2 Bells Mounted: E
This set of two mounted bells, tuned to the musical note E, forms an key piece of the Montessori bells material for auditory discrimination and musical education. Each bell features a polished metal dome that produces a clear, resonant tone when struck, mounted on a stable square base for precise placement during matching and grading activities. The identical pitch allows children to explore concepts of sound matching, develop acute listening skills, and begin their journey into musical notation.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”
The 2 Bells Mounted: E exemplifies Maria Montessori's profound understanding of how children develop auditory discrimination through hands-on exploration.
- Develops acute auditory discrimination through matching identical E tones
- Builds concentration and focus through careful listening exercises
- Establishes the concept of 'same' and 'different' in sound
- Strengthens auditory memory by internalizing the E pitch
Read More
These identical E-tuned bells address the child's sensitive period for refinement of the senses, particularly hearing, which peaks between ages 3-6. The polished metal domes produce precise, resonant tones that isolate a single auditory quality - pitch - allowing children to focus their attention without distraction. By providing two bells of the same note, this material creates opportunities for the child to discover the concept of 'same' through their own sensory experience. The square mounting bases ensure stability during striking, eliminating variables that might confuse the learning process. This deliberate simplicity in the bell design reflects Montessori's principle that materials should isolate difficulty - here, the child concentrates solely on matching sounds without concerns about handling or positioning. The clear E tone becomes a reference point in the child's auditory memory, building the foundation for later work with the complete bell sets and eventual music notation.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place both E bells on a table mat, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Have a small mallet ready. Ensure the environment is quiet to allow full concentration on the sounds.
- 1
Strike the first E bell gently with the mallet, listening until the sound completely fades
Model closing your eyes to enhance listening focus - 2
Strike the second E bell with the same gentle motion
Maintain consistent striking force to produce comparable tones - 3
Alternate striking each bell, allowing the child to observe they produce the same sound
Pause between strikes for the full resonance to be heard - 4
Invite the child to strike each bell themselves, discovering the matching sounds
Guide them to use gentle wrist movements rather than arm swings - 5
Play a listening game where you strike one bell while the child closes their eyes, then they find and strike the matching bell
This reinforces that both bells produce identical E tones
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
Brands used by
schools worldwide
European brands
AMI
Endorsed
Related Materials
