How to teach a little one to organize their space? How can you explain where and how to properly store their toys and books? These questions often resolve themselves when a child grows up in a prepared, adapted environment suited to their needs.
What Is a Prepared Environment, and How Does It Promote Order in the Room?
According to the Montessori method, a prepared environment is a space where a child can freely use their belongings. For this, shelves with toys and book racks should be at the child’s eye level, allowing them to see, choose, and put items back in place without needing adult assistance. Initially, parents or educators show the child where to take a toy they wish to play with and, accordingly, where to return it, etc. Gradually, the child starts doing this independently using low shelves and following the parents' example. Thus, an organized environment with thoughtfully planned book and toy storage is already half the battle.
It is also very convenient when the room is divided into functional zones. In such a space, the child understands where to play, study or engage in creative activities, and rest. We discussed how to achieve this in detail in the article “The Ultimate Guide to Montessori Environment,” which contains the most important practical ideas and insights on how to set this up at home or in the classroom.
A Special Place for Every Item
This is the main principle of an organized room. Items should not only be accessible within the room but also have designated and, most importantly, permanent storage places. Whether it’s a bookshelf for storybooks or a shelf for boxes with puzzles and building sets, they should always be stored in the same places.
One great idea that can be borrowed from Montessori classrooms is the use of labels: teachers place a label on a container with puzzles, educational materials, etc., and a matching label on the shelf where it belongs. The label can be colorful with a simple inscription or a small photo showing what should be stored there. When the activity is over, children put the toys into the container with the corresponding label, then find the matching label on the shelf and place the container in the right spot. Over time, they memorize the storage places and intuitively organize items on the correct shelves. This life hack can also be used at home.
Another life hack is that it should be easy for the child to see the contents of the shelves to quickly find what they need. For example, shelves with vertical storage, such as the Montessori Bookshelf “Kristi,” offer book storage similar to a store display. The books are positioned with their covers facing the young reader, making it easy and quick to find their favorite book. A great idea is the use of slightly inclined shelves, making it easier to view what is stored inside. For instance, the Toy Storage Organizer has three tiers divided into compartments, so each toy type has its designated place. With a clear view, the child doesn’t have to rummage through a heap of various toys piled in one large basket. Consequently, the room stays tidier. Likewise, it is always clear to a toddler where to put a toy or book afterward.
Key Rules for Book and Toy Storage
To keep a toddler's room tidy and encourage the child to willingly help organize the space and maintain it free from clutter, it’s enough to follow a few tips:
- Choose Montessori shelves that match the child’s height.
- Encourage children to store items in specially designated places.
- For convenience, label book and toy storage with corresponding stickers.
- Select shelves that provide a clear view of what is stored on them.
- Group similar items together: place books in one section and toys in another. Use baskets or trays for small items to keep everything neat and easy to find.
Don’t expect a toddler to be naturally inclined towards order. In the beginning, they need an example and explanation of how to do it.
Benefits of Montessori Shelves
Open Montessori shelves, such as those in the WoodanddHearts range, are the best book and toy storage formats. They are made from high-quality birch plywood, coated with eco-friendly paints and varnishes, and suitable for long-term use. Each Montessori wooden shelf features a thoughtful, stylish design that suits any room or classroom. The functionality of the shelves and racks often exceeds expectations. For example, a small shelf with a railing can be used for books or toys, hanging clothes on hangers, or decoration. But the advantages don’t end there:
- Open shelves provide an easy view of everything stored on each level.
- The low height encourages independent use by children.
- A safe design with carefully sanded corners reduces the risk of injury.
- Front-facing shelves make books more appealing to pick up. If you're looking for how to motivate kids to read, this is a great option to try.
- Open shelves encourage parents to control the number of toys and books displayed. This helps minimize visual clutter, allowing children to focus better and become more deeply engaged with fewer items.
- The ability to see and choose toys and books independently supports decision-making skills and cognitive development. Children learn to make choices, plan their activities, and engage in independent play.
Types of Montessori Book and Toy Storage
- Simple single- and multi-level shelves provide enough space for books and toys. These shelves are versatile and can be used for both books and toys. You can find many such models in our Forest furniture collection.
- Cubby Shelves are a type of storage divided into separate sections, like the Toy Storage Organizer. Each tier is divided into small compartments, making it easy to organize toys and books.
- Low bookcases, with several sections, offer a front-facing arrangement of books and additional materials. This allows children to see the covers of their books, making it easier to choose and encouraging reading.
Using Montessori shelves helps children develop practical life skills, such as sorting, cleaning up, and understanding spatial organization. When children have a designated place for each toy and book, they learn to take responsibility for keeping their room organized. This daily practice strengthens the habit of returning things to their proper place after use, creating a sense of routine and structure.