Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels
CatholicPilgrimagePh | Wooden Montessori Arch: Let the Child Develop and Have Fun! | All modern parents have heard in one way or another about the unique methods of developing toddlers by the famous Maria Montessori. However, hardly many families know that according to these basic principles, it’s possible to design the nursery interior. It is all about creating a unique environment that will contribute to a child’s development.
One of the most famous fitting elements is the montessori climbing arch for toddlers. Often it comes with triangles and a ramp, but it can also be used separately. Let’s understand what it is and how to use it correctly.
What Is a Montessori Arch?
The Montessori arch is one of the elements of the home climbing kit. Such furniture will allow the child to have fun and pretend to be a mountain explorer. The piece of fitting itself looks like two wooden semicircles, which are firmly fastened with crossbars. Some of the arch’s key features:
- it allows toddlers to play and improve their physical skills;
- it’s suitable for many hours of open-ended play;
- the arch is appropriate for kids from two to five years old;
- in general, the element will develop creativity & balance control.
By the way, one of the basic rules for decorating a nursery according to Montessori is the use of natural materials. Furniture, including a climbing arch, is chosen exclusively from wood, for example, from alder, coniferous, maple. Heated plastic can release harmful fumes (it can heat up in the hot season or even when in contact with the toddler’s hands), so arches of this matter are a bad choice.
Essential Cautions: How to Use Arch Safely?
In order for a child to safely use a Montessori climbing arch, parents should be aware of the following cautions:
- The child should use the element barefoot (no socks & slippers!) to prevent slipping and ensure excellent grip on the wood.
- The arch has a weight limit of up to 200 pounds, so it is recommended to control how many children use the arch at a time.
- An arch should be installed on a surface that will not slip during the game — for example, special carpets for a nursery.
Purchase such fittings only from manufacturers who make products according to international standards. So, you can get a guarantee that every detail will be sanded to perfect smoothness and safety, and all decor elements are attached securely and will not injure the baby.
If your child has mastered the Montessori arch and wants to conquer new heights, then over time, you can add the Pickler triangle and a ramp to the set. This combination will increase physical skills and balance control even more, and the child will have something to do, even if mom and dad are busy around the house!
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels
