We have all seen them. Bookshelves. They are necessary to keep our stuff together, display books and toys, or even knick-knacks in our homes. The commonality of the basic bookshelf makes you wonder, what is the big deal about a Montessori bookshelf? So, let's talk about it! There is a difference between an ordinary bookshelf in a home or library and a Montessori bookshelf.
The difference is that a regular bookshelf is designed to store as much as possible on them. You have seen them walking into the library, bookcases filled with rows and rows of books. Those bookcases are perfect for specific places and times. However, the Montessori bookshelf considers someone else, the young child.
What is a Montessori Bookshelf?
Montessori bookshelves are designed with children in mind. They are created for functionality for children, not adults. A Montessori bookshelf is low to the ground and is very simple. Also, it considers children's eye level and provides wide shelves of different sizes, making displaying many toys and books possible. You can read more about the functionality of the Montessori Bookshelf in this post!
Different Functions of a Montessori Bookshelf
With children in mind, a Montessori bookshelf will look and function differently than a regular bookshelf found in a library or home. For starters, when using a Montessori bookshelf, you want it to be low to the ground. This allows children to see the toys and books at their eye level. In addition, these bookshelves being low to the ground makes it easier for children to grab any toy or book they want without an adult's assistance.
Montessori bookshelves are also meant to be simple and aesthetically pleasing. The goal is to create a stimulating space for your child that is not overwhelming. The storage spaces in a Montessori bookshelf will be of different heights giving the option to store several sizes of toys and books. The material is going to be all-natural wood material and simple.
Now that we have talked about the functions of a Montessori bookshelf let's go ahead and talk about the woman behind Montessori.
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What is Montessori, And Who Started it Anyway?
Maria Montessori started the Montessori method. She stood behind the concept that children are whole beings born with everything they need to thrive and learn. What children need from adults is for them to create stimulating and no-frills environments to engage with the world around them.
Maria believed that children are fully capable of learning at their own pace when they are given the right tools. Montessori is an excellent way for children to explore their full potential and develop creative freedom with open-ended opportunities and simple materials.
How Can a Montessori Bookshelf Spark Creativity?
A Montessori bookshelf can transform a space in a home and classroom and spark creativity. But how? It's simple, with a Montessori bookshelf, a child has full access to materials, toys, and books and can grab it at their device, allowing them to explore independently. When a child does not need to stop and ask for an adult's assistance constantly, they have more time to explore activities and toys they want.
Montessori Bookshelves are also simple and should be implemented in a manageable way. That means ensuring each bookshelf is clutter-free, engaging, and not overwhelming to the child.
The Best Montessori Bookshelves to Spark Creativity
Now that we have discussed what Montessori is and how Montessori bookshelves can spark creativity let's look at the best ones on the market today.
$50.26Buy Now- Canvas sling makes it easy to store books
- Allows books to feel exciting and engaging
- Soft and easy-to-clean canvas
- Children can learn how to tidy up and grab a book on their own with this shelf
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11/15/2024 12:09 am GMT
$199.99Buy Now- ABC displayed on a wooden bookshelf
- It gives children a chance to learn autonomy and tidy up after themselves
- Books can be displayed with titles forward, making them more enticing to children.
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11/15/2024 12:25 am GMT
$827.00Buy Now- Make displaying your child's toys easy
- The material is safe with round edges and sanded wood
- The storage has five shelves, 12 cubby spots, and wheels
- Transport this bookshelf easily
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11/15/2024 12:14 am GMT
$209.99Buy Now- Store several different-sized toys
- Ignite your child's interest when placing toys at eye level
- Smooth wood and round edges, safe and non-toxic for children
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11/15/2024 12:16 am GMT
$99.99Buy Now- Easy and portable bookshelf, perfect for displaying your child's books
- The fun clock on the side helps children learn to tell time
- It can be used to teach children how to tidy up after themselves
- Can hold up to 40 books
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11/15/2024 12:30 am GMT
KidKraft Wood and Canvas Sling Bookshelf
One thing that Montessori encourages is having books on display with their full titles facing outwards. This KidKraft Wood and Canvas Sling Bookshelf makes it possible! The canvas shelves are soft and easy to clean. As a result, books can be on display engagingly. It also becomes easier for children to grab the book they want and return it on their own. This is an excellent bookshelf for young children and will encourage reading and looking at engaging books!
