Christmas gift guide – Part 4 of 4It has been lots of fun to prepare this Montessori gift guide. I hope you are able to source these online or in a shop near you. If you are having difficulties, please post on our Facebook page – hopefully someone will live in your area and be able to help.So without further ado, here is the final instalment. Drumroll for the 3+ year olds…

For preschoolers 3+ years 1. Prick pen set A great activity to prepare for writing. The kids learn to hold the small prick pen and to stay on the line – skills they will need for writing. 2. First composite puzzle George Luck puzzles are beautiful and just a bit different from your standard composition puzzle. A beautiful gift. 3. Buddha board You heard me rave about this already here. Using water and a paint brush you can make the most beautiful pictures on this tile. The pattern then dries and you can start all over again. This has been a new addition to the preschooler class since the summer and the kids (and adults!) all love it. 4. Wedgits This toy offers many possibilities. Exploration; copying patterns; developing your own designs. Very popular amongst the 3+ age group.

And in case you still need some more inspiration, here are some ideas for all ages.

Gift ideas for all ages   1. Schleich animals Strong and sturdy with beautiful details right down to the hooves or paws. They are not cheap but nice to add to your collection on special occasions. I buy ours at Intertoys, although some of the ones in class are even from my own kids – the animals are over 10 years old and still in great condition. 2. Stabilo 3-in-1 pencils My favourite drawing tool for little ones. The quality is amazing. So easy to make a line and don’t break like crayons do. Head down to Knutsel Frutsel or V&D to find them in Amstedam. 3. Broom, dustpan and brush The kids love to help with the daily jobs around the house. Make them child-sized for greater success. I’ve seen these in both Imagine and Tinkerbell in Amsterdam. 4. Watering can Your plants will be well-loved with a kid-sized watering can as a gift. In all good wooden toy shops.

It has been so much fun to work with you and your lovely children – aren’t they just amazing? And thanks for all your support during the year. Jacaranda Tree Montessori is growing and growing and I’m so glad you are a part of it.Classes run until this Friday 20 December and then we will be closed for 2 weeks break. See you all from Monday 6 January.Wishing you all a very festive holiday season. Now go snuggle up with your loved ones and I look forward to seeing you all in 2014.Best wishes, Simone

You don’t want your house to accumulate useless toys over the festive season. So I’ve put together some of my favourite toys that are tried and true favourites.

Today, we’ll look at the toddlers from 2 to 3 years…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For toddlers from 2 to 3 years

1. Russian doll
An all time favourite you can buy a traditional Russian doll like the one here in Dam square, or pick up a modern version at Flying Tiger.

2. Chelona layered puzzles
I love this Italian brand for puzzles. High quality, well priced and provide a good challenge for the puzzlers. I love them all but particularly these layered puzzles.

3. Peg board with elastics
Use this peg board with a small basket of elastic bands. I love watching the kids tackle stretching the elastics over the pegs. And older kids can continue to play with this making elaborate patterns. If you are handy you could make your own with some wood and nails. And if not, this one is from www.absorbentminds.co.uk.

4. Fantacolor peg board
I must be a fan of peg boards! This one has smaller pegs for more refined control. And again can be used by older kids too to make simple pictures like a flower or house. (Please note: with small parts, adult supervision is recommended).

If you have a 3 year old, stick around for the next instalment of the Montessori Gift Guide coming soon.

For toddlers from 1 to 2 years

Today it is time to gather some ideas for our growing toddlers. Some toys with more refined motor skills are great for dexterity and concentration.

1. Coin box

Find some large coins, a tray and a small bowl to set up this activity. The toddler love to post the coins over and over and then use the key to open the box. This coin box I found at a stationery shop, but sometimes you can find them at a key cutting shop.

2. Peg board

Unfortunately the peg board we have in class is no longer in stock. However, this one shown here by Plan Toys is a similar item.

3. Threading activity

Depending on your child’s fine motor development, you can find simpler threading sets with a wooden stick, large beads with a shoe string, or a set of small beads with thin string for those more advanced.

4. Nesting boxes

Nest them together; build them up; grade them in order of size; or just knock the tower down again.

Up next in the series, Montessori inspired gift ideas for toddlers from 2 to 3 years!