Montessori games to stimulate children's senses

In a world where screens and electronic toys are omnipresent, it's sometimes difficult to find activities that encourage children's sensory development. Montessori games are an interesting alternative for parents wishing to offer their children enriching and varied experiences. The Montessori method, developed in the early 20th century by Maria Montessori, offers toys and activities that enable children to develop their senses and learn at their own pace.

Why choose Montessori games for sensory development?

Montessori games have been designed to adapt to the specific needs of each child and to foster their overall development. They focus on discovery and experimentation, enabling children to develop their curiosity and creativity. What's more, these toys encourage autonomy and self-confidence, two essential elements for a child's harmonious development. Last but not least, Montessori toys are often made from natural, sustainable materials, which are also good for the environment.

What types of Montessori games should I choose to stimulate sensory awareness?

Manipulative games

Manipulative games are essential for developing fine motor skills and coordination.n children's hand-eye. Popular Montessori toys include nesting puzzles, stringing beads and modular building blocks. These activities enable children to exercise their dexterity while learning about different shapes and textures.

Embedding and stacking sets

Nesting and stacking games are also very popular in the Montessori method. They encourage children to recognize and compare different shapes and sizesThis stimulates their visual sense and spatial perception. Stacking towers, geometric puzzles and wooden puzzles are all examples of Montessori games suited to this objective.

Sensory games

Sensory play is at the heart of Montessori pedagogy. They encourage children to explore their senses to learn to distinguish different features of the world around them. Touch boxes, sensory bottles and texture sorting trays are just a few examples of Montessori games that stimulate touch. To develop sight, visual discrimination games can be proposed, while musical instruments awaken hearing.

How can Montessori games be integrated into everyday life?

Setting aside time for Montessori play

It's important to make time for Montessori activities in the child's daily routine. This could be during a quiet moment after mealtime, or for half an hour at the end of the day. The key is to create an environment conducive to concentration and sensory exploration.

Adopting an individualized approach

Children are all different and do not evolve at the same pace. It is therefore essential toadapt Montessori games to their needs and interests. If your child has difficulty with an activity, don't hesitate to suggest another sensory experience more suited to his or her level.

Valuing effort and progress

Encouraging children to try and recognizing their successes is vital to developing their self-confidence, even when they're not doing well. for the shyest children. Don't hesitate to congratulate your child on his or her efforts and highlight the progress made thanks to Montessori games.

A few ideas for make-your-own Montessori games

If you'd like to introduce your child to Montessori play without necessarily buying specific toys, here are a few ideas for easy activities to do at home:

• Create sensory bottles by filling plastic bottles with different materials (rice, pasta, sand, colored water...).
• Suggest a texture-sorting bin by placing several objects of different textures (smooth, rough, soft...) in a box.
• Set up a sensory art workshop, with your child painting with his fingers or using paint-soaked stamps.
• Set up a tactile pathway by placing cushions, bubble wrap and mats of various textures on the floor, and invite the child to walk barefoot along the path.

Montessori games are therefore invaluable tools for stimulating children's sensory development. By choosing these activities, you give your child the opportunity to develop curiosity, independence and self-confidence, while discovering the world around them in a fun and educational way.