Get Rid of the Toy Box?...

This short post is something that is incredibly important to the success of doing Montessori in your home. It should be done by families who want to implement just a little Montessori thought and those who want to go as far as small remodeling project to accommodate a Montessori makeover. Get rid of the toy box(es)!

There are several reasons for getting rid of toy boxes. The first and most important is that toy boxes chalk full of toys is over-stimulating. Most of the reason behind play is to learn. So when a child has SO MANY toys to choose from, the learn little to nothing from one before getting distracted by what's next. This is a tie-back to what was discussed in "The Basics of Montessori" articles. 

Another reason to get rid of the toy box is to teach a child focus and responsibility. When a child has a few enriching activities or toys to play with, they will naturally exercise their "focusing muscle" by means of extended play. Also, a child will learn advanced responsibility by needing to put all their toys in the right place instead of just throwing them back in the toy box.

Yet another good reason to get rid of the toy box is to keep your child interested in the toys they already have so you don't feel the need to go run out and buy/make more. If you put out a few toys at a time and rotate them, old toys seem like new toys. 

Ok, so I'm getting rid of the toy box(es), what now?

The alternative to toy boxes is SHELVING. You need low shelving that is going to be safe and easy for your toddler to use. Remember that some of the more wobbly toddlers will pull themselves up by grabbing on to this shelving so make sure it's stable.

This shelf is specifically used in Montessori classrooms and can be purchased from a number of specialty stores but your really don't need to spend great amounts of money. Go garage saling, thrift stores, the attic and friends are great resources for cheap shelving. Just make sure it's safe and attractive (used shelves may need a coat of paint or a good scrubbing).

A vital part of this approach is to put shelving in every room that your toddler is allowed to play in. When you dismantle the toy box(es), find all the kitchen-type toys and put them on  a shelf in the kitchen. (A GREAT idea for the kitchen is to have a child-sized kitchen unit and then all their kitchen toys can go there.) Do the same for the bathroom, living room, dining room, laundry room and even the yard. (In the weeks following this, we will be taking a "tour" of your house; going room by room, we will go over ideas and principles for preparing your child's Montessori environment. And, remember, not every household goes all out, so you can just pick and choose the ideas you like.)

This principle of sans toy box can be used for your toddlers books too. Instead of having a shelf (or two) packed with books, use one shelf in two or three rooms of your house where you put out 4 or 5 books at most. A cheap, easy and fun idea for shelving can be found here. (Also, see the example below.)