Are you interested in Montessori-inspired items to set up in your home for your toddler who is gaining more and more independence as the days go by and wondering what is a learning tower?
If you ever go into a Montessori school or home, it’s set up in a way to encourage independence and freedom to move about and explore their interest.
A learning tower is also known as a Montessori learning tower, a kitchen helper tower, or even an activity tower. Ok, so what is a learning tower? It’s a larger framed wooden or plastic step stool with an open or openings depending on the design to allow the child to enter.
The learning tower enables toddlers to safely and securely stand at counter height to do fun activities such as arts and crafts, help prepare meals, reach for their cups and bowls and so much more.
With most learning towers for toddlers, you can adjust the height to accommodate your child’s needs.
Part of a Montessori education is learning practical life skills. A learning tower for kids does exactly that. It helps with the independence they are already trying to achieve, builds confidence, and helps them get involved in daily activities.
What To Consider When Buying A Learning Tower
Function- Consider what type of toddler learning tower you need/want for your child or children. Does it need to be a 2-in-1 where it can also transform into a learning tower table? Or would you prefer a 3-in-1 for your kid’s entertainment? In addition, the 3-in-1 could be a chalkboard or a slide.
Do you need a “keeper” or a protective shield as an extra safety measure to create a closure for younger toddlers?
Space- Helper towers take up some space like any other piece of furniture. The good thing is it can move around your home where you need it with ease.
Consider how much living space you have and determine whether you need a standard learning tower or one which you can fold if you are limited in space.
Quality- We purchase what we can based on our budget, but be sure not to skimp on quality. The tower needs to be durable to handle the busy toddler years.
Cost- Most toddler activity towers cost a pretty penny, usually between $90-$280.
Aesthetic- Do you want a beautiful sleek wooden kitchen tower, a plastic one, a big and bulky tower that very well may take up way too much space, or one that has been painted in a particular color?
Use- Will your child actually use it?
Cons- Some learning towers can tip they should always be used on a flat surface pushed completely up against a counter or wherever they are being used.
Children can easily move their tower around with little difficulty. For younger toddlers that may not fully understand kitchen safety such as staying away from the stove, supervision is extremely important.
Learning Tower Activities
- They can see and observe what’s going on around them.
- Help prepare meals.
- Learn how to prepare their own snacks. We use the mini cutter to help with this.
- “Make science” in the sink as my son calls it with dish detergent and water.
- Reach for their own items in higher places.
- Learn how to wash their own dishes.
- Hang their own artwork on the fridge.
- Help with pancakes and making sweet treats.
- Brush their teeth and wash their faces on their own.
Related: Montessori-Inspired Gift Ideas For Toddlers
Learning Towers For Toddlers
Guidecraft Kitchen Helper Stool– The Guidecraft kitchen helper stool is probably one of the safest learning towers, especially for younger toddlers. You can adjust the height for your little one to 15 or 18 inches. It’s also a foldable learning tower, so if you’re limited in space, the Guidecraft is a good choice.
- There is a front and back keeper for extra safety.
- Non-slip mat on the inside.
- They made the feet to prevent tipping.
- Comes in five colors.
- Supports up to 125lbs.
- Recommended age is 2 years old and up.
The Guidecraft is also available within the Martha Stewart collection. A slightly different design with the exact same features.
Convertible Montessori Toddler Helper– When thinking of Montessori-inspired products for toddlers, Piccalio should come to mind. We love their products! The convertible Montessori helper is a 2-in-1, so it converts into a table. You can purchase the tower alone or add on the safety net to place on the back of the tower for extra peace of mind.
- Comes in four colors.
- Three adjustable step heights.
- Non-toxic.
- Recommended age: 12 months to 6 years old or 175 pounds.
- Easy assembly.
- Use the table as a desk for kids, an activity table, or an area for them to have their meals.
Montessori Learning Stool– The Montessori House Bed makes a beautiful Baltic birch plywood Montessori learning tower. It’s sleek and sturdy and the natural wood looks aesthetically pleasing in our kitchen as well.
My son loves this one. He climbs right in and creates his own little magical projects throughout the day. This Montessori stool comes unassembled but it was very easy to assemble.
Can a 12-month-old use a learning tower? The recommended age for the Montessori House Bed kitchen helper is 12 months to six years old.
- Three adjustable height levels.
- Comes in 4 colors.
A learning tower is a great way to start introducing chores. Use this interactive Routine Chore Chart to help teach basic responsibility.
3-in-1 Montessori Helper Tower- If you are looking for a multi-functional helper tower to keep your child entertained and engaged and help with their motor skills, the Happy Tower is an excellent choice.
They can use it as a tower, or table and there’s a blackboard on one side.
- Available in four colors.
- Easy to assemble.
- Suggested for ages 12 months and older.
- Holds up to 70 kg.
3-in-1 Kids Kitchen Tower– To add a little fun to daily activities, you can add a slide to the Weco helper. It is uniquely designed and stands out from any other toddler kitchen helper.
- You can purchase the tower with or without the slide.
- Built with safety latches.
- Four colors are available.
- Use it as a tower, a desk, or a slide.
Simplay3 Toddler Tower– A BPA-free and a little less expensive toddler tower on the market is the Simplay3 toddler tower. If you prefer something other than wood, this firm plastic tower is a good option. There are three different heights to accommodate your child’s growth. They are 12, 15, and 18 inches.
- Easy to clean.
- Quick and easy assembly.
- Use for up to 60 pounds.
- Comes in the color gray.
- Non-skid rubber stoppers for the base to prevent sliding.
I truly hope this post answers your question about what is a learning tower and you find these options helpful. Kitchen helper towers are not only perfect for Montessori and Waldorf principles, but they are wonderful for any child to enhance gross motor skills and practical life skills and to engage with the family in daily activities.
Enjoy!
What Is A Learning Tower FAQs
What is the purpose of a learning tower?
The learning tower allows toddlers to safely and securely stand at counter height to do fun activities and practical life skills.
What age is a learning tower for?
Recommended age for use of a learning tower is children 12 months to 6 years old. Be sure to read the description. There are some Montessori learning towers that are made for kids starting at 24 months.
Are toddler learning towers worth it?
Yes, they are truly worth the purchase. They help with independence, build their confidence and motor skills.
How do you clean a learning tower?
Learning towers are really easy to clean. You can wipe them down with a damp towel.
How do you use a toddler tower?
You can use a toddler tower for practical skills to help foster independence. A 2-in-1 tower turns into a learning tower table so your toddler can have their meals, and snacks and do activities at the table.
A 3-in-1 tower could have a slide that attaches or a chalkboard on one side.
Do you really need a learning tower?
Because of the framed sides and the ability to add a safety net or a keeper, they are much safer to use than a toddler standing in a chair or on furniture to take part in daily activities.
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