Description

Few Montessori materials have such a subtle yet powerful impact on the Child as the Pressure Cylinders.  Originally designed by George Russell, these cylinders were created to refine a child’s baric sense; their ability to detect and compare degrees of pressure through touch alone.

Russell’s intention was simple;  offer the Child an activity that isolates all, but one variable, i.e. pressure.  This will ensure the Child’s focus is pure, uncluttered, and deeply sensory.

Decades later, the Pressure Cylinders remain an essential material in high-quality Montessori environments because they:

• Strengthen the small intrinsic muscles of the hand needed for writing and tool use
• Develop precise tactile discrimination through graded spring resistance
• Encourage concentration, comparison, and quiet repetition
• By offering the Child a sensorial experience that cannot be replicated through digital or visual means

Crafted in solid beech wood, beautifully simple, and entirely self-correcting, this material echoes the same values at the heart of the prepared environment: purpose, precision, and respect for the Child’s inner development.

The wooden Pressure Cylinders provide experiences, in pairing, and grading degrees of pressure.  By pressing the spring loaded plungers, the Child senses the difference in resistance to pressure.

Contents of the Pressure Cylinders

The set includes a wooden tray, that holds 6 matching pairs of pressure cylinders.

• 1 x Wooden Beech wood Base with 12 indentations to hold 12 bottles – 32cm x 10cm x 2cm / (12½” x 4″ x ¾”)
• 6 Pressure Tubes with a White pressure point – 10cm diameter x 8cm high / (4″ x 3″)
• 6 Pressure Tubes with a Black pressure point – 10cm diameter x 8cm high / (4″ x 3″)

Related Products

• The Blindfold
• Touch 2 Match
• The Thermic Tablets
• The Sound Boxes

Further Reading and Resources

1. The sensorial experience in the Montessori classroom by the Growing Curiosity Community School