Continuing efforts at Nienhuis Montessori have produced an important extension to the spectrum of materials. Extensive research and consulting with experts in the infant toddler field has resulted in the introduction of a new and unique line of Infant Toddler Montessori materials.

Each new human being, from conception to maturity, forms himself or herself, taking from the environment (the womb, the home, the school, the community) the materials for self-construction. We adults prepare and provide these environments, upon which depend the child’s work, the fulfillment of their potential. The Montessori classroom is prepared to help children accomplish their goals in their own manner, whether we call it work or play. Gradually the children reveal qualities for which they are not usually given credit, such as intense concentration and surprising attention span; exactness and precise movement; a sense of order; maximum effort even by very little ones; self discipline and respect for others; peacefulness and kindness; and an obvious joy in ’work’. Play is the young child’s work. The object of their efforts is the creation of the adult they will become. The child shows clearly an inner need to learn to know themselves and their world. They want very much to develop their intelligence, to learn to control their motions precisely, to explore and order their impressions of the world, to become independent and responsible. In the first two months of life, the infant, having moved from the comfort of the womb, learns to trust the new outside world. During the rest of the first year of life, infants learn to trust in themselves: ‘I can do; I am able.’ In the next two years, they confirm that they are able to act in the world: ‘I am worthwhile; I can contribute.’ The overall goal, one that overshadows the particular goals of ‘curriculum areas’, is a profound self-esteem and a healthy, happy, strong self-image. Each classroom is a prepared environment designed to support the child’s need for purposeful activity. It is a children’s house: the furniture is easily moved, pictures are hung at child’s eye-level, plants are easily watered by children. The sink is not a toy, but a real, child-sized sink. There are many carefully designed materials to meet the child’s natural interests. The atmosphere is positive, supportive and non-competitive. The Infant Toddler materials may look simple, but they are precisely designed, based on years of observation, experiment and study.