What’s behind the trendy “Montessori” label? Tips for parents

“Help me do it myself” – this phrase by Maria Montessori about children's development is probably familiar to many, and today's selection of children's toys includes many labeled “Montessori” as a symbol of exceptional quality and value. Indeed, this famous Maria Montessori phrase captures the essence of the entire method: by providing children with the tools and the right environment to learn, they can do so independently and with confidence. Sounds great, right? But are all those toys promising “Montessori” benefits really necessary for our children?

How not to get lost when choosing tools for children amid such a wide selection, advise certified Montessori method practitioners and creators of “seku-vaiku,” Austėja Stancikienė and Miglė Rimeikė.

Montessori – what lies behind this increasingly common word seen on toys?

Maria Montessori – an Italian doctor, educator, and one of the first female doctors in Italy – is considered one of the most significant figures in the history of education. She began working with children in 1907 when she founded the first “Children’s House” school in Rome. Having observed children, their development, and learning for many years, the doctor created an educational method based on scientific findings. One of the key conclusions is that children learn much more effectively when given the opportunity to act independently and personally choose activities according to their developmental needs at the time.

Based on this, Montessori materials were created to meet children's developmental needs at different age stages. They enable the child to develop and engage independently, experience joy in mastering a new skill, and thus build self-confidence.

Modern life and Montessori: the search for quality time and concentration

And yet – how many parents in today’s modern world have the time and patience to let their child learn at their own pace and, more importantly, make mistakes on their own? To endure natural disappointment when things don’t work out? Or do we rush to help immediately so the child doesn’t even notice those mistakes? Ultimately, perhaps we don’t even realize that we are not giving the child the freedom to err?

Many parents, experiencing the consequences of a fast-paced life, increasingly turn to seeking calm and deep concentration themselves and look for ways to give children the opportunity to learn at their own pace, to slow down, and to allow children more freedom to make mistakes, try, and discover.

It is believed that for this reason Montessori values are rapidly gaining popularity in the modern world – this method’s activities encourage deep focus, teaching that an activity has a beginning, middle, and end, when we tidy up rather than jump from one thing to another every few minutes.

But when “Montessori” becomes everything from plastic rattles at supermarket checkouts, laminated task sets on Vinted, to Chinese activity suitcases and even furniture – how to make sense of it all?! You are not alone; there are countless toys, so we have prepared a short guide on what to pay attention to.

Montessori materials and regular toys: what makes them different?

Unlike traditional toys, which are often bright, noisy, and designed to occupy and stimulate children and make parents’ days easier, Montessori-style toys are minimalist, made from natural materials, and have a clear educational purpose. In other words, the purpose of regular toys is often to keep children occupied with flashing lights, sounds, or other active stimuli, while true Montessori toys are passive – they are meant to be used and engaged with independently by the children themselves.

Also, usually one toy is designed to develop one specific skill. For example, to develop fine motor skills, in other words, the little fingers. And that’s it. Children have an innate drive for perfection; they like to repeat an activity until they master it skillfully, so these materials are such that children truly engage with them.

Nowadays, as screens shine brighter and videos become shorter to sell and engage faster, since attention spans are shrinking, calm, non-overstimulating activities for children can become an excellent antidote for a distracted and irritable child.

Montessori toys – a guide on how to choose and not get lost

When choosing genuine Montessori-type toys, it is worth paying attention to several aspects:

• Materials: Montessori toys are often made of wood, metal, or other natural materials. If it is a bright, multicolored plastic toy that makes a sound when you pull a handle – that is not a Montessori-type toy, even if the packaging suggests otherwise.
• Simplicity: they do not have overly bright colors or details that could distract the child’s attention. Colors in this methodology are used not as decoration but as an educational element.
• Educational purpose: each toy has a specific function, for example, to help the child become familiar with geometric shapes or develop motor skills.

One of the most important features of Montessori materials is the child’s ability to independently discover how to use them. Yes, the child can do it themselves!

In fact, there are only four companies worldwide accredited to use original Montessori designs, so most toys are not created by M. Montessori herself but are rather inspired by her and reflect her values.

For example, the creators of “seku – vaiku,” who take a modern approach to the Montessori method, present carefully selected and self-created toys and educational materials for contemporary children, based on Montessori values but adapted to modern children and homes.

“Montessori, in our understanding, is about trusting the child, their strengths, and chosen pace. It is about properly selected, methodically correct materials, a safe and inviting environment to explore, and decisions at home that encourage independence and confidence in one’s abilities,” Austėja explains.

“I truly believe that motherhood, children’s education, and development at home should not be complicated! On the contrary – easy, calm, and fun. With less noise, distractions, or unnecessary things, but more sincerity and beautiful time together. That is what we strive to share here,” says Miglė, a certified Montessori practitioner.

The Montessori philosophy and the toys and materials inspired by it are an excellent way to help a child grow into a free, independent, and critical-thinking individual. And this becomes increasingly important in today’s fast-paced world. As Maria Montessori herself said, “The child is the greatest miracle in the world, and providing them with the right conditions to grow is a huge responsibility and gift for parents.”

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