Cylinder Block

A set includes 4 wooden blocks and 40 cylinders to teach the child dimension and understand dimensional variations in objects. Each of the blocks is a rectangular prism with concave faces to facilitate holding firmly. The surfaces are polished to a fine glossy finish. Each block has 10 sockets and there are 40 knobbed cylinders that fit into these sockets. The knobs are the pencil grip type. This is one of the first materials in the sensorial journey of the child. They perceive the differences visually in the dimensions of the cylinders and develop the sense of dimensions.

The blocks are finished with a lot of precision and accuracy as dictated by the Montessori method. The height and diameters of the cylinders vary precisely from 10 mm to 55 mm. The blocks are graded in dimensions as described below:

1. Block 1 – The cylinders vary along 2 dimensions where the diameter changes from 5.5 cm to 1 cm and the height remains constant at 5.5 cm
2. Block 2 – The cylinders vary along 3 dimensions where the diameter increases from 1 cm to 5.5 cm and correspondingly the height too varies from 1 cm to 5.5 cm.
3. Block 3 – The cylinders vary in 3 dimensions where the diameter decreases from 5.5 cm to 1 cm and corresponding the height increases from 1 cm to 5.5 cm.
4. Block 4 – The cylinders vary along 2 dimensions where the diameter is constant at 2.5 cm and the height varies from 1 cm to 5.5. cm

As the knobs provided on the cylinders develop the pincer grip in the child, the material also helps preparation for writing. It develops the child’s skills to hold the pencil. It is also a preparation for mathematics. This classic Montessori toy is a must have for all Montessori environments and preschools.