Many children enjoy stacking anything for the sake on knocking it down, while others build then attempt to protect their tower from the “knock it down” kids. Wherever your child falls in the spectrum, give them opportunities to stack more than blocks. This stacking work will prepare them for work with the Pink Tower.

In this video my daughter is stacking modeling dough containers, as she stacks we talk about the colors that she’s choosing. You may have noticed that learning can happen organically when you let it.

Childhood should be protected, and from 0-3 years of age, children absorb so much of their environment and it’s crucial that we invest in our child’s surroundings. When I say invest I don’t mean you have to spend a lot of money, I mean this video is about my child stacking modeling dough containers, not porcelain. An environment that is rich in language and sensory experiences will be a delight for young children and will feed their craving for discovery. These modeling dough containers were some of my favorite items in the environment because of their simple design, one brightly colored band on each container. No flashy text or cartoon images, just a textured band that identified the colored dough in each container.

Sensory does not mean loud, flashing or batter operated toys, a true Montessori home will provide sensory experiences that invited children to act upon an object or toy. If you’re wondering if a particular toy or material is truly providing a healthy form of education for your child ask yourself these questions.

1.     Does the material need batteries to make noise or create flashing lights?

2.     Is my child controlling the material (carrying it, pushing it, throwing it) or does the material control my child?

3.     Does the material isolate one skill at a time?

4.     Does the material distract my child or help them to extend their ability to concentrate?

These are just some things to think about as you move forward with sensory play and work for your child!

Happy Montessori!