- Canvas sling makes it easy to store books
- Allows books to feel exciting and engaging
- Soft and easy-to-clean canvas
- Children can learn how to tidy up and grab a book on their own with this shelf
Tidy Books Kids Bookshelf
The Tidy Books Kids Bookshelf is another great bookshelf that makes it easy to display books. This bookshelf is made of wood, with the ABCs colorfully displayed on the front. With the idea that books should be displayed enticingly to encourage reading, Tidy Books Bookshelf is a great outlet to do this!
- ABC displayed on a wooden bookshelf
- It gives children a chance to learn autonomy and tidy up after themselves
- Books can be displayed with titles forward, making them more enticing to children.
Jonti-Craft Mobile Storage
The Jonti-Craft Mobile storage bookshelf makes displaying your child's toys easy. The material is safe with round edges and sanded wood. The storage has five shelves, 12 cubby spots, and wheels, making transporting this bookshelf efficient.
- Make displaying your child's toys easy
- The material is safe with round edges and sanded wood
- The storage has five shelves, 12 cubby spots, and wheels
- Transport this bookshelf easily
5-Section Wood Storage Cabinet with Casters
ECR4Kids sells this 5-section wood storage bookshelf which is excellent for storing different-sized toys. When a child can see their toys at eye level, they can quickly grab any toy that ignites their interest. In addition, the smooth wood has round edges making it safe for small children. Another benefit of a Montessori bookshelf is encouraging children to pick up after themselves while also growing self-confidence. This bookcase makes it easier for children to understand tidiness and become confident in handling their possessions.
- Store several different-sized toys
- Ignite your child's interest when placing toys at eye level
- Smooth wood and round edges, safe and non-toxic for children
Tidy Books Storage Box
The Tidy Books Storage Box is a small portable bookshelf that can travel with your child. It is white and has a fun clock to help children learn to read the time. This bookshelf can hold up to 40 books and make it easy for toddlers to grab the books they want while also learning to put them away. The material is sustainable plywood and is non-toxic. This fun bookcase is a child's favorite because they can carry it!
- Easy and portable bookshelf, perfect for displaying your child's books
- The fun clock on the side helps children learn to tell time
- It can be used to teach children how to tidy up after themselves
- Can hold up to 40 books
Benefits of Using Montessori as a Parent
What are the benefits of using Montessori as a parent? There are so many! When you are looking to prep your home for Montessori as a parent, there are a few ways to get started:
- You'll want to keep it simple! Toys should be engaging, not for pure entertainment. Say no to the flashy and noisy toys. Instead, think simple and open-ended.
- Try to keep books and toys to a minimum. When a child has too many choices, they may become overwhelmed to the point that they don't know what to play with, so they play with nothing!
- Create a stimulating environment that will encourage children to reach their full potential and curiosity, especially during sensitive periods!
Once you start creating a Montessori environment as a parent, you will see many benefits and positive outcomes!
©Natalia Lebedinskaia/Shutterstock.com
On a Final Note
These top Montessori bookcases can spark creativity in children by giving them a space to display their toys and books in a fun and engaging manner. Montessori focuses on creating a stimulating environment for each child. That is why Montessori bookcases in your home and school are perfect! You can implement them by creating a space where children feel creative freedom. When this happens, they can grow their self-confidence, learn independence skills, and fully engage with their toys and books without your assistance. Bookshelves are also a great way to encourage your child to practice cleaning up after themselves. These are skills that children are capable of learning even at a young age. So, if you are looking for the best bookshelves for your child, these are awesome ones to start with!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Natalia Lebedinskaia/Shutterstock.com.