Sophie Shay | January 2024

Montessori is a term that is being tossed around often. Everywhere you look, toys or furniture are being marketed as being “Montessori.” As a kids' space designer who specializes in using child development and Montessori principles in all her designs, I'm here to demystify the myths surrounding this popular term.

Pretty Wooden Toys

When you hear the word Montessori, you’re likely picturing a low shelf and beautiful wooden toys, right?

Well, it’s actually not about the pretty toys. At all!

At its core, Montessori is about creating a calm and inviting space for kids to be creative, independent and their full capable selves at home. There is a tendency to use more natural products and soothing color palettes, but it is for the purpose of creating that calm and inviting space that don’t the same create sensory overload in typical children’s spaces.

Side note: The Grimms rainbow stackers are a popular choice but they’re actually Waldorf-based toys and not Montessori.

Sensory Bins

Pinecones, cinnamon, pom pom balls, rainbow rice! Sensory bins are all the rage on social media. They usually have a lot going on and can actually be distracting and overwhelming for kids.

If you really want to offer these, consider making it simple and focused on just one of the senses at a time.

Busy Boards

If you want to teach your kiddos practical life skills, focus on presenting one skill at a time. For example:

• Screwdrivers and screws for kids to learn how to use the tool.

• A flashlight to encourage batteries to be taken out and put back in.

Too much all at once can make it hard for the child to sustain interest and focus.

Alphabet Toys

Those Montessori kids sure learn to read early!

But it's not from alphabet toys.

If your kiddo is under 3, there is no reason why they'd need random letters and numbers on their toys. Right now, life is all about those gross and fine motor skills!

Check out “sandpaper letters,” “moveable alphabet” and “phonics” if you want to learn more about the Montessori method of introducing reading and writing at age 3.

Play Kitchens

These make for wonderful pretend play and language development!

No space for a play kitchen? No problem.

Set up your actual kitchen space to allow for your kids' involvement in measuring ingredients and cooking! Make getting water, bowls, cutlery and snacks easy and accessible to them. When it comes to kitchens, there’s so much more to learn and explore alongside grownups in the real kitchen rather than a pretend one!

Play Pens

I get it! Creating a safe zone for your little ones is a must.

However, instead of using a baby container like a play pen, invest in the time to turn your whole home into a "Yes" (safe) space and watch your kiddo's learning explode!

Instead of chasing after your toddler saying “No! Don’t touch that!” you can relax a bit knowing that everything is free and safe to explore.

Not to mention fostering the feelings of connection with the rest of the family through participating in everyday life at home.

House Beds

Floor beds are great for little ones, especially for ages 0-3. They encourage kids to be able to get in and out of bed by themselves.

The house-shaped frame is adorable but totally optional. If house beds make your heart sing, make sure the frame doesn’t obstruct your kids’ mobility (and safety) in any way.

Educational Posters

Usually hung up high to complete a pretty playroom, right?

When they’re so high up, I wonder if they’re for the kids or the grownups?

Ditch these posters and find some beautiful and inspiring artwork hung down low so your kids can see and enjoy them.

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If you’re still a little overwhelmed about setting up your kids’ space, I’ve got you covered! Check out which kids’ space design package is right for your family or book a free discovery call.