We’re going to Orlando!

(outta the New England cold)

Claymates at the World’s Largest Montessori Event

We are proud to be presenting Claymates at the American Montessori Society’s Annual Conference. March 7-10 in Orlando — and online. We will be inspired by educators and storytellers to keep doing what we are doing. Make the kinds of playthings we want our own children to play with.

Claymates embody a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, offering children a tactile and imaginative play experience reminiscent of paper dolls, yet with the added dimension of sculpting with clay. This wooden toy transcends the limitations of conventional toys by inviting children to become creators, shaping characters and narratives with their own hands. The thoughtful design includes self-storage compartments, ensuring that each piece finds its place, teaching children the value of organization and responsibility in play. This intuitive approach to storage not only maintains the longevity of the toy but also fosters independence and orderliness, aligning perfectly with Montessori principles.

In Montessori classrooms nationwide, Claymates have found a cherished place as tools for both play and education. With their open-ended nature and natural materials, they encourage exploration, creativity, and sensory engagement, all core tenets of Montessori philosophy. By providing children with the freedom to experiment and express themselves, Claymates support holistic development, nurturing not only cognitive skills but also emotional intelligence and social interactions. As children mold and manipulate the clay, they refine fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while simultaneously cultivating their imaginations, making Claymates an invaluable addition to any educational environment embracing the Montessori approach.

“The child gives a beautiful lesson — that in order to form and maintain our intelligence, we must use our hands.”

— Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures