Montessori Inspired Age Appropriate Toys (6 to 9 Years)

While the younger child seeks comfort, the older child is now eager to encounter challenges. But these challenges must have an aim. - Maria Montessori

Your six-to-nine year old is starting to ask the BIG questions of Montessori’s Cosmic Education and their toys and playtime reflect that. Who am I? What am I? Where did I come from? Children at this age are into exploring the world around them. What is this, and how does it work?

Children in the lower elementary Montessori classroom are fascinated with prehistoric life. Plastic models and books of dinosaurs have long held the interest of both boys and girls. They are also starting to develop their sense of humor and enjoy books with riddles and jokes. (Remember, just because we don’t think it’s funny, doesn’t mean they won’t laugh hysterically over it!)

It is important for 6-9 year olds to continue to exercise and use their bodies, so outdoor equipment such as balls, jump ropes, and bicycles are very popular and useful. Here is the next list in our installment of Montessori appropriate toy and gift ideas to help you out when it comes time to give a thoughtful gift!

Montessori Inspired Age Appropriate Toys (6 to 9 Years)

6-9 years old

• Science kits for young hands and minds (“Make Your Own” (ice cream, perfume, dog treats; Grow Your Own Crystals)
• Rock and gem kits
• Habitat kits (ants, worms, frogs, hermit crabs)
• Professor Noggins cards
• Construction kits such as Magnetix, Lego’s and K-nex
• Art sets and supplies
• Chess and checkers
• Jump ropes
• Bicycles (and helmet!)
• Puppets
• Board games make great gifts for this age group. They encourage interaction and learning about taking turns and they assist children in becoming good sports.
• Puzzles (try Melissa and Doug Puzzles)
• Tangrams

• Wood working kits
• Knitting and stitching supplies
• Books on how things work (for example, “How the Universe Works”, by Heather Couper or the Dorling Kindersley Science Encyclopedia)
• Simple telescope
• Dinosaur models
• “Play” money kits

Continued work with concrete materials in the elementary years provides the means through which students can both develop their understanding of abstract concepts and apply this understanding in practical ways. You will find more information on 6-12 year olds' growth and development in NAMC's Montessori 6-12 Classroom Guide.

Read more on this Series:

• The Purpose of Play in the Montessori Method
• Montessori Inspired Age Appropriate Toys (Birth to 3 Years)
• Montessori Inspired Age Appropriate Toys (3 to 6 Years)

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Thursday, December 6, 2007.