We all know the name, but is it any more than just a handy badge for premium playschools? Well, yes, it is. Much more. Montessori has had a major impact on education globally over the last 100 years. Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin reportedly credited their focus in life to their Montessori schooling, but what they meant to say was that they owed it all to one amazing woman - Maria Montessori.

The first Italian female ever to qualify as a doctor (no mean feat in the 1890s) Maria firmly believed that "the greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth". A lot of her principles will feel familiar: as modern parents, we’ve kind of adopted them naturally. Here's a quick primer, though, plus a pick of some of our favourite pieces from our range of Montessori Toys.

Their own ‘learning pathways’

School-wise, we’re probably all familiar with the Teacher-Stands-At-The-Front-And-Tells-Kids-What-To-Do model. Well, Signora Montessori stood that idea on its head. In a Montessori classroom, there’s always a small range of activities to choose from and the teacher acts as a guide to help children select their own ‘learning pathways’.

Child playing with colourful wooden animal shapes by Grimm's

Grimm's toys are brilliantly open-ended.

To recreate the same vibe at home, put out just a few options at playtime, then redirect or assist only if your baby or child gets stuck. Don’t be tempted to hurry them or to ‘help’ finish the tower, puzzle or picture. Completing things in their own way and at their own pace builds a child's confidence. Give them open-ended toys that allow them to solve their own challenges and get inventive.

Brands like Grimm's are all about interchangeable shapes and elements that allow them to create whole new species and worlds. (Maria Montessori actually favoured plain toys for learning, where possible, like Wee Gallery's Bamboo Numbers or Kapla Blocks.)

Little girl's hands playing with Wee Gallery's Bamboo Numbers

Wee Gallery's Bamboo Numbers are plain in colour but have loads of play and learning possibilities - everything Montessori's about.

Practical and sensorial

Stimulating their senses is also important, right from day one. Anything that gives them different colours, shapes, materials and textures to explore is perfect – our Teether range is a great place to start. Once they’re a little bigger, Montessori also encourages practical skills, like washing up, scrubbing tables and sweeping. In Pretend Play we have everything from cleaning sets to ice-cream stands to carpenter belts.

Orderly and attractive

At the end of any Montessori lesson, everything should be tidied away to its designated spot for classmates to use later. This teaches the importance of order and thoughtfulness to the needs of others. (What’s not to like?) Use the same approach at home by giving your kids special cupboards and shelves for their stuff that they can reach easily, with their own designated storage they can tidy everything into. Aykasa Crates are great, along with open top storage baskets and bags.

Aykasa crate in a play room

Aykasa Midi Crate

Finally, visual appeal is central. Muted colour schemes and beautiful materials sooth and inspire children, whereas clashing visuals and disorder distract them from learning. When we choose anything at KIDLY, the colour scheme has to be easy on the eye. We love toys by brands like Janod and Grapat that make a beautiful additions to any shelf between play sessions.

Janod image of two kids playing with their Sweet Cocoon Stacking Stones

Janod's Sweet Cocoon Stacking Stones are beautiful on the shelf and in their hands.

Maria Montessori wanted to make children feel confident in their abilities and curious about the world, by giving them practical, appealing tools to learning. We like to think that KIDLY’s mission - only to bring you ‘design-led and genuinely useful’ products - could have been written by the great lady herself.

And remember, if you need any more guidance, our Live Chat Team are always here to help, 7am-11pm, every day. Just hit that purple button, bottom right.