I've been meaning to share our mixed aged play shelves for awhile now and Kylie at How We Montessori has finally kicked me in the butt and got me to do it. Check out her beautiful shelves! This shelf is our main play shelf in our home right now. These are toys that I consider Montessori friendly and appropriate for Nora (1-year-old) and Henry (4-years-old).
So, here is what is on our shelf right now!
So, here is what is on our shelf right now!
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Top Shelf - These are intended for Henry, yet not dangerous for Nora
Lightsabers -- These are intended for Henry. These are not Montessori friendly but I'll save the role of fantasy in our house for another post.
Sensory Bin -- Sand and Magnets -- I try to offer Henry sensory experiences. Here is a simple bin combining science and sensory.
Guidecraft Magneatos -- These are a lot of fun and allow Hen to build. Nora will use these too, but just to put the pieces together.
Pattern Blocks -- Ideally, I hoped to include a mirror with these, but I can't find my mirror anywhere. So, they are just loose parts at the moment.
Middle Shelf - These are still mostly intended for Henry, but Nora can enjoy too.
Basket of vehicles -- Nora loves cars so these work great for her and for Henry.
Homemade playdoh and craft sticks -- This one is actually for Nora. She can place the sticks into the dough and pull them out again.
Color wheel puzzle -- Puzzle for Henry, from the Target dollar spot.
Stacking house blocks -- Another building puzzle for Henry, the blocks only stack in a certain order. I wish I knew the source for this, but found at a thrift store and its unmarked.
Bottom Shelf -- These are intended for Nora only, Henry may use them but is fairly uninterested.
Square stacking cups -- A favorite. I love the square twist on traditional stacking cups.
Wooden push turtle -- another thrift store find.
Sensory balls -- another all time favorite baby toy. See my other favorite Montessori baby toys.
Handmade fabric blocks -- I made these!
And, that's it! The children do have other play areas in the house, but for now, this is the main area. The area also includes Nora's walker wagon, a couple baby dolls and wooden crib and a bilibo chair.
