Montessori pedagogy is a method that promotes children's self-learning. In this perspective, we find the nido, a space of sensory awakening which develops and stimulates all the baby's senses.
"When we understand all that the child acquires by himself, we will know better what the man can become.", said Maria Montessori. So, Montessori pedagogy aims to help build future adults who are aware, autonomous but also responsible, promoting self-confidence and allowing the child to grow at their own pace. In this perspective, the nido which means nest in Italian, has taken a very important place in the awakening of babies.
What is a nido?
This awakening space for children between 2 and 18 months brings all the keys to good development. Indeed, the nido promotes awakening and stimulates baby's fine motor skills which will be moving in its tidy cocoon. Note, the nest is not frozen, the more your child grows, the more he can complete his environment. So in his awakening space your child will feel safe and gain confidence, he will orient himself and discover alone the advantages of his nest.
How to create the perfect nido?
Organized in a corner of the room, the nido is composed of multiple elements of different shapes, textures, colors and materials. The awakening objects are placed everywhere, on the wall and on the floor but toys should be put away. The goal is to allow baby to contemplate what surrounds him and to distinguish, only, the components of its environment. The multiple games within the nest are at his disposal, and he decides what he wants to play with. He will also be free to move, which will leave him master of his own choices and of himself.
A space favorable to language learning
Even if you have to let your child make their own choices, that doesn't stop you from talking to them. But be careful, you have to talk to him using rich and precise language. So do not hesitate to describe to him, gently, the object he is holding in his hands. The name of the object, the color, the material. Do not hesitate to make him touch the elements.
This method will help your child to distinguish the subjects and will help to learn the French language. Also, during this waking time, you can speak to them in a second language that you master, such as English or Spanish.
Develop your visual acuity
The nest is a very colorful place that mixes materials and shapes, a perfect nest for develop visual acuity. Thanks to the multiple mirrors on the wall, the rings hanging from the ceiling and objects on the floor, your child will be able to observe, discover and become an actor in his environment.
Become aware of your identity
Thanks to the mirrors installed in your nest, your little one will start to become aware of its existence and its appearance. He will also be confronted with the perception of his reflection. Thus, he will be able to contemplate himself and have a global vision of his body. The mirrors will also allow him to widen his field of vision so as not to be surprised by what surrounds him.
Develop fine motor skills
The objects are not alike and your little one begins to differentiate them. Sometimes round, square, triangular but also light or heavy, these objects require a certain concentration, already to catch them but also to successfully keep them in his hands. So some objects will just need the strength of an entire hand, others will need the precision of the fingers.
What items do I need?
The nest must first be secure, so choose wooden toys while avoiding electronic objects. Also, be sure to hide power outlets well with furniture or these socket covers. A word of advice, do not hesitate to regularly change toys from place to place on the play mat.
Here is a selection of games for the nido:
Here is a selection of training mats for the nido:
Here is a selection of mirrors:
Unbreakable wooden and acrylic mirror – Ruik – from € 13.17
Baby mirror – Ambi toys – from € 10.16
Unbreakable round mirror – Servewell – from € 12.29
Self-adhesive wall mirror – Hangqiao – from € 3.95
Plastic sticker mirror – Garosa – from € 11.69