5 Montessori-Inspired Uses of Your Funzy
"Help me to do it myself!" - with this principle Maria Montessori describes what is behind her concept.
Toys that correspond to the Montessori concept promote both independence and concentration. The little ones among us try it out and create something new themselves instead of being passively sprinkled with TV, smartphone or the like. The early sense of achievement through active doing and creating strengthens children in the long term and subsequently ensures positive learning success. In this way they learn early on to grasp the world and to experience it with all their senses.
Now you're wondering what the funzy has to do with it? A LOT OF! Today we would like to introduce you to 5 Montessori-inspired uses .
The Funzy is much more than just a play sofa.
Free building
The Funzy meets all the criteria of a Montessori material: it is child-friendly, has an open end and allows the child to move it himself and thereby create the desired "structure". Little ones can turn the foam pieces into climbing structures, castles, slides and more, all without adult help (imagine they can build a castle and you can sit next to it and have your coffee - sounds good?) . The Funzy's foam is robust and durable, yet the weight is still so light that children can move the individual parts independently.
reading corner
One of the best ways to encourage a love of reading from a young age is with a dedicated reading space. Maria Montessori, the founder of Montessori pedagogy, believed that this spark can be ignited by setting up a space dedicated to activity, where children can lose themselves in their stories and where adults can provide them with the tools to do so provides. The Funzy is a great addition to a reading nook as it is compact. The child can design their reading space the way they want it that day. With a few extra pillows, soft lighting, and familiar books, this corner becomes one of the most used areas in your home.
playhouse
You won't typically find a play kitchen or playhouse in a Montessori classroom. It's not because the philosophy doesn't support imaginative play in this way, but because of the limits set by an adult-decorated space. The Funzy offers your child the opportunity to create their own walls, doors and even windows (again with felt pieces!) in their play space. One day a veterinary clinic can be built within the walls of the Funzy, the next the cabin of a rocket ship bound for Mars. When your child is able to direct the direction of their play, they are more likely to stick with it longer and return day after day.
Felt objects
Although the funzy is usually thought of as something to either build with or laze on, it can actually be a handy tool for your child to create felt art that can be taken down and redesigned over and over again. In Montessori classrooms, it is common to set up a large chalkboard or several easels to allow children to create artwork while standing, rather than sitting at a table, which requires them to use their whole bodies - something considered essential in Montessori practice viewed, especially for younger children. Felt shapes stick to the Funzy's velor fabric without glue. You can craft at home and make your own felt shapes or buy pre-made kits on Amazon or Etsy. This can be fun for both a toddler and an imaginative older child.