
Cylinder Block No. 1Height and Diameter Increase Together
The first photos are the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.
Inv. no. NIE-001900
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Primary Material
- Solid beech wood
- Finish
- Varnish coating
- EAN
- 8719924000387
Final price incl. VAT. Delivery €5.90, €68.10 to go for free delivery.
Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.
Why it costs €80.90
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 8719924000387 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.

Cylinder Block No. 1 in a child's hands
The Cylinder Block No. 1 introduces dimensional variations through cylinders that differ in diameter while maintaining constant height. This fundamental Sensorial material develops visual discrimination, fine motor control, and prepares the hand for writing through the precise three-finger grip of the cylinder knobs. Part of the classic Montessori cylinder block series, it isolates the concept of thickness for focused exploration.
Visual Discrimination
Develops the ability to perceive subtle differences in dimension through systematic comparison of cylinder diameters.
Fine Motor Preparation
The knobbed cylinders strengthen the three-finger grip essential for writing, while precise placement refines hand-eye coordination.
Mathematical Foundation
Introduces concepts of gradation, seriation, and dimensional relationships that prepare for later mathematical understanding.
Concentration Development
The self-correcting nature of the material encourages focused attention and systematic problem-solving skills.
How to present it
Place the cylinder block on a table mat at the child's dominant hand side. Ensure adequate workspace and good lighting. Sit beside the child, not across from them.
- 1Using your dominant hand, grasp the knob of the thickest cylinder with three fingers (thumb, index, middle). Lift it slowly and deliberately from its socket.
- 2Place the cylinder gently on the mat in front of the block. Continue removing all cylinders one by one, mixing their order on the mat.
- 3Select one cylinder, lift it carefully, and hover it over each socket until finding where it fits perfectly. Lower it slowly into place.
- 4Continue replacing cylinders one by one. If a cylinder doesn't fit, try another socket without forcing it.
- 5When all cylinders are replaced, run your finger along the tops to check they're flush with the block surface.
3 tips for parents
- At home, offer similar grading activities using household items like measuring cups or nesting containers
- When your child works with this material at school, avoid praising completion, instead, acknowledge their concentration and effort
- Support vocabulary development by using comparative language in daily life: 'This carrot is thicker than that one'
Accessories and spare parts
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
- Wooden cylinder block: With 10 fitted holes
- 10 wooden cylinders: Each with knob handle, varying diameters
Size and material
| Packaging | 47 × 10 × 9 cm |
| Primary Material | Solid beech wood |
| Finish | Varnish coating |
| Recommended Age | 3-6 years |
Care
Wipe with slightly damp cloth, dry immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cylinder Block No. 1 different from the other cylinder blocks?
Cylinder Block No. 1 specifically isolates the concept of diameter/thickness. All cylinders have the same height but vary in diameter from thin to thick. This isolation of a single variable helps children focus on one dimensional change at a time, following Montessori's principle of isolating difficulty.
How does this material prepare children for writing?
The small knobs on each cylinder require children to use the three-finger grip (thumb, index, and middle finger) - the same grip used for holding a pencil. Repeatedly grasping and placing the cylinders strengthens these fingers and develops the fine motor control essential for writing.
What skills do children develop using this material?
Children develop visual discrimination of size, hand-eye coordination, concentration, problem-solving skills, and order. They also build vocabulary (thick/thin, thicker/thinner, thickest/thinnest) and learn to make careful observations and self-correct their work.
Can this be used independently or should it be part of a set?
While Cylinder Block No. 1 is valuable on its own for introducing diameter variation, it's traditionally part of a four-block series. Each block isolates different dimensions. Using all four blocks allows children to explore relationships between diameter and height in increasingly complex ways.
What age is most appropriate for introducing this material?
Most children are ready for Cylinder Block No. 1 around age 3-3.5, when they have developed sufficient hand control and can concentrate for short periods. It's typically one of the first Sensorial materials introduced, as it provides concrete, manipulative learning that matches young children's developmental needs.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Cylinder Block No. 1



