Nienhuis Montessori Sensorial

The Nienhuis Montessori sensorial materials or, more formally apparatus, satisfy the need of the child to classify sensorial impression in an organised, orderly and scientific manner and also allow for individual work and for repetition. They allow the child to undertake such activities spontaneously. Given the opportunity, with or without specialized materials, children will sort things by size, shape, colour, touch, sound, temperature and weight. They will grade from dark to light, and from large to small.

Mathematically graded and limited in both scope and quantity the Nienhuis Montessori sensorial materials isolate one quality only, keeping the remaining characteristics identical. This makes it possible for the children to abstract the concept made concrete in each piece of material, to name it, and then to apply it to the environment.

Moreover, they have a built in control of error. Thanks to this control of error, the children acquire the habit of working independently, unafraid of making mistakes, becoming comfortable with the fact that errors are essential to the process of learning. And, incidentally, this establishes a tendency towards intellectual honesty

The sensorial materials have been given many names, such as materialised abstractions, keys to the universe and paths to culture. These multiple denominations are perhaps indicative of the enthusiasm the materials evoke in people who know them well. They are deceptively simple in appearance and very satisfying to the developing child.

The Dutch brand Nienhuis Montessori is the world’s leading Montessori brand, that honours and continues the legacy of the Italian doctor Maria Montessori, and manufactures the widest and most innovative range of Montessori materials, furniture, books and related products. The high quality Nienhuis Montessori products provide children with the tools they need to become independent and critical thinkers. All Nienhuis Montessori materials are certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Materials Committee and are meticulously crafted to isolate difficulty so that children can focus, gain mastery, and flourish.