Maria Montessori: Her Philosophy and Her Influence on My First Book

Maria Montessori was a pioneer in education and changed the way children learn with her revolutionary teaching method. Her approach is based on the belief that children are natural learners who explore their environment independently and grow through sensory experiences. These principles can be found in many modern learning materials - including the products from My First Book and Small Hands.

Who was Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian doctor and educator who recognized that children learn best in an environment that is tailored to their individual needs. Her concept focuses on freedom in choosing activities, learning through sensory experiences and a prepared environment that supports children's natural curiosity.

Instead of rigid teaching methods, Montessori relied on practical, action-oriented materials that children can work with independently. This method has been adapted worldwide and still influences many modern educational concepts today - including the play and learning products from My First Book.

Montessori principles in My First Book & Small Hands
Our products are designed according to Maria Montessori's principles and promote children's development in a natural way:

1. Learning with all senses
Children don't just learn by listening or observing - they understand with their hands, touch, feel and experiment. This is exactly where our products come in:
- “Small Hands Touch Book” – Different fabrics and textures stimulate sensory perception and help babies discover the world.
- “Quiet Book Colors & Shapes” – Here children can assign colors and learn about shapes by grasping and sorting – based on the principle of Montessori materials.

2. Promoting fine motor skills and independence
A central component of the Montessori method is learning everyday skills through practical activity. Our books and toys invite children to experiment independently and improve their fine motor skills:
- “My First Book – Laces, Buttons, Zippers” – Children playfully practice tying bows or fastening buttons – important skills for everyday life.
- “Quiet Book Vehicles” – Interactive elements such as zippers and snap fasteners train dexterity and coordination.

3. Individual learning at your own pace
Montessori materials allow children to decide for themselves what they want to do. Our books are also designed in such a way that they do not have a fixed order or mandatory guidelines. The child can discover at his or her own pace:
- “Quiet Book Numbers & Counting” – Children grasp quantities and learn about the world of numbers in a playful way, without coercion or pressure to perform.
- “My First Book – My First ABC” – Learning letters with flaps and moving elements promotes natural curiosity and independent discovery.

4. High-quality, attractive materials
Maria Montessori always emphasized the importance of aesthetically pleasing and high-quality materials for children. That's why our books are made of safe, non-toxic and durable materials that are pleasant to the touch and provide a positive learning experience.

Maria Montessori's influence on modern education – and on My First Book
Montessori's insights into child-centered learning have had a lasting impact on the world of early childhood education. Her approach not only inspires modern schools, but also play and learning products that support children in their natural development.

Our My First Book and Small Hands products take these principles and create a playful, child-friendly environment in which children can learn with joy – just as Maria Montessori intended.

Discover our Montessori-inspired products now at www.myfirstbookmall.de and accompany your child on a journey full of learning, discovery and fun!