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Why Montessori Materials, and Not Toys
By Alisa McCoy
Christmas morning is always a sight to behold at my house. I can picture the packages
strewn over the carpet, leaving only a small passage to the sofa. Ornately decorated boxes
obscured by the curtains, and small packages neatly tucked away under the tree. The
children awake to toy bears clanging cymbals and loud holiday music. Excitement and
anticipation fill the air. Glee erupts as dolls, games, clothes, crayons, beanie babies, and
chocolates are discovered. A single peaceful moment emerges as my nieces engage in
their game boy toys. Ironically, by late afternoon I suspect boredom. My nieces complain
that there is nothing to do. The American dolls, board games, and other “precious” toys
are haphazardly tossed into a pile in the corner of the family room. I can’t help but
contemplate what a wise and clever woman Maria Montessori was. A person who
developed material that children actively manipulate with tireless joy and wonder.
Consequently, I examined what it is about the Montessori material that causes children to
work with purpose, whereas the glamorous toys equipped with buzzers, switches, and
contraptions are untouched in a heap.
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