It's fun to count with your toddler. There are lots of things to count from spoons to stairs.
Counting as your toddler goes up the stairs gives your child an idea of quantities and numbers.
Shop for the Best Toys
Toys, there are so many to choose from. Action toys and figures, computer games, toys that bake and make woodworking projects, almost anything we can imagine. Montessori is based on development of the senses, small and large coordination and building academic skills through a hands on approach. Some Montessori type toys are inexpensive, basic, traditional toys. They will give your children hours of fun learning.
Here is a list of some toys I would recommend.
Nesting Blocks
These blocks fit into each other. You can find these with basic infant toys. Each piece of the toy gradually changes in size. A child can learn concepts of bigger and smaller, how to distinguish small differences in size. This little lesson is essential for the skills of reading and math.
The stacking and nesting tower
Wooden Blocks
Sets of blocks that have different sizes and shapes are great for conceptual learning. For example, two triangles make a square, two square blocks make a rectangle-just basic geometry. The basic concepts of gravity, balance, and design are a part of making block structures. .
Here are some ideas for block play.
Have your child make the buildings as high as his or her ankle, knee, hips, elbows, waist, shoulder, and head. This helps measure distance in proportion to your child's body as well as teaching parts of the body.
Ask your child how many different shapes he or she can make from the blocks. You may have to first introduce to them how to make a cube, square from 2 triangles, and 2 half circles make a whole circle-the list can go on and on.
Using a tape measure or yard/meter stick, let your child measure the dimensions of his or her building. Which side is longer? Which side is shorter? How tall is the building? How wide? How long?
Block play is a great lesson for visual perception, kinetic learning, and the beginning concepts of geometry.
Teach names for concepts such as on top, beside, behind, underneath, next to, above and below, square, triangle, rectangle, cube, cylinder and circle.
Lego Kits
These were my children's favorite toys. They are great for small motor skills as well. The complex structures and designs seem infinite.
Dolls
Any doll that a child can dress, wash, and even cuddle is great for developing small motor skills and social and language development.
Balls
Balls from super big to small are great for large motor skills. Bigger balls are easier for younger children to throw and catch.
Play dishes
Tea parties are a great opportunity for pouring, a great practical life skill. Washing and drying dishes and stacking and putting the dishes away is a favorite Montessori task.
Tricycles
Pushing legs on a pedal are great for large muscle development. Steering developes visual perception.
Jungle Gym
If you have room in your garden or backyard these are a great investiment. You don't have to own one, just use the one at your local park for your child's development and adhanced coordination.
Jump Rope
Jumping is a great activity for coordination for adults and children.
Writing with chalk is great for small motor skills that will help your child's writing and art skills later.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch is great for large motors kills, foot-eye coordination, balance and counting.
J
Bouncing the ball and picking up jacks is not only good for motor skills but also encourages counting.
Marbles
This game can give insight to physics, movement and development of spatial refinement and coordination.
Cars and Trucks
Pushing a car develops coordination and large and fine motor skills.
Wooden Puzzles
Puzzles help with fine motor skills and refine perception of space and depth. Easy wooden puzzles with knobs are great for developing the pencil grip. Start with puzzles with only a few pieces and work up to more pieces, and eventually to simple jig saw puzzles.
Sewing or Lacing Card
Sewing cards develop fine motor skills, perceptual concepts and eye hand coordination. They also promote hand work skills
Beads and Wooden Bead Sequencing Set
Big, wooden beads are easier for young children to handle. This activity helps eye to hand coordination, small motor skills, and promoting sequence patterns.
Purchase good quality toys that will help your child create, learn and enjoy learning!