Organizing Your Shelves With Montessori Baskets: A Guide to Montessori Materials Placement

Montessori materials are typically organized into a basket, wooden trays, or tray and then placed on a Montessori shelf. It also allows them to easily remove an activity from the shelf independently and focus on one activity at a time. This appeals to a young child’s natural sense of order.

Compared to a toy box, it’s also much less overwhelming for a small child to choose an activity.

Organizing Materials on a Montessori Shelf

Organizing materials on a Montessori shelf is crucial for creating an environment that fosters exploration and discovery. A low shelf, accessible to the child, is ideal. Each activity or material should be placed in a separate tray or basket, with all necessary components included. This setup not only makes the space visually appealing but also easy for the child to navigate. By clearly displaying each activity, you promote independence and self-directed learning, allowing the child to choose and engage with the materials that interest them most.