Why Are Montessori Toys Wooden?

Written by
Shefun Jiwani-Ali

Mrs. Shefun Jiwani Ali is the founder and Head Directress of Mosaic Montessori Academy. She has been teaching the Montessori method since 2003, and founded Mosaic Montessori Academy in 2010. Under her guidance, Mosaic Montessori Academy provides educational experiences that are deeply rooted in the Montessori Philosophy.

Mrs. Ali discovered her passion for early childhood education during her time at University. Through her research she learned more about the Montessori method and philosophy. The concepts underpinning the Montessori method resonated strongly with Mrs. Ali.

She completed her degree in education,, and went on to complete her formalized Montessori training at Vancouver Montessori and ECE College. She graduated top of her class, earning valedictorian honors.

A young boy in a Montessori school, sitting on the floor and playing with wooden toy bricks.

Do you find yourself asking why Montessori Academies prefer wooden toys over other materials? You are not alone! As a parent, the thought may have crossed your mind: what’s so special about wooden toys that makes them such an integral part of Montessori education?

Not only are Montessori wooden toys more eco-friendly than plastic or electronic alternatives, but there are also several educational and developmental benefits for children of all ages. They are both fun and educational which make them such a great choice for children’s learning. Wooden Montessori toys will last forevers if taken care of properly, making them an invaluable investment.

Read on to learn more about this classic material choice and discover the unique advantages of using wood in your child’s learning environment.

Introducing Montessori Toys & Their Educational Benefits

If you’re looking for toys that are more than just fun and games, Montessori toys might be just what you need. These toys are designed to be educational, teaching kids essential skills and principles while they play. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from colorful wooden blocks to interactive puzzles, and are suitable for kids of all ages.

Montessori toys can help children develop their motor skills, stimulate their creativity, and promote independence and problem-solving skills.

The Importance of Wooden Materials for Montessori Toys

When it comes to Montessori toys, wooden materials are essential. Why, you ask? Well, not only are they durable and long-lasting, but they also provide a natural and sensory experience for children. The textures, colors, and even smells of wood can help children make deeper connections with the toys and the world around them.

Plus, wooden toys are often timeless and classic in design, allowing for endless hours of imaginative play. It’s no wonder that Montessori educators and parents alike often turn to wooden toys to support children’s learning and development. So, if you’re looking for a toy that’s both beautiful and educational, look no further than one made of wood.

Different Types of Wood Used in the Production of Montessori Toys

Montessori toys are great educational tools for kids, and choosing the right materials for them is crucial. When it comes to the type of wood used, there are many options available, each with their own unique properties.

For example, maple wood is known for being strong and durable, making it a great choice for toys that are sure to withstand rough play.

On the other hand, cherry wood has a beautiful grain pattern, which can add a touch of elegance to any toy.

And let’s not forget about the eco-friendly bamboo wood, which is a sustainable and renewable resource. No matter which type of wood is used, it’s clear that Montessori toys are not only fun and educational, but they’re also made with quality materials that last.

Understanding the Durability of Wooden Montessori Toys

When selecting Montessori toys made of wood, it’s important to consider the durability of each piece. While some woods may be more suitable for certain uses than others, making sure that each toy is built with sturdy material

It’s also essential to check into how these wooden pieces have been crafted and treated before purchasing them. Quality materials should always be used for a durable product that can withstand daily playtime.

Additionally, any finishes or treatments should be non-toxic and safe for kids. With these factors in mind, parents and teachers can rest assured knowing their little ones are playing with quality wooden Montessori toys that will last!

Suggestions on How to Care for Wooden Toys Properly

Are you looking for ways to keep your little one’s Montessori toys in tip-top shape? Look no further! Caring for wooden Montessori toys is simple, yet oh-so-important. One of the key things to remember is to keep them clean and dry.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water when cleaning. Instead, opt for a gentle, natural solution like vinegar and water.

Another tip is to store them properly, away from direct sunlight and high humidity. And don’t forget to inspect them regularly for any signs of wear and tear. With just a little bit of love and attention, your child’s Montessori toys will last for years to come!

Benefits of Buying Wooden Montessori Toys versus Plastic Alternatives

Imagine your child’s joyful face as they hold a beautifully crafted wooden Montessori toy, with its smooth texture and natural warmth that can never be replicated by plastic. Apart from the aesthetic appeal, wooden toys have numerous benefits over their plastic counterparts.

They are sustainable, eco-friendly and non-toxic, prioritizing your child’s safety and well-being. Plus, wooden toys are known to encourage open-ended, imaginative play, which can help develop your child’s creativity and problem-solving skills. The freedom to explore and learn at their own pace makes this type of toy an ideal choice for Montessori-based educational systems.

A female Montessori teacher smiling and holding her eyeglasses.

Before Purchasing a Montessori Wooden Toy

If you need further advice related to wooden toys and how to care for them, feel free to contact us at Mosaic Montessori Academy! We are enthusiastic about helping children and their families learn through play, and we look forward to hearing from you soon! Let’s celebrate the educational charisma of wooden Montessori toys together as parents, educators, and friends introduce a natural learning environment into our homes!

