The arch can be used right side up as climber, upside down as a rocker, or turned into fixtures for imaginative play such as a cave when a blanket is draped over.
How Do Climbers Fit With Montessori?
In Montessori, there are phases of a child’s growth known as “sensitive periods”. Sensitive period are defined as a time when a child is deeply interested in a specific subject. One of these sensitive periods is specific to movement. Your child is likely to express this desire for movement by climbing onto, over and under whatever structures are available to them in their environment. Climbers are a safer way to satisfy this need for movement. Children practice maintaining balance, coordinate movement between their arms and legs, risk assessment for descending or dismounting safely, and problem-solving should they become stuck or challenged.
Is the hype worth the price tag?
Yes, with a double but!
If you live in an inner city with few playground, or winter babies like myself that makes getting outside to burn off that extra energy extra difficult, these are pure gold. BUT they have a price tag to match. I have seen small triangle alone sell for 200$, and up to 1,000$. Facebook marketplace, online classifieds and social media mom groups are your best bet for scoring a preloved climber at half the price. I managed to score my full set for $180 CAD which retails for $649 CAD. The second “but” is that your children might simply not have an interest, or use it so sparingly it doesn’t justify the price tag. For this reason, I also recommend buying second hand. Less financially invested takes the pressure off “getting your money’s worth”.
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