

There is nothing that makes its way more directly to the soul than beauty Joseph Addison

When you are selecting a new toy for your child, it is useful that you imagine exactly in what way it can or will be used. Here is a list of questions to consider

* Will it encourage purposeful activity?

* Will it promote decision making?

* Will it stimulate and inspire your child's imagination?

* How long do you think it will entice your child's interest?

* Is it a toy that will encourage exploration?

* Is it a quality toy?

A creative imagination is an amazing instrument that humans posses, especially children, but it can not be developed with out inspiring it. A creative imaginations foundations lie in and are directly linked with the superior attributes of sensory impressions experienced in the 'real world'. For instance when one has an affluent imagination, one is able to think ahead and picture a solution for a puzzle or game, and then work toward ones goal.

The more active participation children have with intentional activity, authentic information and problem solving, the more beneficial, creative, and effective their imagination will become. Various objects that are designed to be moved or arranged by hand as a means of developing motor skills are chosen for a child in their early weeks of life such as rattles and other hand held toys with various colours, textures and grips so that are enticing to the child. This also stimulates the senses and challenges them to be investigative.

A small feat it isn't for a child to learn to move their muscles to do what their eyes see should be done. Eye-hand co-ordination is built and strengthened when it is apparent to see that a toy goes together or works in a particular fashion e.g. a triangle that fits in a triangular hole and a star that fits in a star shaped hole, or a puzzle. The child's ability is tested and challenged, therefore such processes help a child develop co-ordination, concentration and focus. All this must be taken into account when carefully picking toys for the child as this is an important developmental stage, especially in the early years. Wooden toys help children recognise and appreciate the beauty of the natural world - the colours, shades and grains of wood, and the differing weight in a vast array of sizes, shapes and densities.

Quality displays respect for children and they are taught to respect belongings. Attractive toys capable of withstanding wear and tear are essential at all ages and developmental stages. A child's personal preferences or likings are developing constantly. A beautiful home or beautiful world can only be brought into being by those who are able to appreciate the satisfaction felt when living with simple, natural and outstanding beauty.