Montessori Style Kid’s Room
Decorating your toddler’s bedroom can be both fun and frustrating but when you’re doing it, it’s not just about whether the room will look pretty. Considering the fact that this is the room where your child will probably spend most of their time, it needs to be practical both for the child and the parent but you also want to make it comfortable and safe for your little one. One of the ways to do this is by decorating the child’s room in Montessori style, which entails decorating the room in such a way that everything is adjusted to the child and their needs while also providing them with an environment which will encourage independence, which is the key Montessori principle.
Principles for creating a Montessori style kid’s room
When decorating your kid’s room, it’s important to take note what your kid’s interests are as this will help you choose the right colors, pictures and toys. In order to pique your child’s interests and keep them active, it’s recommended to store their toys on shelves that are easily reachable for the child. While you don’t want to spoil your child by giving them tons of toys, it’s good to give them a choice when it comes to toys and books they can choose from. This way, they’ll develop curiosity and have the freedom to make their own choices. Another thing to have in mind is that kids need space, so make sure you give your child the opportunity to move around freely by keeping the furniture to the minimum and having lots of open space for playing and exploring.
In order not to overwhelm your child, it’s important to keep their room clutter-free because this will help them think and learn in an organized and simple environment. If the room is a mess, they’ll be both visually and physically overwhelmed and won’t be able to make any choices. Independence is probably one of the most important aspects of the Montessori principle, so it’s important to decorate the room in such a way that your child can develop that sense of independence. For example, having a floor bed or a bed that is closer to the ground will allow the child to get in and out independently.
Just because you’re keeping your kid’s room simple, it doesn’t mean it needs to be plain because it’s important that the child’s environment stimulates interest. There are many different ways you can make your child’s room beautiful. While having books, different toys and stuffed animals is pretty much the norm, you can also add some other stimulating elements to the room, like wall murals or framed artwork hung at the child’s eye level. You can also get a beautiful teepee from Cattywampus which can help stimulate your child’s imagination and creativity.
Basic areas of a Montessori style kid’s room
As mentioned above, the Montessori principle includes having a bit different approach when it comes to the child’s sleeping arrangements. This is due to the fact that cribs and playpens restrict the child’s movement and independence. While keeping the sleeping area simple and comfortable, parents shouldn’t forget to childproof the room by covering the outlets and keeping dangerous things out of the child’s way. When it comes to the dressing area, it should offer easy access to clothes and footwear, and this can be accomplished by having a small bench or chair for the child to sit on. You might also want to consider having a small laundry basket where the child can put their dirty clothes.
Another two important areas are the play area and reading area. When your child is not sleeping, they are probably playing, so it’s important to adequately arrange this area. There are a lot of ideas you can use when decorating this part of the room, but the most important thing to have in mind is to have toys displayed for your child. Along with toys, you should make sure your child has plenty of books to choose from. In order to make the reading experience better, make sure your child has a comfortable reading place with good lighting.
Although some of these principles might seem strange, if you try them out, you might just learn how beneficial they can be for your child. Thanks to them, your child will become an independent, creative and bright person.