The Montessori way of teaching (and living, for any parents here) is as beneficial as it is enticing. Now pair that with the growing need to incorporate STEM into the classroom and you’ve got two leaves on the same tree branch.
As more parents and educators adopt a Montessori mindset, school systems are also adopting more STEM-focused curricula. Although these two concepts are seemingly different, they share many of the same, or similar, qualities.
Throughout this article, you’ll see how the Montessori method does wonders in encouraging STEM thinking in young children. We’ll also recommend some excellent Montessori toys to foster STEM learning at home and in the classroom.
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What Exactly is STEM Education?
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is learner-focused and encourages kids to use their imagination to solve real-life problems.
Does that sound familiar? Montessori and STEM learning both highlight children learning to think for themselves and go through life independently.
How do Montessori Learning and STEM Learning Fall Hand-in-Hand?
Though these two facets of education differ slightly, they share far more similarities than they do differences. Montessori and STEM education are the perfect duo for teaching and raising independent creative problem-solvers.
There are so many studies to back up the idea that most children learn best through hands-on instruction. The need for hands-on engagement is met through both Montessori and STEM education.
You’ll also find that STEM learning comes into play all the time in a Montessori classroom. In one area, you may see a student building a structure with magnetic blocks. That same student may also be trying to figure out how to create a structure that will hold weight without crumbling to the ground.
This student is using a hands-on activity to come up with creative solutions to their problem. Not only does this fit the bill of fostering independence (Montessori) but the creative problem-solving they’re doing while building their structure fits right into STEM education.
Beyond that, both Montessori and STEM focus on individualized, student-driven learning. They allow children to explore on their own time and focus on what matters to them as an individual. When a child is allowed to focus on something interesting to them, they’re far more likely to remember what is being taught.
The Benefits of Using Montessori Toys in STEM Activities
Perhaps the most notable feature of a Montessori toy is what it can offer by way of foundational skill-building and ushering curiosity. The open-ended concept allows learners to play with the toy in whatever way feels most natural to them.
Toys like building blocks or puzzles encourage hands-on engagement to help kids develop spatial reasoning, engineering skills, and fine motor coordination.
Montessori toys invite children to experiment without rigid instructions, therefore fostering creativity and independent thinking. When a child is playing with blocks or magnets, they create and conduct their own experiments. Without even realizing it, they’re introducing themselves to early science concepts like physics, math, and patterns.
These toys also promote active learning. Children use their hands and minds to make connections, solve problems, and build new knowledge.
The Best Montessori Toys for STEM Learning
So you’ve just been bombarded with information and it might seem overwhelming. Alphabet Trains & Toys has a number of STEM-focused Montessori Toys and we want to highlight some of our favorites.
Guidecraft IO Blocks Tabletop System
Toys that use gears are great tools for teaching cause-and-effect while also promoting problem-solving skill development. The IO Blocks featured here add a modern touch to the classroom as children can use an AR app on a smartphone or tablet to see their IO creations come to life on the screen.
While these are excellent toys for open-ended play, teachers or parents may also download an activity guide to help inspire their learner to get creative.
Prime Climb Board Game
As children get older, it gets a lot harder to find toys and educational material that pique their interest. Prime Climb is a fun and engaging mathematical board game that works great for children entering secondary school.
The game requires players to roll dice and move around the spiral board by doing various math operations. Prime Climb is perfect to add to a classroom game shelf or the family game closet at home.
PowerClix Construction Blocks
Toys that encourage critical thinking, and imaginative play, and introduce early mathematical concepts are the perfect way to introduce STEM learning. Magnetic blocks, like these construction blocks, fit the bill here.
This set, in particular, comes with 75 magnetic blocks in varying geometrical shapes and a handy storage box to make cleaning up more kid-friendly. While these kinds of toys are perfect for open-ended, imaginative play, you can also download a free activity guide in case your learner needs a little inspiration to get started.
Guidecraft Nest and Lace Shapes
With problem-solving being such a major focus in STEM learning, puzzle toys that require deeper thinking are helpful. This lacing toy is perfect as trying to fit the right pieces together requires problem-solving skills to come into play. Additionally, the lacing component of these shapes helps children work on their fine motor skills.
This toy is ideal for younger children who are just beginning to understand how puzzles work. Bear in mind that this toy does come with small pieces so it may not be ideal for a child who hasn’t yet reached the preschool level.
The Invaluable Worth of Montessori Toys
Using Montessori toys in STEM learning is a no-brainer when you take a minute to think about it. Montessori and STEM education are so similar in the way they approach learning, it makes sense that they share many of the same qualities. Whether it’s with puzzles or blocks, kids can experiment and problem-solve to find solutions to any problem.
You don’t have to overthink it—just let children explore and get creative. Whether it’s stacking, connecting, or experimenting, they’re learning STEM concepts without it feeling like a chore.
