The 3 Discs on a Vertical Dowel is a classic “first” stacking material in the Montessori toddler environment, typically introduced between 10 and 13 months. It is often the very first material offered after a Child has mastered the “dropping” motion of the Object Permanence and Imbucare boxes.
While it looks like a simple toy, it represents a major developmental shift: moving from the act of releasing an object into a void to the act of placing an object onto a specific target.
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Refined Hand-Eye Coordination: The Child must align the small hole in the center of the disc with the tip of the vertical peg. This requires much more visual and motor precision than dropping a ball into a large hole.
Intentional Release: It teaches the Child to hold their arm and hand steady in space until the disc has successfully “caught” the peg.
Grasp Development: The discs are usually thin and wide, encouraging the child to use their fingers rather than their whole palm to manipulate the object.
Sense of Completion: Unlike a bottomless box, this material has a clear “finished” state. When all three discs are on the peg, the task is complete, which helps the Child develop a sense of order and logic.
In the sequence of Montessori dowel materials, discs are introduced before cubes or prisms for several reasons:
The Shape: A circle has no corners. No matter how the Child rotates the disc, the hole remains the center of focus.
The Hole: The hole in the disc is usually slightly larger than the dowel, providing a “forgiving” margin of error for a Child who is just learning to coordinate their movements.
Tactile Feedback: The smooth, rounded edges are satisfying for a toddler to hold and explore.
Preparation: Place the base on a low table or rug with the three discs already stacked on the peg.
Removal: Slowly remove the discs one at a time and place them in a small basket or on the rug to the left of the base.
The Action: Pick up one disc, hold it over the peg so the Child can see the alignment, and let it slide down.
Repeat: Place the remaining two discs.
Turn-Taking: Remove the discs again and invite the Child to try.
Montessori materials follow a strict hierarchy of difficulty to ensure the Child is challenged but not frustrated:
Single Disc on Vertical Dowel: To introduce the concept.
3 Discs on Vertical Dowel: (This material) To build repetition and concentration.
3 Cubes on Vertical Dowel: Adds the weight and bulk of a square shape.
Discs on Horizontal Dowel: Requires a 90-degree wrist rotation.
The base is manufactured in birchply and the discs are sold beechwood.
Dimensions
One of the attractions to the Montessori Method is the extensive use of wood.
We use several types of wood, sourced from renewable sources, in the production of our Montessori Materials.
We ensure that the coatings and inks used are not only eco-friendly, but also non-toxic.
Our wooden products are manufactured by responsible partner factories both locally and abroad and ensure that fair labour practices are adopted.
Care instructions for Childrens House Wooden Materials:
Order R1000 worth of items to qualify for free shipping to your door anywhere in South Africa.
Transit times depend on your location:
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We offer free delivery to the USA:
Should you require further information about shipping charges, please feel free to contact us at info@childrenshouse.co.za
| Weight | 0.19 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 13 × 13 cm |
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Works well for my toddler at home. I would recommend for other mothers of toddlers who want to follow Montessori at home.
Good value for money toddler item
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Regina Pieterse (verified owner) –
Works well for my toddler at home. I would recommend for other mothers of toddlers who want to follow Montessori at home.
Lynn Myers (verified owner) –
Good value for money toddler item