By Leonora Shell of Essential Montessori
Month 12
- Building blocks
- Simple stacking or nesting toys
- Large wooden puzzles
Happy birthday! You made it! A classic favorite is our nesting bowls which allow for color matching (especially with other materials we dye with our natural, organic and local vegetable dyes) and imaginative, sensory and sorting play as well. Blocks are a classic (we used to make them and may bring them back!) and of course large wooden puzzles.
9 to 12 Months
Between nine and twelve months, a baby's physical abilities become more refined, and they become increasingly interested in the world around them. At this age, Montessori materials can be used to promote exploration, support language development, and encourage independence.
One of the most important Montessori materials for this age is a Montessori object permanence box. Object permanence boxes consist of a box with a hole and a ball or object that can be dropped in the hole and retrieved from the bottom. This material promotes the development of object permanence and problem-solving skills. Additionally, books with simple yet realistic pictures and labels can be introduced to support language development.
12 to 18 Months
Between twelve and eighteen months, a baby's cognitive abilities become more sophisticated, and they begin to develop a greater sense of independence and autonomy. At this age, Montessori materials can be used to promote independence, support language development, and encourage problem-solving.
One of the most important Montessori materials for this age is a Montessori practical life activity, such as pouring or spooning activities. These activities promote independence, concentration, and fine motor skills, and can be introduced in a structured and simple way.
It has been a lot of fun and a huge feeling of nostalgia to go back and look at our own evolving Montessori environments from that time, the Montessori materials that we made for our own family and their own growth over the years. Thank you for following along on this journey with us!
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