Educational Learning

The educational toys on this shelf each focus on one idea a child can hold in their hands: a quantity, a sound, a texture, a shape. Most are made of wood, and together they suit ages 1 to 5+, from a pull-along shape train to a classic abacus.

Counting with sticks, tiles and beads

Numbers make more sense when they can be moved about. The arithmetic box pairs counting sticks with number tiles, so a child lays five sticks next to the 5 long before writing a sum. The number counting board adds spinning gears to turn, and from age 4 the traditional soroban abacus brings in mental arithmetic, one bead at a time.

Sound cylinders, touch boards and colour pairs

The Montessori sound cylinders (ages 4+) look alike from the outside: shake two, listen, and find the pairs that match. The touch matching board does the same with textures, and the colour matching cylinder puzzle with shades. These are quiet, absorbing activities, well suited to a calm half hour after nursery or school.

Educational learning toys from 12 months

The youngest learn by doing it again and again. The stacking geometric shape train rolls along behind them, then comes apart so each shape can find its place, and the large shape sorting wagon train follows from age 2. From 3, the sorting tray with 12 compartments, the interlocking snowflake discs and later the 250-piece domino rally (5+) stretch patience and planning.

How to pick a child's educational toy

Good early education toys build on something your child already does again and again. A child who counts every stair will love the arithmetic box; one who sorts buttons and pebbles will settle happily with the sorting tray; a constant builder is ready for the snowflake discs. Start there, then add other Montessori teaching toys as new interests appear.