Latest news with #MariaMontessori
CNET
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Gain Lifetime Access to Pok Pok's Montessori Games for Kids for Just $60 Right Now
Tech devices are par for the course in our lives today, but with concerns over how screen time can effect the youngest in our households, finding age-appropriate apps and games can be a challenge. If you've been looking for an educational app that can keep your child entertained during long road trips, while also offering them some extra learning, then check out this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for just $60 at StackSocial right now. Usually $46 per month or $7 a week, you could save a ton by buying into the lifetime plan. Pok Pok is inspired by the Montessori method and was created for children between the ages of 2 and 8. The app is ad-free and includes games that encourage young children to sharpen their STEM, problem-solving, numbers and language skills. The Montessori method was invented by Dr. Maria Montessori and focuses on helping children learn at their own pace through their own experiences. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Pok Pok designs its apps to be gentle and calming for kids through in-house animation and voice recording. These games don't feature levels so children can focus on their own discoveries. The lifetime subscription provides a license for up to 10 devices, which is perfect for homes with multiple children. Keep in mind that you need to check your system requirements to ensure your device supports this app. Looking for more kid-friendly apps but not sure if this deal is for you? Check out our list of the best kid-friendly phone apps. And for some physical play, we've also gathered up best toys for kids in 2025. Why this deal matters With apps designed for kids between the ages of 2 and 8, Pok Pok's apps can help nurture your child's learning for years, while also providing a guilt-free way for you to offer them screen time if you need to do so. This massive discount makes now a great time to nab this deal.
Time Business News
15-07-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Montessori Toys Near Me: A Guide for Conscious Parents and Curious Kids
In recent years, more parents have been searching for Montessori toys near me —and for good reason. With the rise of conscious parenting and education-focused play, Montessori toys have gained immense popularity across the globe. Whether you're shopping for your toddler's first toy or upgrading your preschooler's playroom, finding montessori toys near me can provide quality, safety, and hands-on learning experiences that support child development. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore what Montessori toys are, why they matter, what to look for when buying them, and how to find high-quality Montessori toys near your location. Montessori toys are educational tools based on the Montessori method of learning, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. The core principle of this philosophy is that children learn best through self-directed, hands-on activities that stimulate both their mind and body. Unlike flashy, battery-operated toys, Montessori toys are: Simple in design Made from natural materials like wood, fabric, or metal like wood, fabric, or metal Designed for a single skill or purpose Focused on real-life learning Open-ended to encourage creativity and concentration Examples include stacking rings, shape sorters, threading beads, sensory bins, number rods, sandpaper letters, and more. Montessori toys are self-correcting and intuitive, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace. Many Montessori activities involve grasping, pouring, sorting, or building—all of which enhance hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Because they are not overstimulating, Montessori toys help children build longer attention spans. From pattern recognition to problem-solving, these toys build a strong foundation for logical thinking and academic success. Montessori toys are often inspired by daily tasks like sweeping, dressing, or cooking—helping kids build practical life skills early on. When searching for montessori toy store, keep the following factors in mind: Look for toys made from non-toxic, eco-friendly, and sustainably sourced materials, preferably wood or cotton. Avoid plastic when possible. Montessori toys are designed for specific developmental stages. Choose toys suitable for your child's age and skills. A classic Montessori toy focuses on one skill at a time, such as color sorting, buttoning, or stacking. Montessori toys are often neutral in color with a calm, minimal look—this reduces overstimulation and supports deep play. Avoid toys that talk, sing, or flash. The goal is to encourage the child's active involvement, not passive entertainment. If you've ever typed 'Montessori toys near me' into Google, you're likely seeking not just products—but quality, convenience, and trust. Here are a few reasons why buying Montessori toys from nearby stores can be a smart move: Local stores often have display units, allowing you to see the toy's size, quality, and texture before purchasing. No need to wait days for delivery—you can get your toy the same day, ideal for birthdays or emergencies. Staff at educational or Montessori-focused stores are often trained to guide you based on your child's age and learning needs. By purchasing locally, you help support your community and encourage the availability of more mindful, educational toys. Local shopping helps reduce packaging waste and carbon emissions from