You all may have got advice from friends, family, doctors, or parenting coaches to introduce books from an early age. And some of us might even start introducing and forcing them to read the books which we want them to read. But have you ever thought of providing an environment where they themselves become curious to know to choose books from and read? Don’t be surprised but it’s true. It can be done by adding a bookshelf in their playroom which is easily accessible to them and further displaying books on them.
When it comes to creating an enriching and organized learning environment for children, Montessori education stands as a beacon of excellence. I have done quite a lot about the variety of bookshelves available in the market and DIYs.
I am also aligned with Montessori education which promotes having a separate bookshelf from a toy shelf. In this article let’s learn about why separate bookshelves are important and what are the top 10 bookshelves you must consider having them.
What are Montessori Bookshelves?
Montessori bookshelf is a purposefully designed storage unit for books, tailored for young learners’ special needs. They are not just furniture; they’re essential parts of the Montessori education philosophy, highlighting independence, interactive learning, and a child-centered approach.
The Purpose of Montessori Bookshelves in Early Education
Montessori bookshelves serve a dual purpose: they facilitate access to books and encourage a child’s autonomy. Having a space dedicated solely to their books empowers children to make choices, explore interests, and foster a love for reading early on.
Features of Montessori Bookshelf
4 important features of Montessori Bookshelf are as follows:
Child-Centered: Montessori bookshelves are designed at a child’s eye level, enabling them to select and return books independently. This promotes a sense of ownership and empowerment.
Open and Accessible: The open design of Montessori bookshelves allows children to see book covers, encouraging them to choose books based on their interests. This setup also fosters visual recognition and exploration.
Organizational Tools: Many Montessori bookshelves feature adjustable shelves or compartments, enabling children to categorize and organize their books. This promotes order and helps children develop organizational skills.
Safe and Inviting: Rounded edges, child-safe materials, and appealing aesthetics make Montessori bookshelves inviting spaces for children to engage with books. Safety and comfort are paramount.
While keeping these features in mind, it is important to understand what you should keep in mind before buying a bookshelf for your child.
How to Choose the Best Montessori Bookshelves?
I created a list of 4 factors while looking for a bookshelf to buy for my toddler. Here are certain points I kept in mind:
Factor #1: Height and Accessibility
In the Montessori philosophy, furniture is designed to cater to the child’s needs. Thus, keeping that in mind, opt for bookshelves that are at the child’s eye level. This helps in promoting independent exploration and decision-making.
#Tip: Look for adjustable shelves that can grow with the child. This will help in saving a lot of money as the child grows.
Factor #2: Open and Child-Friendly Design
Choose bookshelves with a front open design without doors or knobs. It allows children to see the book covers and make choices based on their interests. Rounded edges and child-safe materials ensure a safe and inviting learning environment.
#Tip: You can have 2 toy shelves and convert one as a bookshelf.
Factor #3: Material Quality and Durability
Invest in bookshelves made from high-quality, sustainable materials that can withstand the rigors of active young learners. Wood is a popular choice for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
#Tip: If you have a budget constraint, you can go for a PVC or cloth bookshelf too.
Factor #4: Organization and Flexibility
Opt for bookshelves with multiple compartments or bins that facilitate organization. This helps children learn to categorize and arrange their books, promoting a sense of order and responsibility.
#Tip: Buy at least 2-3 shelf rows and 2 columns. This helps you to categorize books via subjects, genres and themes.
10 Best Montessori Bookshelf to Consider in 2023
Here is the list of the 10 best Montessori bookshelfs one must consider while setting up a reading room for the child.
- Tarkan Bookshelf: It is a 3 row pinewood book storage rack which is 60×50 cm in size. It is made of wood and sturdy. It cost around Rs. 1500 making it pocket friendly.
- Curious Cub: It is also a 3-row bookshelf made of pine wood. It is front-facing rack and is ideal for children aged 6 months to 6 years. The size of the shelf is 24.75x10x18.5 inches. The cost is around Rs. 5000 and is preferred by many parents.
- Zizi Gifts: This bookshelf is also front open rack with 5 rows. It is made of Heavy Processed Wood and is 60.5D x 25.5W x 68H Centimeters in dimension. The cost of this bookshelf is around Rs.8000, but it is useful for children up to age 12 years, making it a good investment.
- The Moms store: This bookshelf is a 3-tier rack with a dimension of (59.9 x 23.8 x 39.3) cm. It is made of Marine Grade, FSC Certified Birch Plywood. Thus, making it the perfect choice to have.
- CuddlyCoo: This wooden bookshelf is a combination of cloth and wood to make it pocket friendly. It is a 4-tier book rack with (55 x 60 x 75) cm dimensions. It comes in various vibrant colors to choose from.
- Fainlist: It is a 4-tier bookshelf with two storage boxes and a toy organizer. It has a dimension of 18D x 15W x 10H centimeters and is made of plastic. The cost is approximately Rs.7000 which is a steal if looking for buying pocket-friendly bookshelf.
- Tickle toe: This bookshelf is a multipurpose toy and book organizer with a dimension of 115 L x 36 W x 91 H cm. It is made of plastic, thus making it easy to move and clean from the back.
- Lukzer: This organizer is my favorite as it can be used for both keeping the Montessori activities and books. It has 7 compartments plus you can use the head also. The dimension of this bookshelf is 30 x 100 x 70 cm and is made of engineered wood. It is budget friendly too.
- Homesmiths: This bookshelf is a 4-tier book organizer made of wood, melamine, and cloth. If you are too particular about having a colorful bookshelf, then this is a good option. It is easy to clean and sturdy.
- Aysis: This is an alloy metal multipurpose bookshelf with a dimension of 120D x 28W x 125H Centimeters. This bookshelf is lightweight and economical. Because of its versatility, you can use it for various purposes such as displaying Montessori activities, storing toys, or even adding aesthetics.
Tip: Rotate the books every couple of days to keep things interesting. It also helps them avoid being overwhelmed with things they haven’t seen for a while.
Conclusion
In 2023, Montessori bookshelves have continued to adapt to the changing needs of education. The best choice depends on individual preferences, whether it’s aesthetics, accessibility, or functionality. What remains consistent is their role in inspiring independent reading and a love for learning. As we move forward, let’s embrace the versatility and innovation in Montessori bookshelves, creating environments that nurture children’s curiosity and passion for literature.
FAQs on The Best Montessori Bookshelves of 2023
- How do I choose a Montessori shelf?
When selecting a Montessori shelf, consider the child’s age and aim for a unit height of 1–2 feet. In Montessori-style shelving, a key feature is the lack of doors, which allows for open display of everything and fosters the child’s active involvement with the activities. - What makes a bookshelf Montessori?
A Montessori bookshelf is child-friendly with low, wooden shelves. Books face outward, making them easy for kids to select independently. The selection is diverse, fostering a love for learning. The organized, visually clear layout promotes self-directed reading and exploration, nurturing a lifelong passion for literature in a child-centered manner. - How tall should a Montessori bookshelf be?
In accordance with Montessori principles of child-centered learning and autonomy, a Montessori bookshelf should ideally be 1–2 feet tall. This height ensures that young children can easily access and choose books on their own, fostering independence and a love for learning. - How do you display books on a Montessori shelf?
On a Montessori shelf, books are displayed with their covers facing outward, making it easy for children to see the book titles and covers. This arrangement allows young readers to independently select books based on their interests and preferences. It promotes visual clarity and encourages a child’s autonomy in choosing reading materials, aligning with Montessori principles of self-directed learning.
