Ball TrackerInfant Visual Tracking
The first photos are the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.
Inv. no. NIE-041300
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Product size
- 57 × 24 × 44 cm
- Primary Material
- High-quality plywood
- EAN
- 8719924012489
Final price incl. VAT. Free delivery.
Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.
Why it costs €185.90
Behind the price of the original are things you can check yourself.
AMI approval
The material is approved by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Nienhuis has made Montessori materials since 1929.
A verifiable original
The EAN 8719924012489 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.
Ball Tracker in a child's hands
A wooden frame for a baby who has just learned to pull themselves up to standing. The child places the ball at the top and follows it down with their eyes, slowly enough to actually track it, and near the bottom the ball passes out of sight for a moment before reappearing. That short disappearance is the material's real work: it is object permanence offered as a game rather than a lesson. Tracking a moving object is also groundwork the eyes need long before reading. Plywood and wood, 57 x 24 x 44 cm.
Visual Tracking
Following the ball's path strengthens eye muscles and develops smooth visual tracking abilities crucial for later reading skills.
Object Permanence
Watching the ball disappear and reappear through holes reinforces understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight.
Cause and Effect
Releasing the ball and observing its predictable journey builds foundational understanding of action-reaction relationships.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Placing balls in the entry hole refines precision grasping and spatial awareness essential for fine motor development.
How to present it
Place the Ball Tracker on a low shelf or directly on the floor against a wall for stability. Ensure balls are in a small basket beside the tracker at child's reach.
- 1Demonstrate slowly placing one ball in the top hole, exaggerating your visual tracking as it rolls
- 2Offer the child a ball and wait for them to attempt placement
- 3When the ball completes its journey, retrieve it slowly and deliberately
- 4Continue as long as the child shows interest, maintaining silent observation
3 tips for parents
- Practice patience, young children may repeat this activity 30+ times in one sitting as they build understanding
- Avoid adding sound effects or narration; the ball's natural rolling sound provides sufficient auditory feedback
- Notice if your child begins predicting where the ball will appear next, this indicates developing spatial intelligence
If you are not sure it suits your child, we answer in person.
Norbert Kovalčín, founder of Faborino · write to him
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What's in the Box
- Ball Tracker Structure: Fully assembled wooden unit
- Collection Tray: Integrated at base
Size and material
| Product size | 57 × 24 × 44 cm |
| Packaging | 59 × 46 × 27 cm |
| Primary Material | High-quality plywood |
| Recommended Age | 0-3 years |
Care
Wipe with damp cloth, dry immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the Ball Tracker suitable for?
The Ball Tracker is designed for children ages 0-3 years. It's particularly beneficial starting around 6-8 months when babies can sit independently and begin exploring cause and effect relationships through repetitive play.
What skills does the Ball Tracker develop?
This material develops visual tracking abilities, hand-eye coordination, object permanence understanding, concentration, and cause-and-effect reasoning. The repetitive nature of the activity also supports the development of order and sequence comprehension.
What size balls work with this tracker?
The Ball Tracker is designed to work with standard wooden balls approximately 45-50mm in diameter. Using the correct size ensures smooth rolling action and prevents balls from getting stuck or moving too quickly for young children to track visually.
How does this support Montessori principles?
The Ball Tracker embodies Montessori principles through its self-correcting design, isolation of concepts (tracking movement), and support for repetitive practice. It allows independent exploration while building concentration and providing immediate feedback through the ball's predictable path.
Is assembly required and how sturdy is the construction?
The Ball Tracker comes fully assembled and features solid wood construction with smooth, splinter-free surfaces. The stable base prevents tipping during use, and the durable design withstands repeated daily use in both home and classroom environments.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Ball Tracker