What is Montessori?
Maria Montessori developed the Montessori education method. She was an Italian physician who believed children have an innate desire and passion for learning. Maria developed her education philosophies based on the belief that children need self-guided opportunities instead of being told what to learn. She focused on allowing children to explore concepts and reach their full potential. A Montessori education focuses on hands-on learning and being independent. You can take the style of Montessori and create an atmosphere conducive to this form of education in your very own home. Providing your child with plenty of stimulating toys that are manageable and distracting is a great place to start. Some of the favorite types of toys for children are play gyms. Does Montessori encourage the use of play gyms? Yes! Play gyms are an excellent way for your child to learn gross motor skills and promote confidence. However, Montessori play gyms look different than mainstream play gyms. This post will look at the best Montessori play gym for active learning.
A Deeper Look At Montessori Philosophies
Maria Montessori was an advocate for respecting the whole child. Children have an innate desire to learn, and they also have an absorbent mind. They can learn when provided with a rich and stimulating environment. Learning the Montessori way may look different than the mainstream way. However, it is a fast-growing concept.
Maria Montessori believed that all children go through sensitive periods. These are the periods when a child is most motivated to learn something new. Every child will go through these periods at their own pace. A great example of a sensitive period is when a baby learns to walk. Babies constantly absorb new information that will prepare them for their needed skills. A baby does not require us to push them towards walking. The walking takes place only when they are in a sensitive period and motivated to learn. This is true for all areas of life.
We can observe our children and assess where they are and when they are ready to learn something new. Then we can provide them with opportunities for self-directed learning. Our children will thrive when we give them choices, interests, and movement options.
What to Look For in a Montessori Play Gym?
There are a few elements to consider when looking for a Montessori play gym. First, you will want to provide your child with a play gym that gives them the freedom to move. Having the ability to move the play gym into a different room is also something to consider.
Montessori toys are all-natural. They are made from wood, metal, bamboo, or a material other than plastic. Flashing lights or electronics are thought to be mere distractions. So, when looking for a play gym, you will want to look for an all-natural, simple gym. Engagement over entertainment is the Montessori way of life. Therefore, your play gym should focus on growing skills yet be open-ended. An open-ended play gym will give your child room to grow and learn at their own pace.
What is the Difference Between a Montessori and a Traditional Play Gym?
What is the difference between a Montessori and a traditional play gym? Many traditional play gyms can be overstimulating with bright colors and sounds. This is especially true for infants. However, children do not need to be entertained to learn. Montessori believes that the simpler, the better. The purpose of a Montessori play gym will be to engage the whole child. The focus will be on one or two skills that provide an opportunity to learn and grow a particular skill set, such as gross or fine motor skills. Many traditional play gyms have aspects that can distract and overwhelm a child. This post looks at the best Montessori play gyms for all ages.
$39.99Buy Now- All-natural, smooth, unfinished pine wood
- Measurements are: gym's legs is 19.7'' (50 cm), Depth is 19.7'' (50 cm), Height is 17.7'' (45 cm)
- Wooden bead toys with sounds
- Movable
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11/20/2024 12:55 am GMT
$32.99Buy Now- Activity mat for babies made with organic cotton and natural wood
- Bead, star, and cloud mirror for sensory fun
- Easily movable
- Work on hand-eye and motor skills
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11/20/2024 01:04 am GMT
$199.00Buy Now- Foldable triangle ladder with a rock climbing ramp, arch climber, and rocker
- Great for improving gross motor skills
- Open-ended play stirs your child's imagination
- Sturdy, durable, and non-toxic all-natural wood
- It comes with a lock mechanism and is easily movable
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11/20/2024 01:05 am GMT
$179.99Buy Now- Montessori triangle climber with ten ways to change and play. Adjustable angles. Slide and climbing features
- Nontoxic, natural wood
- Encourages gross motor skills, confidence, and independence
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11/20/2024 01:49 am GMT
$85.99Buy Now- This is a 3-in-1 Montessori climber and rocker.
- It comes with blue padding that adds extra comfort.
- This rocker is made out of birch, beech, and all-natural wood and is sturdy and durable.
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11/20/2024 01:46 am GMT
$499.00Buy Now- Climbing wall jungle gym with monkey bars, slide, and swing.
- This 6-in-1 play gym is perfect for children ages 2-6.
- Continue to develop gross motor skills and work on balance.
- Encourage muscle and control development.
- Made from natural grade quality wood.
- Parental supervision is always required with climbing equipment.
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11/20/2024 12:59 am GMT
Buy Now- 2-in-1 triangular climber with slide
- High-quality hardwood
- Adjustable ramp and ladder give children open-ended opportunities
- Strong and durable material. However, one reviewer did say the wood was not very strong
- Easy storage
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Buy Now- Climbing play tent will ignite your child's imagination in many different ways
- Measurements are 45" x 30" x 39"
- Made with all-natural fir wood
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The Best Montessori Play Gyms for Infants
When looking for a play gym for an infant, think simply. Provide your infant with a gym that focuses on one specific skill, such as grabbing, or gross motor skill, like rolling over. The less stimulating, the better. A gym with a ton of gadgets and flashy lights and sounds will provide entertainment and distraction. However, a simple gym will give your baby room to focus on skills they need in life. The gyms below are our best picks for infants!
little dove Wooden Baby Gym with Mat
This all-natural wooden play mat is perfect for working on motor skills, reaching, and eye-hand coordination!
