Montessori spaces are referred to as the “prepared environment”

The prepared environment is a Meaningfully structured learning space where everything has a purpose and place.

Furniture is light and child-sized, learning materials are designed to fit in children’s hands, and everything is designed to be open and accessible.

These spaces are designed to be peaceful and happy, catering to the developmental needs of each child.

The role of Beauty in the Montessori space is fundamental, for it is intimately tied to auto-education, evoking interest in the materials and in learning.

“Just as order assists the child in spontaneous activity and supports his efforts to self-educate, so too does beauty”.

Toy rotation is limiting the number of toys that are accessible at one time and updating the available toys when the child seems to lose interest. It could be (weekly, biweekly )not by increasing the selection of toys, but rather by removing some and replacing them with others based on your child’s interest in the toys, and activities at that time.

(sometimes it can take a while for the child to learn a new skill, so don’t be afraid to rotate the same toys for months at a time.)

For example, My daughter received a buckle and snap board for her first birthday, although she was just merely playing, pulling on it at first, the toy has been in our rotation for almost a full year.

Now she has mastered the buckle. This skill directly translated to practical life and her independence.

She was so proud when she could now buckle her seat harness in the car, and safety net on our trampoline.

Knowing that she has worked on this skill for a while, it’s also teaching the child the importance and reward of repetition and practicing new skills.

Toy rotation benefits:

Deeper concentration from the child

increased creativity

Fosters independence

Can improve behavior

Reduces stress and overwhelm

Saves Money

Saves time with cleanup

Montessori-style parenting can be defined as a relaxed parenting approach in which children are given ample freedom to play, work, study and learn.

In fact one of the Montessori Principles is “Respecting the child” which is almost the opposite of what our culture typically teaches.

The principle “To respect the child” means to intentionally act in a way that promotes optimal development and learning. Respect means avoiding harm, not interfering, and having regard for your child's wishes, feelings, and rights

Closed-ended toys have a clear beginning and a clear endpoint.

Your child finishes playing with the toy, then moves on to another activity.

This teaches task completion and the patience to see things through to the end.

Closed-ended toys and activities build attention.