Botany Cabinet Control Chart
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
The control chart for the Botany Cabinet, printed in green on thick white plastic. It works with the cabinet and with the Botany Cabinet Nomenclature Cards, and all three are separate items, which is worth saying plainly since the chart on its own is a reference sheet and not a material. What it does is take the adult out of the loop: the child matches a leaf shape, checks the chart and moves on without asking whether they were right. Plastic.
“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.”
The Botany Cabinet Control Chart provides children with a concrete reference point for botanical classification work, allowing independent verification of leaf identification exercises. This laminated chart presents 18 distinct leaf shapes alongside their precise botanical terminology, creating a visual dictionary that children consult during their explorations. By displaying each leaf form with its corresponding name, the control chart enables immediate self-correction when children match cabinet insets or trace leaf outlines. The clear labeling on this reference tool introduces scientific vocabulary through direct visual association, building precise botanical language alongside shape recognition.
- Develops independent verification skills through self-checking leaf matches
- Builds botanical vocabulary by associating visual forms with scientific names
- Enhances visual discrimination between 18 distinct leaf shapes
- Strengthens attention to detail when comparing subtle leaf variations
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When children compare their work against the control chart's 18 leaf examples, they develop confidence in their ability to distinguish subtle differences between similar forms like ovate and obovate leaves. This essential verification tool transforms botany study from dependent learning into autonomous discovery, as children no longer require adult confirmation to know if their leaf classifications are accurate.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the control chart on a low shelf near the Botany Cabinet. Ensure good lighting allows children to clearly see all 18 leaf shapes and their labels. Have tracing paper and pencils available nearby.
- 1
Child selects a leaf inset from the Botany Cabinet and traces its outline
Encourage holding the inset steady with non-dominant hand while tracing - 2
After tracing, child brings their work to the control chart for comparison
Model scanning the chart systematically from left to right - 3
Child matches their traced leaf to the corresponding shape on the chart
Point out distinguishing features like leaf margins or apex shapes - 4
Once matched, child reads or copies the botanical name from the chart
Provide moveable alphabet for children not yet writing - 5
Child verifies accuracy by comparing their tracing directly with the chart image
Use a pointer to highlight matching characteristics
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
Botany Cabinet Control Chart