shipping. Wondering where to begin? Here are some places to search: Look for stores that focus on wooden toys, educational products, or eco-friendly playthings. Many have dedicated Montessori sections. Some Montessori schools have their own mini stores or can recommend trusted local suppliers. Upscale kids' clothing and gift shops often carry curated selections of Montessori-aligned toys. Many local makers create handcrafted Montessori toys like wooden blocks, puzzles, or sensory kits. Some community centers offer toy libraries where you can borrow Montessori toys before buying. Simply searching 'Montessori toys near me' on Google or using platforms like Yelp or Yellow Pages can lead you to nearby options. If you find a nearby store, here are some montessori store near me to keep an eye out for: Wooden stacking rings Color sorting trays Shape sorters Lacing beads or cards Object permanence boxes Knobbed cylinders Practical life tools (e.g., child-sized brooms, tongs, pitchers) (e.g., child-sized brooms, tongs, pitchers) Sandpaper letters and numbers Puzzle maps Sensory bins with natural elements If you're new to Montessori parenting or toy shopping, here are a few quick tips: Start small—just 2-3 toys are enough at first. Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest. Observe what skills your child is working on naturally and find toys that align with those interests. Don't stress about perfection—just aim for toys that encourage hands-on, mindful play. Some local businesses now offer click-and-collect services—where you can shop online and pick up in-store. This is a perfect option if you want the convenience of browsing from home but still support a neighborhood shop. Bonus: These stores often host in-store workshops or parenting meetups centered on Montessori topics. Montessori toys are more than just playthings—they're tools that nurture curiosity, independence, and lifelong learning. If you're searching for 'Montessori toys near me,' you're already taking a mindful step toward supporting your child's natural development. By choosing local options, you not only get access to quality products quickly but also become part of a larger community that values intentional, child-led learning. So next time you're shopping for toys, skip the plastic and the noise—and go for something simple, beautiful, and deeply educational. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
06-07-2025
- General
- Time Business News
The Power of Play: Exploring Toy Horns, Montessori Toys, and Magic Tracing for Child Development
Play is an essential part of childhood development, helping children explore, learn, and grow in ways that no other activity can. The toys children interact with play a significant role in shaping their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Among the many options available to parents and caregivers, toy horns, Montessori toys, and magic tracing toys stand out as particularly beneficial in promoting various developmental milestones. This article explores how these toys can enrich a child's learning experience and help foster important skills, from creativity to motor development. A toy horn is a simple yet effective toy that engages young children in play while offering them an opportunity to develop a range of important skills. Toy horns typically produce sound when blown into, which naturally attracts a child's attention. These colorful, often plastic horns are designed for younger children, especially toddlers, and offer a hands-on way to introduce them to the world of sound and music. One of the primary developmental benefits of toy horns is their role in auditory development. When children blow into a toy horn, they experiment with creating different sounds, which helps improve their understanding of cause and effect. The noise produced by the horn captures their attention, allowing them to distinguish between loud and soft sounds, high-pitched and low-pitched tones. This early exposure to sound variability contributes to the development of auditory discrimination skills, which are crucial for later language and communication development. Blowing into a toy horn is also a fun way to develop a child's fine motor skills. The action of holding the horn and applying the right amount of air pressure to produce sound requires coordination between the hands and mouth. As a child plays with a toy horn, they improve their ability to control small muscle movements, which will later benefit tasks such as writing, buttoning shirts, and tying shoes. Toy horns often come in bright colors and fun shapes, making them visually appealing and inviting for toddlers. Many toy horns are designed to mimic the sounds of real musical instruments, providing an early introduction to music and rhythm. This introduction can foster an early love for music, helping children develop an appreciation for sounds and melodies that they can carry with them throughout their lives. Many early childhood educators believe that engaging children in music and rhythm activities from a young age helps develop listening skills and emotional expression. Montessori toys are specifically designed to encourage hands-on learning in a way that fosters independence, concentration, and critical thinking. Based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, these toys are often made from natural materials like wood, and they are designed to support a child's developmental stages. Montessori toys focus on providing children with opportunities for self-directed learning and discovery, which is integral to their cognitive and motor development. Montessori toys are based on the idea that children learn best through play and exploration. These toys are designed to be simple, tactile, and engaging, allowing children to manipulate them in different ways. The goal is to create an environment where children can work at their own pace, developing skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and sensory exploration. Montessori toys near me—meaning those found locally or nearby—are often available in specialty stores or online, and many parents are specifically looking for these toys to support their child's development at home. Montessori toys are typically open-ended, meaning that children can use them in a variety of ways depending on their interests and skills. For example, a set of stacking rings can be used by a toddler to practice hand-eye coordination as they stack the rings on a peg. As they grow, they can use the same set of rings to explore concepts like size, sequencing, and patterns. This versatility allows Montessori toys to grow with the child, supporting their cognitive development at every stage. By providing opportunities for independent learning, Montessori toys encourage children to think critically, experiment, and problem-solve. This approach helps build their cognitive abilities and confidence, as they are given the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace. Montessori toys near me are increasingly popular as parents look for educational toys that complement their child's natural curiosity and desire to learn. In addition to supporting cognitive development, Montessori toys help children develop social and emotional skills. By using toys that encourage cooperative play, such as wooden blocks, puzzles, or board games, children learn how to interact with others, share, and work together to achieve a common goal. These activities not only teach children important social skills but also build empathy and emotional intelligence. Magic tracing toys are a unique type of educational toy that combines creativity, motor skills, and fun into one activity. These toys typically consist of a special tracing board or pad that allows children to trace over images, shapes, or designs. The key feature of magic tracing toys is that the lines are often illuminated or revealed with a special light, giving children a sense of magic and excitement as they trace. One of the primary benefits of magic tracing toys is their ability to enhance hand-eye coordination. Tracing over images requires children to focus on their movements and maintain precision as they follow the lines. This strengthens the connection between visual input and motor output, which is essential for writing and other fine motor activities. Magic tracing toys can also help children develop the proper grip and control necessary for holding a pencil or crayon, which are key skills for later academic success. Magic tracing toys are excellent tools for fostering creativity and artistic expression. As children trace over pre-drawn images or create their own designs, they engage in imaginative play that allows them to experiment with shapes, colors, and patterns. This process stimulates their creative thinking and introduces them to the basics of drawing and design. Whether it's tracing a picture of an animal or creating a unique design, magic tracing toys provide a fun and accessible way for children to express themselves artistically. Another benefit of magic tracing toys is the patience and focus they require. As children carefully trace over lines, they learn to slow down and concentrate on the task at hand. This focus is an important skill that will benefit them in school and other areas of life. Tracing also gives children a sense of accomplishment when they complete a picture or design, which builds their confidence and self-esteem. Each of these toys—toy horns, Montessori toys, and magic tracing—offers unique benefits for children's development. However, when used together, they can complement each other and provide a well-rounded educational experience. For example, a toy horn can introduce children to the world of sound, while Montessori toys help develop their problem-solving skills and encourage independent thinking. Similarly, magic tracing activities can foster creativity and precision, which complements the learning that takes place through Montessori-based play. By incorporating all three types of toys into a child's routine, parents and caregivers can offer a balanced approach to development, nurturing cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Each toy helps develop different skills, but they all share the common goal of supporting a child's learning in a fun and engaging way. Whether you're looking for Montessori toys near me, a toy horn to introduce music, or magic tracing to inspire creativity, these toys can enrich your child's learning journey and lay the foundation for future success. The world of children's toys is vast and varied, offering numerous options to support growth and development. Toy horns, Montessori toys, and magic tracing toys stand out as excellent choices for parents looking to engage their children in meaningful play. From auditory development to motor skills and creativity, each of these toys plays a crucial role in helping children grow, learn, and explore. Whether purchased locally or online, incorporating these toys into a child's playtime will contribute to their overall development and set the stage for a bright future ahead. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why Do I Keep Finding Padlocked Playgrounds in New York City?
"Play is the work of the child," wrote Maria Montessori, pushing back against the perennial tendency of adults to trivialize the child's constant quest for movement and exploration. "It is work he must do in order to grow up." Tell that to New York City. About two weeks ago, we received a rare spring day in the midst of a harsh and brutal February. After Mass, my son—a squirmy, active, skateboarding two-and-a-half-year-old—my husband, and a few of our friends walked a mile or two to the Pier 26 playground along the Hudson River to let Zev run around after he exhibited extraordinary skill at sitting still in church. Signs declared the playground closed due to icy conditions. There was a small amount of snow on the ground still, but it was quickly melting. It was 45 degrees outside. And I have the unfortunate quality of being a Texan lady who doesn't like to be told what to do, so I hiked up my skirt, took off my shoes, and scaled the fence. Boom, freedom. My friend boosted my son across the fence before following suit. Then the most beautiful thing started to happen: Other parents and kids saw how much fun we were having and we offered to help get their kids over the fence too. We liberated maybe two dozen kids. Naturally, such a good thing cannot last in modern-day New York: I came whooshing down the slide in my fancy church dress to be greeted by the authorities demanding my ID and threatening to fine me. I argued for a while, pointing to the fact that it's 45 degrees outside and there's no ice on the playground and suggesting that maybe, just maybe, children deserve just a morsel of red hot freedom. Then they started threatening arrest. Just a few weeks prior, my son and I had encountered the same thing in Madison Square Park. One complicating factor for libertarians is that both of these playgrounds are managed by trusts set up as public benefit corporations, governed by boards of directors appointed by the governor, mayor, and borough president. The trust is in charge of designing, building, operating, and maintaining the area, and the funding is a mix of private and public. Though these types of parks are supposed to have their own security, the person patrolling the Hudson River Park/Pier 26 playground was NYC Parks law enforcement. (The Hudson River Park Trust did not respond to repeated requests for comment.) Though they're legally within their rights to decide what type of liability they wish to assume, these two incidents—as well as the COVID-era padlocking of public playgrounds by city officials for a virus that was neither especially deadly to children nor easily spreads outdoors—are good reminders of why this city is hemorrhaging its child population (and why Hasidic dads took bolt cutters to playgrounds during the virus days). Since 2020, the five-and-under population in the city has fallen by 18 percent, and it shouldn't be shocking why: High cost of living, a culture intolerant toward children, coupled, and extreme risk aversion have led to an untenable situation for parents. If the first half of the 20th century was termed "the golden age of child play," the first quarter of the 21st feels like a death rattle. The mid-'80s brought milk carton kids. Amber Alerts, which send out messages about missing or abducted children in suspected danger via cable news, radio, and text message, were invented a decade later. In the early 2000s, certain prosecutors started cracking down on child truancy. Now, in the 2020s, that icon of American ingenuity—the McDonald's PlayPlace—has started to become replaced by screens, with glorious plastic kingdoms torn down all across America. The culture shifted from one of widespread permissiveness to one of extreme scrutiny and worry. And nothing was exempt from this parenting culture shift, not even the playgrounds. Since 1981, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has been publishing the Public Playground Safety Handbook, which contains such dictates as "bare metal slides, platforms, and steps should be shaded or located out of direct sun." If you cannot do so, you must "provide warnings that equipment and surfacing exposed to intense sun can burn." Free-swinging ropes "present a potential strangulation hazard" as they could "fray" or "form a loop." Handrails meant for toddlers "should have a diameter or maximum cross-section between 0.60 and 1.20 inches" and "a diameter or maximum cross-section of 0.90 inches is preferred to achieve maximal grip strength and benefit the weakest children." For toddlers, balance beams are not recommended. For school-age kids, they should be no higher than 16 inches off the ground. And, "because of the complex way children are required to cooperate and combine their actions, fulcrum seesaws are not recommended for toddlers or preschool-age children." What the regulators won't admit is that children have an uncanny ability to turn all kinds of every day (and unsafe!) objects into playthings; that board out in the backyard, with rusty nails poking out, balanced on a tree stump sure looks like a magnificent canoe to the eyes of the enterprising 7-year-old. Of course, the federal playground guidelines are used as evidence in court. Take the kindergartener in New Jersey who, in 2014, got injured on a slide that was five degrees steeper than the federal