At the age of six, kids seem to acquire a fresh wave of enthusiasm for learning and exploring the world around them. They become curious about how the planet came to be, where the dinosaurs went, why flowers grow and bloom, and who lives on other planets. Their questions become intriguing, philosophical, and even existential, and their thirst for new knowledge becomes truly impressive.
They may also become interested in more complex games, activities, and various sports. At this stage, a child may express interest in joining a specific club, such as drawing, then become excited about playing soccer and later decide that dancing is the best activity. This variability of interests is linked to the child getting to know themselves and trying to test their assumptions in practice. It's great if you support them on this journey of exploration; it's not forever. Their favorite activity will surely be found.
Montessori's Approach to the Game and Play for Preschoolers
Maria Montessori's concept of engaging with six-year-olds involves allowing them to experiment and explore. Whatever you do, whether it's transplanting plants, cooking lunch, sewing a new costume, or painting a new picture, tell the child about it and allow them to create alongside you, discovering new talents within themselves.
At the age of 6, kids learn responsibility for their actions and develop the ability to perform household and personal duties independently. Montessori includes the development of life skills such as caring for pets, maintaining cleanliness in the child's room, and more.
Students learn to cooperate, communicate, and resolve conflicts by interacting with peers and completing shared tasks. Children need to socialize, interact with peers of different ages, and learn to interact ecologically with them, make friends, play together, and more.
Montessori activities for 6-year-olds still rely on play as the primary activity through which a child learns something new. These games just become a bit more complex and, therefore, more enjoyable.
How to Choose Montessori Toys for 6-Year-Olds?
When choosing Montessori toys for 6-year-olds, follow basic rules to find the item that will be beneficial and provide positive experiences for your child.
- Give preference to products made of wood, cardboard, cotton, and other natural materials. They are non-toxic and provide children with a pleasant tactile experience.
- Choose simple and realistic items to ensure that the child understands the world based on reality. It doesn't mean a child can't have their imaginative toys, but the main part of the toys should reflect a real-world scenario.
- Purchase toys and games with a specific purpose: to develop motor skills, logic, and cognitive activity. Determine how exactly the toy will help your child grow, not just entertain them.
- The more buttons, functions, and other complex elements a toy has, the more distracting it becomes (unless it's a musical instrument). Choose simple and understandable things the child can interact with without getting tired.
- Observe the child, determine what they like, and follow their lead. Then, every toy you choose will genuinely appeal to them.
Maria Montessori said, "The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences." Create such an environment for your six-year-old.
Montessori toys for 6-year-olds can be categorized into several categories: toys for cognitive development, physical development toys and constructions, games for exploring the world and developing logical thinking, games that help with communication and collaboration, and more.
Indoor play
When selecting Montessori toys for 6-year-olds, consider structures that can be installed in the child's room, providing both a play area at home and a space for fun exercises. Here are some Montessori climbing and play structures suitable for preschoolers:
- Montessori Climbing Set of 3 includes a Montessori triangle, a Montessori arch, and a two-sided ramp. This set is suitable for children under 6 years old, offering fun exercises, interesting play combinations, and beneficial activities.
- Large Playground Climber is perhaps the most versatile indoor structure, featuring everything a child might need: two houses at the bottom for playing hide and seek, a bridge, an arch, ladders, and a drawing board.
- Swedish Wall is a classic gym apparatus for a child's room, which can be complemented with useful gymnastic accessories, creating a full-fledged sports corner even in a small space.
- Large Climbing Arch with ties or with a tent cover allows the child to use this structure both as an indoor climbing frame and as a balance rocker.
- Montessori Triangle with a Tent Cover is a familiar climbing frame for toddlers and preschoolers. Paired with a children's tent, it opens up wonderful new possibilities for creative play and fun experiments.
Among Montessori sports structures and indoor gyms, you can also find wooden domes in various sizes; climbing trapezes with accessories, and many other toddler jungle gyms.
Montessori-inspired games and STEM toys for 6-year-olds
The concept of STEM toys aligns with Montessori education principles, as these toys also focus on hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity. For example, STEM toys help explore building strategies, animal life, and even robotics. They help children learn cause-and-effect relationships, test various hypotheses, and develop their gaming strategies. All these toys are suitable for 6-year-olds.
Montessori games for 6-year-olds include logical board and card games, Nature exploration kits, and musical instruments. Montessori-style puzzles, tangrams, and brain-teasers challenge children's problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These activities promote concentration, spatial reasoning, and perseverance as children work towards finding solutions.
Some of the best options to offer preschoolers include:
- Children's microscope or telescope.
- Building Blocks and Construction Sets.
- Nature exploration kits with magnifying glasses, binoculars, field guides, and bug catchers.
- Quality art supplies like watercolor paints, sketchbooks, clay, and colored pencils.
- Interesting books.
Montessori Books and Storytelling Props for 6-Year-Olds
Offering diverse books, storytelling props, and puppets encourages children to engage in imaginative play and enhances their language development. Montessori places great value on storytelling as a means to spark children's creativity, enrich their vocabulary, and strengthen their narrative skills. Here are some options that may appeal to six-year-olds:
- “The Story of the World” Series by Susan Wise Bauer: Through beautifully crafted tales, children can explore various cultures, civilizations, and historical events.
- “The Magic Tree House” Series by Mary Pope Osborne blends adventure, history, and fantasy as siblings Jack and Annie embark on time-traveling journeys. Each book offers an educational exploration of different periods and places, bringing history to life for young readers.
- “The Usborne Illustrated Stories from Around the World” presents folktales, myths, and legends from diverse cultures worldwide. Through captivating storytelling and vibrant illustrations, children can discover fascinating tales and traditions from around the globe.
- “The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne: The charming adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood impart valuable lessons on friendship, kindness, and imagination. Children can relate to the beloved characters and whimsical stories that foster creativity and empathy.
- “The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter” by Beatrix Potter: Delight in the timeless tales of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and other beloved characters created by Beatrix Potter. Through enchanting stories and captivating illustrations, children can immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world and the magic of imagination.
By incorporating these Montessori-recommended books into their reading routine, 6-year-olds can develop literacy skills, cultural awareness, and a lifelong passion for literature.
All these books, games, and other Montessori activities for 6-year-olds help children develop at their own pace, actively explore the world around them, make small discoveries, and learn more about themselves by discovering more about everything around them.
