Who would believe a simple stacking toy could provide so many benefits? This favorite and go-to toy of many of our young family and friends fully engages their senses during hands-on play. And once the exploration begins, it’s time to sit back and watch as their skills stack up!
“Praise, help, or even a look, may be enough to interrupt him, or destroy the activity. It seems a strange thing to say, but this can happen even if the child merely becomes aware of being watched. After all, we too sometimes feel unable to go on working if someone comes to see what we are doing. … as soon as concentration has begun, act as if the child does not exist. Naturally, one can see what he is doing with a quick glance, but without his being aware of it.”
~ Maria Montessori
The child’s play is their work. This ‘work’ is developmental in nature and meets their innate needs, especially during their sensitive periods of learning. It’s during this period of time that they are able to learn easily and naturally.
The child intuitively knows what they need to do in order to acquire the skills to become an independent human being. By providing an environment prepared with activities, toys and games that can meet these needs, we offer the best opportunity for them to develop to their fullest potential. Our role is to guide and support them, and ONLY when necessary. Our greatest help to the child is to be present and observe their work. Observation allows us to see how their learning development stacks up:
Sensorial
Creative play
Concentration
Midline crossing
Color recognition
Eye-hand coordination
Gross and fine motor skills
Visual and spatial perception
Reasoning and problem solving skills
One activity at a time, play reveals the work of the child. Observe the child at work and play and you will be amazed by ALL they are building. It begins with a prepared adult who prepares an environment to meet the child’s growing needs. △