What's So Special About Montessori Furniture?

Montessori furniture is another aspect of the teaching method devised by Maria Montessori and its main objective is to promote autonomy.

Montessori pedagogy reflects a respectful parenting style that seeks to allow children to be the protagonists of their own learning. In this case, exploration and discovery don’t aren’t defined by standard times. Rather, the Montessori method takes into consideration the particular pace of each individual. It’s applied both at school and at home and requires an environment according to their needs. With that in mind, in the following article, we want to tell you about Montessori furniture.

When it comes to this pedagogical approach, it’s important to choose the right furniture for our children’s rooms. Although this seems like a small and insignificant decision, the design of the furniture that’s around children has a relevant impact on their development. Montessori furniture is a very interesting way to enhance the autonomy of little ones in addition to promoting their well-being.

The principles of the Montessori method

Before talking specifically about Montessori furniture, it’s important to know the basic principles of this teaching method devised by the Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori . Five of the most important pillars of this pedagogy are the following:

1. Spontaneous discovery: Children acquire knowledge from the discoveries they make through their playful experiences, sensations, and senses.
2. Adults as guides: Unlike other educational methods, Montessori suggests no longer seeing adults as authoritarian and idealized figures and seeing them as observers and guides.
3. Positive education: Punishments and threats are replaced by positive reinforcement.
4. Collaboration: Classrooms are made up of children of different ages, which facilitates companionship in learning.
5. Prepared environment: The spaces should facilitate children’s growth and autonomous development.

Montessori furniture, what’s it like?

In addition to being beautiful, Montessori furniture is functional. The aesthetics are soft and minimalist, while its design is focused on children being able to use it independently, without the intervention or supervision of an adult.

This means that a child’s room or a school classroom that’s furnished with Montessori shelves, chairs, tables, or beds represents a safe and comfortable space for children. What’s interesting here is that the furniture adapts to the needs of the children and not the other way around.

Everything’s within reach of little ones

One of the most significant benefits of Montessori furniture is that children can use it on their own and thus feel more self-confident. They can, for example, take the book they’re interested in from their library without demanding the help of an adult, sit comfortably in their little chair, and even hang and unhang clothes from their closet.

It contributes to well-being

The fact that children realize that they’re capable of performing small routine tasks autonomously makes them happier. It makes all of us happy to feel confident in our own abilities! In this way, children’s self-esteem increases considerably with furniture that doesn’t generate frustration or feelings of incompetence.

It encourages freedom

We know that children are naturally curious and explorers. The world’s a place to be discovered and everything’s a potential find. The Montessori learning tower’s a great tool that allows children to carry out small activities with total freedom. It’s a wooden structure with handrails and steps so they can brush their teeth without help or assist with kitchen chores, among other activities.

It’s safe

As they’re created especially for children, Montessori furniture is made of safe materials that are pleasant to the touch. Generally, they’re made of wood, and the corners or points are rounded in order to prevent accidents.

At the same time, due to the adapted height of each piece of furniture, the risk of falling or getting hurt is reduced to a minimum, as children don’t need to climb to reach an object of their interest. At the same time, children can open and close the doors without hurting themselves.

Montessori furniture helps create spaces for growth and expression

In general terms, choosing Montessori furniture for classrooms and homes is a measure that greatly benefits children’s healthy growth. In addition, it facilitates creativity and enhances the formation of good self-esteem. It’s also a source of physical and cognitive stimulation.

At the same time, this furniture provides greater security to parents or teachers, as they don’t have to worry about children getting hurt or bumping themselves. This translates into less demand from them and allows adults to have more time for their tasks or activities.