The Montessori method is still very popular in different countries and there are many educators who follow its principles as it has proven to be very useful in promoting child development. In fact, it is a method that respects the child and enhances their innate ability to learn, as well as their autonomy and independence.

In the Montessori method, exploration, play, manipulation and curiosity play a leading role, which is why we try to give the child freedom to express their preferences and explore the environment around them. In this educational context, the child plays an active role and becomes the main promoter of her learning. Good and innocent children: educate them so that they are not abused. However, to apply the Montessori method it is important to carefully prepare an environment that stimulates learning.

The role of materials in the Montessori method

The Montessori material has been specifically designed to meet the interests of children and adapt to their developmental stage. These are not toys but tools that stimulate knowledge, creativity and abstract thinking, as well as developing fine motor skills.

In fact, these materials stimulate sensory play, which during the first years of life is essential to establish and reinforce new neural connections that become the basis for later learning. In addition, the manipulation of objects perfects the muscular movements necessary to learn to write.

Manipulation games are also a window through which children access the most complex world of concepts, so that they become one more tool to understand the environment through the senses. They also help them to connect with other children, so they are an opportunity to develop more complex social skills.

However, Montessori materials must meet a series of requirements:

• Adapted to the size of the child, so that he can manipulate them comfortably.
• Sensory, since children learn mainly through the senses during the first years of life.
• Playful, since children have fun while they acquire new knowledge or skills.
• Progressive and versatile, so that children can use them in different ways as they grow, always increasing the degree of complexity.
• Preferably made of natural materials such as wood, metal and glass.

Montessori boards are part of the educational material for child development. In fact, they are specially designed to meet children’s needs for exploration and entertainment, but also stimulate creativity, problem solving, logical thinking and fine motor skills.

Montessori boards ideal for children

1. Melissa & Doug Locking Board

This board is perfect for older children, ages 4 and up. The image of a car trunk, a safe, a window and a suitcase will encourage them to play and try to pick the locks to discover what they are hiding.

Features four animal-themed hand puppets with super-soft heads that stimulate tactile sensitivity. In addition, the complexity of its four different locks stimulates hand-eye coordination, helps to perfect the finer movements of the hand and consolidates self-confidence.

2. Melissa & Doug Latch Board

A sturdy wooden board with brightly colored pictures is all kids need for fun and new skills. Numbers from 1 to 20 in English for children. This Montessori board has six different latches and six numbered doors that children can open to discover what is behind each one.

This model is not only perfect for little ones to perfect fine motor skills but also for them to learn colours, become familiar with different shapes and learn the names of new animals and numbers. It is ideal for children from 4 years of age.

3. Montessori Activity Board by deMoca

It is an activity board designed to develop motor skills in the little ones at home. Composed of 10 activities, it has a teaching kit to teach children to tie their shoelaces, while it has buckle fasteners, toggle buttons and a zipper.

Made of cloth and wood, it also has a simple labyrinth and some locks and bolts for children to train their hand-eye coordination. And it is very easy to transport! So children can take it with them wherever they go to entertain themselves while exercising their skills. It is recommended for children from 3 years old.

4. MCGMITT Montessori Activity Board

This activity board is perfect for children to train their fine motor skills and self-dressing skills in a simple and fun way. On the one hand, it has basic elements of everyday life such as a zipper, some laces, a braid and a buckle so that children can practice this type of exercise over and over again.

On the other, it includes a clock and the days of the week so that the little ones learn to master the concept of time. And, so that they learn the letters of the alphabet, the primary numbers and some arithmetic symbols, it also comes with some felt patches that parents can cut out to make them more manageable. In addition, it includes a detachable handle so that the little ones can take the board wherever they go.

5. Herefun Montessori Sensory Board

This Herefun stamp board is ideal for the little ones at home who are learning to dress themselves. Includes lots of accessories so they can train their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. From laces, elastic bands, and buttons to hook fasteners, snaps, and buckles, there are all kinds of activities to keep kids entertained.

The best thing is that it is made of high quality felt and designed with great care, without sharp edges, so it is safe for children. Recommended for children around three years old, it has very cool and striking colors that are sure to attract their attention from the first moment.