Benefits of Montessori Toys Over Technology for Children Development
In an era of touchscreen learning apps, it’s easy to assume that more technology means better development. But according to child behavioral specialist Monika Gupta, the foundational tools of childhood haven’t changed. Blocks, crayons, pretend kitchens, these “old-school” toys are still essential to a child’s growth.
“Sometimes we get into trouble. Kids can press buttons all day, but when it comes to scribbling or using their hands functionally, that’s a hard shift,” says Gupta. “It’s just not as natural anymore.”
While toddlers today can navigate a touchscreen before they can hold a crayon, Gupta emphasizes that motor, sensory, and social skills develop best through tactile, interactive play instead of modern day digital shortcuts. It isn’t just Monika who advocates for block play; a research study also supports the developmental benefits of traditional play. It demonstrated that preschool children who engaged in just three 30-minute sessions of block play showed statistically significant improvement in fine motor skills, with 70.6% progressing from “suspect” to “normal” developmental benchmarks (Fauziah & Puspitasari, 2024).
Why Screen-Free Play is Important
Interactive screens and toys that light up at the press of a button can be captivating, but that doesn’t make them developmentally appropriate for certain areas. Technology doesn’t necessarily make children dumb, they just develop differently. Nowadays, a child using an ipad comes almost as a second nature to them while adults are still trying to figure out their settings. These skills are useful but should be combined with tangible forms of multisensory play.
Gupta explains that many button-pushing toys only reinforce cause-and-effect thinking, which is foundational but not sufficient.
“You want to move past that and more toward using their hands, a multisensory approach to play.”
Button-based toys often limit open-ended exploration. They don’t encourage collaboration, imagination, or motor coordination the way physical play does.
“If you’re using technology like TV or iPad, try to make it interactive. That’s how you work on social skills and shared attention.”
How Classic Toys Help Child Development
Toys like wooden blocks, stacking rings, and simple puzzles serve a different function. They:
Strengthen fine motor coordination and grip
Improve the attention span to coordinate plans and execute functionally
Foster problem-solving through trial and error
Invite pretend play and storytelling
Support bilateral coordination (using both hands)
This kind of hands-on activity is the bedrock for later skills like writing, tying shoes, or even self-feeding. As Gupta puts it, “Think multisensory. Kids learn from all areas of development, not just cause-and-effect.”
Avoid Fearmongering Technology
Technology has a place in modern childhood, but only when used intentionally and in balance. Always make sure to consider the developmental needs of your child before deciding on the approach. These aspects can become difficult to manage so it is important to seek expert guidance available.