Your six-to-nine year old is starting to ask the BIG questions of Montessori’s Cosmic Education and their toys and playtime reflect that. Who am I? What am I? Where did I come from? Children at this age are into exploring the world around them. What is this, and how does it work?
Children in the lower elementary Montessori classroom are fascinated with prehistoric life. Plastic models and books of dinosaurs have long held the interest of both boys and girls. They are also starting to develop their sense of humor and enjoy books with riddles and jokes. (Remember, just because we don’t think it’s funny, doesn’t mean they won’t laugh hysterically over it!)
It is important for 6-9 year olds to continue to exercise and use their bodies, so outdoor equipment such as balls, jump ropes, and bicycles are very popular and useful. Here is the next list in our installment of Montessori appropriate toy and gift ideas to help you out when it comes time to give a thoughtful gift!
Montessori Inspired Age Appropriate Toys (6 to 9 Years)
6-9 years old
- Science kits for young hands and minds (“Make Your Own” (ice cream, perfume, dog treats; Grow Your Own Crystals)
- Rock and gem kits
- Habitat kits (ants, worms, frogs, hermit crabs)
- Professor Noggins cards
- Construction kits such as Magnetix, Lego’s and K-nex
- Art sets and supplies
- Chess and checkers
- Jump ropes
- Bicycles (and helmet!)
- Board games make great gifts for this age group. They encourage interaction and learning about taking turns and they assist children in becoming good sports.
- Puzzles (try Melissa and Doug Puzzles)
- Wood working kits
- Knitting and stitching supplies
- Books on how things work (for example, “How the Universe Works”, by Heather Couper or the Dorling Kindersley Science Encyclopedia)
- Simple telescope
- Dinosaur models
- “Play” money kits
Read more on this Series:
- The Purpose of Play in the Montessori Method
- Montessori Inspired Age Appropriate Toys (Birth to 3 Years)
- Montessori Inspired Age Appropriate Toys (3 to 6 Years)
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Thursday, December 6, 2007.