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Nienhuis MontessoriAMI Approved3-⁠6 years according to the maker

Hollow Letter ShapesInternational Cursive

€128.90incl. VAT, free delivery

  • In Stock. Delivery in 5 to 9 working days.
  • 30 days to return
1
The original

Why it costs €128.90

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 8719924003340 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.

What the child does

Hollow Letter Shapes in a child's hands

Hollow Letter Shapes, International Cursive give children a set of painted wooden letter outlines to trace with a writing tool, separating the two skills involved in handwriting: forming the correct letter shape and learning to control the instrument. By guiding a pencil around each hollow cursive letter, children ages 3 to 6 practice the precise, controlled movements that later carry over into writing on paper. It is a focused preparation step before children begin handwriting freely.

Cursive Writing Preparation

The hollow grooves guide natural hand movements, establishing the flowing patterns essential for cursive writing before pencil work begins.

Muscle Memory Development

Repeated tracing with finger or stick builds the specific hand movements needed for each letter formation.

Visual-Tactile Integration

Children connect the visual appearance of cursive letters with their kinesthetic formation through guided touch.

Letter Recognition

Color-coded boards reinforce the distinction between vowels and consonants while introducing cursive letter shapes.

Activity Guide

How to present it

Place the Hollow Letter Shapes on a table at child height. Select 3-⁠4 boards beginning with letters the child knows from sandpaper letter work. Have a small tray nearby for completed boards.

  1. 1Demonstrate tracing one letter slowly with your index and middle fingers together, starting at the correct point
  2. 2Invite the child to trace the same letter, watching as their fingers follow the groove
  3. 3Once comfortable, introduce the letter's sound while tracing
  4. 4Progress to tracing with eyes closed to enhance muscle memory
  5. 5When ready, offer chalk or pencil to trace the letter on paper immediately after finger tracing
3 tips for parents
  • Practice air writing the same letters at home, using large arm movements to reinforce the patterns
  • Avoid correcting letter reversals - the grooves will naturally guide proper formation
  • Notice which letters your child chooses repeatedly - these are often ones they're mastering
Size and material

What it is made of

Board Size
Approx. 30 × 22 × 16 cm
Base Material
Solid wood
Surface Finish
Paint
Why buy here

What you get at Faborino

  • Free delivery€128.90 is the final price incl. VAT, with no delivery charge. Delivery in 5 to 9 working days.
  • 30 days to return, and we pay for the returnInstead of the statutory 14 days, you have 30 days to try it at home.
  • Advice before and after you buyQuestions about age, space or assembly? A person answers, personally. Write to us
  • Invoices for companies tooWe also invoice companies, nurseries and kindergartens.
In short

Hollow Letter Shapes for your child

  • Recommended Age: 3-⁠6 years
  • Base Material: Solid wood
  • Board Size: Approx. 30 × 22 × 16 cm
  • Free delivery, delivery in 5 to 9 working days
  • 30 days to return

€128.90incl. VAT, free delivery

Not sure it suits your child? Write to us, we answer personally.

Inv. no. NIE-005600

Maker
Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
Approval
AMI
Board Size
Approx. 30 × 22 × 16 cm
Base Material
Solid wood
Surface Finish
Paint
EAN
8719924003340
Why it is in our selection
Norbert Kovalčín

If you are not sure it suits your child, we answer in person.

Norbert Kovalčín, founder of Faborino · write to him

There is no review here yet. We will ask you for one after you buy. Write the first review

Details
What's in the Box
  • Letter tracing boards: Approx. 4 boards with cursive formations
  • Wooden tracing stick: For guided letter practice
Size and material
Board SizeApprox. 30 × 22 × 16 cm
Base MaterialSolid wood
Surface FinishPaint
Recommended Age3-⁠6 years
Activity Duration10-⁠20 minutes
Care

Wipe with slightly damp cloth, dry immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these hollow letter shapes different from sandpaper letters?

While sandpaper letters provide textured surfaces for tracing, hollow letter shapes feature routed grooves that physically guide the child's finger through the correct letter formation. This deeper tactile feedback helps children who need more support transitioning to writing, as the grooves prevent fingers from straying off the letter path.

Why are the boards pink and blue?

The pink and blue colors follow traditional Montessori language coding: pink represents consonants and blue represents vowels. This visual distinction helps children recognize and categorize letters while building phonemic awareness, supporting their understanding of how letters work together to form words.

At what stage should children use these hollow letter boards?

These boards work best after children have explored sandpaper letters and before they begin writing with pencils. Typically around ages 4-⁠5, when children have developed the pincer grip and hand strength needed for writing but still benefit from guided letter formation practice.

How do these boards support international cursive specifically?

The routed grooves follow the precise flowing movements of international cursive script, including proper entry and exit strokes. This helps children internalize the connected nature of cursive writing, making the eventual transition to pen and paper more natural and fluid.

Can these boards be used for children with special needs?

Yes, the deep grooves provide excellent support for children who struggle with fine motor control or visual-motor integration. The physical boundaries help build muscle memory and confidence, making these boards particularly beneficial for children with dysgraphia or developmental delays in writing readiness.

Product safety

Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands