Benefits of The Montessori Climbing Arch and Pikler Triangle

What is a Montessori Climbing Arch?

A Montessori Climbing Arch is a versatile toy that promotes active play. Typically, the arch sells in a comprehensive set, including a pikler triangle and a climbing slide. The arch is rounded as a bridge with rungs. The triangle is like that of a ladder with two sides of rungs. The climbing slide usually has a smooth edge and an edge to promote climbing, either with step boards or rock climbing handles. Traditionally made of wood, each Montessori climbing set provides your child numerous benefits.

Benefits

• Motor Skill Development

The arch, climbing triangle, and slide promote physical development by encouraging physical activity and sharpening gross motor skills. The climbing frame allows children to boost balance control and practice coordination. Each tool encourages physical abilities such as climbing, hanging, and developing muscle strength. Likewise, fine motor skills are developed by intentionally positioning a foot on each rung or deciding how to shift their hips to take an accurate step. 

• Cognitive Development

When coached correctly and given the independence to move freely on the wooden climbing arch, children develop the ability to think about their next move when faced with the obstacle of maneuvering and climbing. The various set-ups and obstacle courses also encourage spatial awareness and the child’s position on the toy. 

• ​Social Development

When children are playing on the climbers together, social interaction is encouraged. Children will learn to take turns, play together, and develop problem-solving skills to work together differently.

The Montessori Method

• Independence

Instilling a sense of independence is at the foundation of the Montessori principles. By establishing a safe play experience, children can engage in independent play. With various ways to set up the three-piece structure, a parent can constantly adapt the unit to meet the child’s interests. 

• Natural Materials

​Wooden surfaces provide more sensory input than their plastic counterparts. A climbing arch made of natural wood will give children much more sensory feedback, enhancing their experience.

• Imaginative Play

Although the Montessori methods do not engage in pretend play toys, such as a play kitchen, imaginative play is still important. Since the Montessori climber is an open-ended activity, it is bound to strike a child’s imagination. 

​What Age is Best

It is always early enough to introduce a Montessori climbing arch. According to Emmi Pikler, babies will climb when they are ready. This age could be as early as 6 months to a year of age. Of course, babies need to be monitored at all times at these young ages. However, it is fascinating to see how the babies know their limits.

At first, babies under a year of age will only use it as a tool to pull themselves up. Then, when they are ready to climb, they will only take a step or two up. Gradually, as they age into toddlerhood, they will climb further when they feel confident. 

How to Choose the Right Set

​Construction of the Montessori climbing arch, pikler triangle, and climbing slide is essential. Here are some tips to ensure your chosen one is durable and ensures your child’s safety.

• Ensure the climbing side is thick as opposed to thinner and flimsy
• Opt for a splinter-free finish
• Prioritize an arch with a sturdy construction and one that will support the weight of a growing child
• Consider the longevity of the product and which age groups you are purchasing for
• If outdoor use is a consideration, ensure it consists of high-quality wood
• If this is solely for a child’s playroom, opt for one with smooth edges and a rounded surface at the bottom
  

Our Top Pick

The Tiny Land set is the one we opted for, and we have had only great experiences with it thus far.

Whether you are considering a Montessori climbing arch for your child or a friend’s child, these make the perfect gift and are an ideal addition to your child’s playtime experience. Your child will experience hours of safe indoor play, which is imperative if more time is spent indoors during the colder months. 

Want to learn more about Montessori? Here is a post regarding a Montessori Christmas Tree!

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