As parents, we all want to create an environment where our children can learn and grow. However, with the constant influx of toys, it can be challenging to keep their play space organised and clutter-free.
The good news is that there's a solution: creating a Montessori play space that encourages focus, joyful learning, and independent play. Here are three steps to help you achieve this.
Step 1: Toy Rotation
Research has shown that children play more meaningfully and creatively when they have access to fewer toys. This makes it essential to be intentional with the number and type of toys available to your child at any given time.
By storing some toys away and regularly rotating them, you can provide your child with more focused and varied play.
At the same time, decluttering is a necessary step to help keep your space organised. Declutter by sorting all toys into three piles - keep, donate, and discard, and involve your child in the decision-making process. It helps build a foundation for respecting their belongings, empathy, and letting go of things.
Click here for detailed tips on toy rotation.
Step 2: Observing Your Child
Observing your child at play can provide valuable insight into their interests and developmental needs. Be curious about what they're doing, how they're doing it, and why they're doing it.
Observing your child can be as casual or formal as you want, from taking mental notes of the skills they are trying to master to detailed written records of their actions. The key is that you take time to observe them in uninterrupted play. Then use your observations to find toys that meet your child where they are at, with the right level of challenge for growth.
Click here for detailed tips on observing your child.
Step 3: Invitation to Independent Play
Independent play is essential for your child's exploration and self-discovery. Creating an inviting play space encourages your child to spend time alone and engage in problem-solving, creativity, skill-building, and emotion regulation.
The goal is to create a balanced space that feels restful yet full of possibility, where the toys call out to your child. To achieve this, ensure the play space is uncluttered and orderly, and the toys match your child's interests and capabilities. Ensure your child can independently access the displayed toys and consider how your space is laid out to support your child's natural flow of movement.
Click here for detailed tips on inviting your child to independent play.
Resetting your play space may seem daunting at first but these three steps will simplify your play space to bring joy to both you and your child. By rotating toys, observing your child and inviting them to independent play, you'll create a calm and orderly play space that encourages focus, joyful learning, and self-discovery.
* 'Toys' includes anything your child plays with including activities and materials that are both closed and open-ended.
