Many children have too many toys! What do we get them for the holidays?
Children want and need their parents' time and attention, but the toy industry seems to be pulling in the opposite direction. There are toys that are advertised for children to use alone in their rooms, or electronic devices where they turn to a device instead of other humans for happiness, or plastic toys that give the message that children are not worth the real thing or best quality...where is this heading?
The following text is adapted from publications by Michael Olaf Montessori Company, a company that focuses on high-quality items that families can use together or that teach about the reach world of plants, animals, humans and the beautiful world of art. As you'll see, thoughtfully setting the stage for each level of development is a wonderful gift we can give our children.
Preparing the Environment
Constant preparing and adaption of the environment to the ever changing needs and tendencies of growing children is essential in the Montessori method of raising and educating children. The first sondering is a physical safety, and then the proper support for free movement, exploration, making choices, concentrating, creating, completing cycles - all of which contribute to optimum development.
Birth to Age 3
When parents are getting ready for their first child, they will be overwhelmed by ads on what they "need" for their child. It seems that these ads are aimed at selling things far more than providing what is really good for the child. Not only are many items over stimulating for the young child (too many objects, uncomfortably bright colors), but they also hamper the natural development of important abilities such as language (pacifiers) and movement (cribs, swings, and high chairs) and even sometimes can be dangerous.
A simple, natural and gentle environment that encourages feelings of safety, and encourages the child to communicate with others and to move - that is the superior environment for the child from birth to age 3.
A child will develop more fully - mentally, emotionally and physically - when she is free to move and explore the environment. Attention must be paid to covering plugs, taping wires to walls or floor, and removing any objects that could harm the child.
During the first years the child will absorb, like a sponge, whatever is in the environment - ugliness or beauty, coarse behavior or gentleness, good or bad language. As parents we are the first models of what it means to be a human.
Quality and beauty of the environment with books and materials are very important in attracting, satisfying and keeping a child's attention. If the child is exposed to beautiful materials and books, as an adult he will create a world with the same high standards. Toys, rattles, puzzles, tables and chairs - made of wood - foster an appreciation for nature and quality.
Sometimes we forget that daily life was first carried outdoors. This is still the instinct of a child. Just a breath of fresh air, a look at the branches moving in the wind is mesmerizing to a child. Daily walks give children the opportunity to discover plants, cracks in the road, puddles and ants. These details often are overlooked by adults but are enchanting to a child. A walk is a journey filled with discovery.
Ages 3 - 6
Children ages 3 to 6 often prefer to work on the floor instead of a table using a mat or rug. This marks the workspace just as a table would.
Toys, books and materials can be attractively arranged on trays and in baskets, on natural wood or white shelves. Each object has a special, permanent place so that the child knows where to find it and where to put it away when finished. Tables and chairs that support proper posture are important for this age.
Organizing a Child's Environment
- Participation in family life: Even though from the very first days, include the child in the life of the family. Have a place in each room for a few carefully chosen belongings. The living room should have a place for to neatly organize the child's books and toys.
- Independence: The child's message to us at any age is "Help me to do it myself." Supporting this need shows respect for and faith in the child. Think carefully about family activities in all areas of the home and arrange each space to support independence. Add a coat tree, low clothing rod, or hook wherever the child undresses or dresses. Use a stool or bench for removing shoes and boots, inviting shelves for books, dishes or toys.
- Belongings: Don't put our too many toys and books at one time. Those being used by the child at the moment are sufficient. It is a good idea to rotate and take out those books and toys that have been neglected.
- Sense of order: Everyone at every age is affected by their environment. A child who joins the environment, and learns to select a few things, will be aided in many ways, such as creating good work habits and concentration. Rather than tossing toys into a large toy box, it is more satisfying to the child to place them neatly on shelves, on wooden trays or in small baskets. This also makes putting things away more logical and enjoyable.
- Cultural emphasis: Make your home a reflection of your unique part of the world. Include music, books, foods, crafts, and stories from your parents and grandparents lives. Your child will learn that everyone is connected and he is a member of an international community.
