2 Bells Mounted: High C
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
The high C, the top of the range and the note that closes the octave the low C opened. Laying the scale out and hearing the two Cs answer each other is the moment the octave stops being a word: the same note, and obviously not the same note, both at once. Children usually find this pair on their own before anyone names it, which is the best possible order. Metal on a wooden base, for ages 3 to 6.
“Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.”
The 2 Bells Mounted: High C serves a precise purpose in the Montessori environment as the foundation for auditory discrimination work.
- Development of auditory discrimination through matching identical High C tones
- Refinement of controlled arm and wrist movements for consistent sound production
- Understanding of cause and effect between striking force and volume
- Preparation for musical pitch recognition and future bell gradation work
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These two identical High C bells allow children to experience the concept of 'same' in sound, establishing a concrete reference point before introducing pitch variations. The polished metal dome and wooden base provide clear visual distinction between the sound-producing element and its support structure, helping children understand cause and effect in sound production. The ergonomic handle positions the child's hand for optimal striking technique, promoting controlled movement that directly correlates to sound quality. By offering two identical bells rather than one, this material enables collaborative work and verification experiences where children can confirm matching sounds through repetition. The High C pitch specifically chosen for these bells falls within the optimal frequency range for young children's developing auditory perception, making pitch recognition accessible without strain.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place both bells on a table mat, spacing them approximately 12 inches apart. Set a small striker between them. Ensure the room is quiet enough for clear sound perception.
- 1
Demonstrate lifting the first bell by its handle with your dominant hand
Hold the handle loosely to allow the bell to ring freely without dampening - 2
Strike the bell gently with the striker held in your other hand
Strike the metal dome at its widest point for the clearest tone - 3
Listen to the complete resonance until the sound fades entirely
Model patient listening by keeping your body still - 4
Repeat with the second bell, maintaining the same striking force
Use identical movements to produce matching sounds - 5
Invite the child to strike both bells and compare the sounds
Ask 'Do these sound the same?' to develop discrimination vocabulary
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
AMI approved
To the association standard
2 Bells Mounted: High C
