Balance Stepping Stones

Stepping stones are low platforms that children arrange on the floor and then cross without touching the ground. In Montessori, movement, coordination and concentration go hand in hand — as a child balances, they practise gross motor skills, body control and the ability to plan each step and stay focused. Much of the value comes from letting the child build their own course: try, misstep, adjust and try again — a hands-on exercise in independence and perseverance, entirely at their own pace.

What to look for:

• Non-slip base (rubber feet or a rubber ring) so the stones stay firmly in place and don't slide away.
• Child-sized natural materials — wood or cork over thin, cheap plastic; low stones for younger children, a few taller ones for older children who want more of a challenge.
• Sturdy and stable so each stone safely supports a child's weight without wobbling.
• Rounded edges and smooth surfaces with no sharp details.
• Easy to stack and put away so the child can rearrange the course and tidy up on their own.

At home they're a lovely addition to a playroom or living room — lay out a winding trail and let your child find their own way across the "water".