- Activity mat for babies made with organic cotton and natural wood
- Bead, star, and cloud mirror for sensory fun
- Easily movable
- Work on hand-eye and motor skills
B. toys – Wooden Baby Play Gym – Activity Mat
Cute and natural, this baby play gym will motivate your infant to work on their eye-hand coordination. The accessories are neutral and engaging for every infant.
- All-natural, smooth, unfinished pine wood
- Measurements are: gym's legs is 19.7'' (50 cm), Depth is 19.7'' (50 cm), Height is 17.7'' (45 cm)
- Wooden bead toys with sounds
- Movable
The Best Montessori Play Gyms for Toddlers
Toddlers are busy! Look for a play gym that allows your child to work on one skill at a time, such as climbing. The play gym should be open-ended, allowing your child to use their imagination instead of being entertained. Montessori play gyms are simple. However, they can still be attractive to a child! Here are our favorite picks for toddlers.
Avenlur Indoor Gym Playset 4-in-1 Foldable Triangle Ladder
Your child will love to climb on this gym playset! It folds, locks, and changes into four different scenarios. Open-ended and engaging, this play gym is perfect for toddlers learning to climb and engage their whole bodies.
- Foldable triangle ladder with a rock climbing ramp, arch climber, and rocker
- Great for improving gross motor skills
- Open-ended play stirs your child's imagination
- Sturdy, durable, and non-toxic all-natural wood
- It comes with a lock mechanism and is easily movable
Dripex Pikler Triangle Climber with Ramp
This climbing structure encourages independent and group play and gross motor skills. Your child can explore with their whole bodies while also using their imagination. It is movable, allowing your child to play inside, outside, and in different areas of the house.
- Montessori triangle climber with ten ways to change and play. Adjustable angles. Slide and climbing features
- Nontoxic, natural wood
- Encourages gross motor skills, confidence, and independence
3-in-1 Montessori Wooden Arch Climber Ladder Structure
This climbing gym can be changed into three different structures. Climb an arch, go down a slide, or play in a rocker. This toy encourages gross motor skills, independent play, and group play.
- This is a 3-in-1 Montessori climber and rocker.
- It comes with blue padding that adds extra comfort.
- This rocker is made out of birch, beech, and all-natural wood and is sturdy and durable.
The Best Montessori Play Gyms For Kids
The older a child grows, the more skills they have learned! As your child becomes ready to learn more skills, resist the urge to present them with flashy play gyms. It can be tempting to want to provide them with one that promises to learn several new skills at once. However, many of the mainstream play gyms can be overwhelming to a child. This is because it is about entertainment and not engagement. When looking for a play gym for your kids, still keep it simple. The play gym should engage your child's whole mind and body. Below are our favorite Montessori play gyms for kids!
Avenlur Magnolia Indoor Playground 6-in-1 Jungle Gym
This unique play gym is perfect for active children who want to engage their whole bodies. They can climb, slide, swing, and more! Loved by children and parents alike, it's no wonder this is our pick for the best overall Montessori gym for kids.
- Climbing wall jungle gym with monkey bars, slide, and swing.
- This 6-in-1 play gym is perfect for children ages 2-6.
- Continue to develop gross motor skills and work on balance.
- Encourage muscle and control development.
- Made from natural grade quality wood.
- Parental supervision is always required with climbing equipment.
GOME Foldable Climbing Triangle Ladder with Ramp
Your child will gain a sense of autonomy and confidence with this climbing ramp! When children can explore and grow their skills in a safe place, they thrive. This great play gym is for growing independence and developing gross motor skills.
- 2-in-1 triangular climber with slide
- High-quality hardwood
- Adjustable ramp and ladder give children open-ended opportunities
- Strong and durable material. However, one reviewer did say the wood was not very strong
- Easy storage
Costzon Climbing Toys
This climbing tent allows your child to be alone or enjoy with others. They can get away and read or play inside the tent. This tent also encourages independence and imagination in your child.
- Climbing play tent will ignite your child's imagination in many different ways
- Measurements are 45" x 30" x 39"
- Made with all-natural fir wood
In Conclusion
Montessori education focuses on engaging a child rather than entertaining them. A child is born with all the curiosity and ability to learn they will ever need. All we need to do as parents and educators are provide them with stimulating opportunities to learn at their own pace and then get out of their way. We can do this as parents by providing our children with Montessori toys, including play gyms. Play gyms are an excellent way for your child to learn gross motor and life skills. Remember, keep it simple, engaging, and natural. These Montessori play gyms will provide your child with plenty of opportunities for learning and growth!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrej Rutar/Shutterstock.com.