Montessori-inspired balancing stones
What we can learn from Montessori (an educational system developed by Italy’s first medical doctor, Maria Montessori) is that children don’t need to be online as much as you think. Unlike most schools, Montessori schools work very differently. What’s interesting is that they don’t touch computers until much later on, yet still catch-up very easily, often graduating with better academic records.
Montessori is based on the philosophy that children are naturally creative, and like to learn in their own time. Rather than rows of desks, a Montessori classroom has cubby holes, where children can go off and learn what they feel like at the time – whether that’s painting or using an abacus, reading poetry or learning science. The teacher is trained to move in, when necessary, to help.
What’s also different is that different age groups are in one class. So you may have a child who is helping a younger child, and asking for help from an older child. For this reason, Montessori children often grow up to become good teachers.
Regarding the zero waste lifestyle, Montessori toys and games are based on reality. So you would never give a child a ‘play iron’ to pretend she is ironing like her mother. But you would give her a wooden spoon, to actually help mix the batter to make cake.
Montessori schools are privately run. So you can’t afford it, read How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way, for inspiration. Although he gives support to Montessori schools, one child who bucks the idea that the system always raises creative adults is Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon. He is gradually killing off everything to do with independence and creativity, so something obviously did not quite go to plan there.These Montessori-inspired balancing stones are made from wood, inspired by the ancient Japanese game of Tumi-ishi. CE certified, for children age 3+, use with supervision and keep away from younger children and pets. They teach hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, observation, logic and creativity. Just stack, build, balance or turn stones into mystical lands (rocks, icebergs, deserts).
The toy is suitable for Montessori education, to inspire open-ended play. The set consists of 10 unique stones of different shapes and colours. Made to order. Sold in an eco-friendly Kraft box safely tucked in wood wool (shaved wood), care instructions included. Also in Natural and Earthy Tones.
