Montessori and sensory toys: what are the differences?
As soon as your baby arrives, your social media feed, advertisements and your entourage are invaded by a myriad of products: wooden toys, silicone toys, muslin blankets, glass baby bottles… the list is long! Among all these new products, two concepts seem to rub shoulders and merge: Montessori education and sensory toys.
Often used interchangeably, these terms actually refer to different approaches. Montessori education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, is well-known for its sensory-focused approach. Sensory toys, on the other hand, are toys designed to stimulate a toddler’s five senses. In Montessori classrooms, children are encouraged to play with sensory toys to explore and discover the world around them.
To clear up some of this confusion, let's break down what Montessori education means, the benefits of sensory toys, and how to tell which ones are actually worth it.
What is Montessori education?
Montessori education is a widely recognized method of learning that focuses on child-centered learning. It promotes experiential learning, independent activity, and collaborative play. In a Montessori classroom, teachers encourage children to explore their environment independently and learn at their own pace.
The role of the Montessori teacher is that of a guide, not a lecturer, allowing children to discover their own interests and passions. At the heart of this approach is the firm belief that children learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning process. Montessori education emphasizes the development of practical skills, such as gardening, cleaning, and cooking, as well as essential academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are designed to engage one or two of our five senses simultaneously and promote sensory exploration. By playing with a sensory toy, a baby, toddler or toddler develops cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, as well as fine and gross motor skills.
These toys come in many shapes, textures, colors, and sounds. You can find them to use in water, sand, indoors, or outdoors. The possibilities are endless!
The key is to make sure the toys are age-appropriate for your little one. A toy designed for a six-year-old could be dangerous for an infant! Here are some examples of sensory toys by age group:
| Age | Examples of suitable sensory toys |
|---|---|
| 0 - 3 months | soft rings, textured mat, mobile |
| 3 - 6 months | play mats, soft blocks, balls, books |
| 6 - 9 months | teething rings, stacking cups, shape games |
| 9 - 12 months | activity boards, wooden blocks, bead mazes |
| 12 - 18 months | push toys, pull toys, building blocks |
| 18 - 24 months | wooden puzzles, discovery blocks, activity tables |
| 24 - 36 months | wooden activity sets (kitchen, workbench, train), alphabet puzzles, shape fishing and sorting, magnetic tiles |
This list isn't exhaustive, but these are some of the most common sensory toys for each stage of development. For a more comprehensive guide, check out our article "From Teething to Tummy Time: The Best Sensory Toys for Every Stage of Toddlerhood."
Beware of electronic toys!
Note, however, that what is not on this list are electronic toys. I affectionately call them "disco noisemakers," which are more distracting than engaging. These "active" toys encourage your child to sit, bang, and watch, but once the novelty wears off, they often get bored or tired of the batteries dying.
On the other hand, sensory toys invite imagination and provide hours of play, not to mention they tend to last longer!
Are all sensory toys Montessori inspired?
Not all sensory toys on the market are created equal, and not all are inspired by the Montessori approach. For example, a plastic toy that makes sounds when your toddler presses a button: it stimulates the senses of sight, hearing, and touch, but it doesn't really encourage the child to explore further.
Montessori education emphasizes a sensory approach, focusing on one sense at a time. For example, a sensory activity for a toddler might involve manipulating a tray filled with sand, accompanied by a small shovel and a wooden stick, while focusing on touch. When ready, this child can even draw letters, numbers, or pictures in the sand!
So, are all sensory toys Montessori-inspired? No. But plastic toys that make sounds when your baby presses buttons can’t really be considered sensory toys either.
What makes a sensory toy Montessori inspired?
A Montessori-inspired sensory toy is typically passive, made from natural materials, and stimulates the senses. A sensory toy that is overflowing with activities can lead to sensory overload. Here's a chart to help you discern the differences:
| Features | Non-Montessori "sensory" toy | Montessori inspired sensory toy |
|---|---|---|
| Natural materials | No | Yes |
| Completely passive | No | Yes |
| Engage the senses | Yes | Yes |
| Focus on one meaning | No | Yes |
| Skills learning | No | Yes |
| Child-led | No | Yes |
Although non-Montessori sensory toys may be made from natural materials and focus on one sense at a time, they do not necessarily adhere to Montessori principles.
The real power of Montessori-inspired toys lies in their ability to focus attention on one sense at a time. As Dr. Maria Montessori famously said in a 1946 lecture, “If a sense is isolated, it seems to be magnified in its perceptual capacity.” What an insightful observation for early childhood education!
How can Montessori education and sensory toys benefit my child's development?
Combining Montessori education with suitable sensory toys will bring many benefits to your little one's development.
Montessori education helps your child develop practical, social, communication, and empathy skills. Sensory toys, when used correctly, promote the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive skills by engaging the senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste.
When to start using Montessori education and sensory toys?
You can start incorporating Montessori activities from birth! There are many free resources available online to help you teach, play and prepare your little one.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Read a lot: As the saying goes, "If you stop reading, you stop growing." Continue to feed your mind with books on early childhood education. You'll set an example for your little one, who will grow up watching you read.
Set reasonable expectations: Your baby probably won't be a genius in preschool, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. At first, he might just spend a few seconds with a sensory toy, and that's fine!
Keep it age-appropriate: Don't rush your little one. Each skill should develop at its own pace. Even if your child shows an early interest in writing, don't expect them to be able to write in cursive at age two.
Don’t overcomplicate things: Have fun! Before kindergarten, you are your child’s everything, and he needs to spend time with you. Avoid electronic toys and focus on authentic interactions.
Sensory activities for babies
Sensory activities are a great way to engage your baby's senses while having fun together! Here are some ideas to try at home:
- Playing with Play Dough: Great for fine motor skills!
- Playing with sand: Perfect for developing creativity!
- Explore nature: Let your child touch leaves, flowers, and smell the grass!
- Playing with water: Make bubbles in the bathtub with some floating toys!
In summary
Montessori toys and sensory toys each have their own benefits, but together they can promote holistic development in your child.
By providing your little one with an enriching learning environment, you are helping them prepare for adult life. So, don't hesitate to explore and experiment with different toys and activities. Your child will have fun and develop at their own pace, while awakening to the beauty of the world around them!
