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Your child’s toy box may contain many things, talking dolls, battery-powered cars, and so on. It’s fun stuff, no question. But are they teaching your child anything? That’s where the debate begins.
Montessori toys have a different approach. Most of them are created to nurture independence and problem-solving skills among your kids.
But how are Montessori teaching toys different from average toys, and which is a better option for your child’s growth? Let’s check it out.
What Are Montessori Toys?
Montessori toys are created to foster a child’s own learning process. Based on the Montessori preschool course of study, the toys take after the philosophical ideas of Italian physician Dr Maria Montessori. They are open-ended and goal-oriented to enable children to discover concepts according to their interests.
Check out the main principles of Montessori teaching toys:
- Montessori toys are made to model real-world objects so that children connect their play to the world around them.
- Most toys are created to nurture kids with self-exploration with less adult help.
- Focuses on sensory discovery and problem-solving.
- Generally, Montessori toys aren’t versatile. Rather, they focus on improving a specific skill.
Wooden puzzles and stacking blocks are some prominent examples of Montessori wooden toys. Most playschools in Ahmedabad encourage the usage of such toys to foster a love for learning from an early age.
What Are Regular Toys?
Regular toys are what the majority of us were brought up with— bright and colourful stuff. They focus more on entertainment rather than learning. Have a look at the main characteristics of regular toys:
- Bright colours and motion are commonly used in many regular toys in an attempt to attract attention.
- Most regular toys do a lot of the work themselves, with minimal interaction needed from the child.
- They don’t push children to think deeply.
Talking dolls, remote-controlled cars, character toys, and all are examples of regular toys. As these toys don’t have much educational value, they do not fit the Montessori preschool curriculum.
Main Differences Between Montessori Toys and Regular Toys
- Purpose of Play
Montessori toys are created to improve the educational skills of a child. Many researchers state that such open-ended toys can develop the cognitive skills and senses of a child. For instance, educational learning toys such as sorting trays are used to teach children counting. Such valuable skills are really important to get admission to the best preschool in Ahmedabad.
Regular toys, on the other hand, serve only for entertainment purposes.
2. Simplicity VS Stimulation
Montessori toys are pretty simple. They are usually made for a single purpose- to promote intense concentration.
Regular toys are just the opposite. They overload children with too much stimulation. That shortens their attention span.
3. Encouraging Independent Learning
Children are free to experiment with Montessori toys. They are able to learn through trial and error method without adult interference.
On the other hand, regular toys, especially electric ones, usually give immediate feedback (like a light or sound flashing when a button is touched). This does not contribute to kid’s cognitive development.
4. Material and Durability
Most Montessori teaching toys are made of high-quality, natural materials that are durable. However, regular toys are usually made from plastic. They do not contain the tactile advantages of Montessori wooden toys.
Which Type of Toy Is Better for Your Child?
Montessori learning toys are created to encourage independent learning. They are centred on practical life skills. Take the case of educational toys for five-year-olds. Most of them assist children in improving their critical thinking and concentration.
On the flip side, regular toys are all about entertainment. Yet, some of them are very useful in nurturing the creativity and emotional development of kids.
In a nutshell, selecting between Montessori toys and ordinary toys should not be a matter of one versus another. It’s a question of recognising what will work best for your child’s growth. In fact, both are needed to create an optimal toy education experience.
Conclusion
At GIIS Ahmedabad, we know precisely what your child requires for well-rounded development. We follow a structured Montessori curriculum without compromising on the fun of traditional education. Give your child the best start through us!