guideline recommendation of 30 degrees; her family won a $170,000 settlement. In New York City, an East Harlem dad scored $75,000 from his kid's fractured forearm after she fell off a spinning wheel. In Brooklyn, five kids fell off a swing in 2013 at Slope Park Playground, leading to complaints; the city removed the swing. Even structures not meant for child play have been destroyed in the suing craze. In my husband's hometown on nearby Long Island, an older kid—late middle school, early high school, he recalls—got injured on a half-pipe in the yard of the local skate shop; the parents sued. The shop closed a year or so later, possibly from this court-mandated cash hemorrhage; the town's lone half-pipe disappeared with it. Perhaps most ridiculous was a 2010 scandal over "The Mountain," a metal climbing structure in Union Square Park playground in Manhattan, which the city's Department of Parks and Recreation cordoned off, claiming it got too hot in the summer. This prompted a bill in the state legislature that would have required temperature measurements of different play structures during the summer. "The issue of heat exists in any playground," reminded the snarky landscape architect who had acquired the structure from Germany. Of course, some spaces meant for play had legitimately been too risky. Amusement parks in the '80s and '90s faced tons of lawsuits, with many shutting down. "People were bleeding all over the place," recalled one now-grown patron of Action Park, in New Jersey, which reported 14 broken bones and 26 head injuries in 1984 and 1985 alone. The growing emphasis on child safety throughout the 20th century led to a two-thirds decline in childhood deaths from accidents between 1900 and 2000. But somewhere near the start of the 21st century, the culture embraced a new goal: Totally eradicating any accidents—and thus any risk—from childhood. This is a goal I can't get behind. As Maria Montessori recognized a hundred years ago, we lose something quite important when we crack down on kids' ability to play—and parents' ability to decide for themselves what type of conditions their individual child can handle. Even if the playground had been icy and it had been 30 degrees that day, I would have still allowed my son to play; I would have simply dressed him in more wool layers and maybe watched him more closely (or recognized that that skateboarding child of mine can handle a fall or two). If the trusts that manage these playgrounds (or their insurers) are so afraid of liability, I'd note that the above incidents—the Slope Park swing, the too-hot Mountain—stand out in part because they're relatively rare. Be bold, take heart, and choose to foster a culture of childrearing in which parents accept risk and responsibility. "Since it is through movement that the will realizes itself, we should assist a child in his attempts to put his will into act," wrote Montessori. I'm happy to assist; the only question is whether modern-day New York City will let me. The post Why Do I Keep Finding Padlocked Playgrounds in New York City? appeared first on
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grab This Lifetime Pok Pok Subscription While It's a Massive 76% Off at StackSocial
Tech is a pervasive part of our lives, and it makes sense that even our youngest might want in. That's why finding age-appropriate tech and apps can be a great way to keep your child occupied while providing them with more educational resources. If you've looking for an educational app that can keep your child entertained during long road trips while also offering them some extra learning mixed in, then check out this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for just $60 right now. That saves you $190, or 76% at StackSocial. Though there's no deadline for this deal, we suggest acting fast as these deals often end without notice. Pok Pok is inspired by Montessori and was created for children between the ages of 2 and 8 years of age. The app is ad-free and includes games that encourage young children to sharpen their STEM, problem-solving, numbers and language skills. The Montessori method was invented by Dr. Maria Montessori and focuses on helping children learn at their own pace through their own experiences. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Pok Pok designs its apps to be gentle and calming for kids through in-house animation and voice recording. These games don't feature levels so children can focus on their own discoveries. The lifetime subscription provides a license for up to 10 devices, which is perfect for homes with multiple children. Keep in mind that you need to check your system requirements to ensure your device is capable of supporting this app. Looking for more kid-friendly apps but not sure if this deal is for you? Check out our list of the best kid-friendly phone apps. And for some physical play, we've also gathered up best toys for kids in 2025. Pok Pok's lifetime subscription typically costs $250, but this deal brings it down to a low of $60. With apps designed for kids between the ages of 2 and 8, Pok Pok's apps can help nurture your child's learning for years to come while also providing a guilt-free way for you to offer them screen time if you need. This 76% discount makes now a great time to nab this deal.