Why Choose Montessori?

Bringing Joy into Learning

Our classrooms are prepared with authentic Montessori materials, chosen to foster a culture of independence, critical thinking, artful expression, and respect while inspiring a love of lifelong learning.

Experienced Educators

Our founder, who is a Montessori-trained teacher, warmly welcomed our first students in 2010. Since then, we’ve proudly created an enriching learning environment dedicated to guiding children in Calgary.

A Trailblazing Program

The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, has pioneered individualized learning, and we are proud to offer an authentic Montessori program.

Bringing Joy into Learning

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A Trailblazing Program

The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, has pioneered individualized learning, and we are proud to offer an authentic Montessori program.

Montessori Philosophy

Montessori Helps Develop Skills for Life

Collaboration

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Testimonials

My family and I love Mosaic Montessori Academy, and we are so fortunate to have found them!

My son has been in the program since he was almost 3 and will be graduating and going into Grade 1 this year. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this school and [its] teachers.

Being transplants to the City, we struggled with finding a school for my son as he had never previously been in any group school environment with other children. He went from shy and quiet to a bright and curious boy with many friends and a love of reading!

We could not believe the difference being at Mosaic Montessori has made for him and our family. We are so happy here and can’t wait for our younger child to start soon! Thank you, Mosaic!

Some great positives are:

An excellent child-to-teacher ratio (one of the lowest I’ve found in our area)
Loving and wonderful teachers who lavish care and attention on each child.
A welcoming environment (this school is so much like a big family rather than the institutional feel that some of the big preschools have)
The parents at the school are so welcoming and helpful. We even have a WhatsApp group where we coordinate birthday parties and set up playdates!
Engaging Montessori curriculum (a wonderful curriculum of arts, science, math, reading, singing, and life skills). My child is extremely well-rounded for his age. Not only were his academics above average but he also showed all the other wonderful life skills Montessori teaches. This was one of the reasons that he was accepted into a very selective and competitive class for his Grade 1 school. I’m so proud and excited for him!

Daniel H.

My son graduated from Mosaic this June, and even though he has only attended Mosaic Montessori Academy (Royal Oak campus) for 1 year, it has been an amazing year. We chose Mosaic to ensure he had a great foundation before attending public school.

Every day, we find out something new he has learned. At dinner one night, he went over the Canadian anthem, provinces, their capitals, and flags! He really has come out of his shell and become a confident young man!

Thank you to all the staff for everything!

Daniel G.

I am from a smaller town, and so when I realized how much choice was out there for an education in Calgary, it was daunting and stressful! Every parent wants to pick the right option for their child.

Both my children are girls, yet they couldn’t be more different.

I have never regretted or doubted putting my kids in this school; it has been a blessing. They are very organized and consistent. They teach so many things that kids don’t always get in other preschools. Respect for teachers, other students, patience, [and] everyday courtesy, like letting others have a turn to speak or learn to clean up after themselves.

The setup and science behind the Montessori way are incredible. The activities are fun [and] self-directed, with the guidance of a directress. When I’ve observed 27 kids between the ages of 3–5 in a room, I have been shocked with the orderly, content way the children conduct themselves and respect other kids while there.

Their kindergarten year is the leadership year, and your child is shown how to mentor the younger children in the class. Both of my kids are strong leaders because of this program, and it visibly shows.

My younger daughter can have a strong personality at times but is extremely intelligent and thrives in this setting.

She’s recently shown me each province in Canada (that she meticulously punched out of paper using a pin, a popular activity in class), named each capital city for the corresponding province, and each flag too…amazing for a 5-year-old, right?

She’s also excited to learn to read and has had the confidence to read her book in front of the class thanks to their accepting, respectful class atmosphere.

She’s excited to go to school and learn every day, and her directress, Mrs. Maria, has a magic touch with her—and I truly believe she is getting the best education possible.

I would choose this school over and over again. Thank you for caring so much 🙂

Erin R.

Mosaic Montessori Academy is one of the most profound and exceptional schools in Calgary. Their knowledge and quality of teaching, with their supportive learning environment, is absolutely amazing.

I have seen my child develop reading and writing skills that I could not have taught them myself.

The knowledge they have gained in various aspects of real life is amazing. Mosaic Montessori Academy has allowed me to unlock educational opportunities for my children that helped them build a strong foundation for their school years.

Having my kids join Mosaic Montessori is the best decision I have made for my kids. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ali.

Zahra H.

We can’t speak highly enough about Parkdale Mosaic Montessori Academy.

Over the past two years, we have watched our children thrive under the kind and nurturing care of their teachers, each of whom are obviously passionate about what they do and their students. In particular we notice that the teachers genuinely seek to understand our children (their likes and dislikes, strengths and areas of growth etc.) and engage them with that in mind. Independence, which we value, is also encouraged. When we were considering kindergarten, the staff went above and beyond in helping us choose the most suitable option; their guidance was invaluable. Most importantly, our children continue to be excited about school, where they can find friendships and develop their love for learning. Looking back, choosing this school was a wonderful decision.

Thank you!