Spindles Box: Wooden Storage for Loose Counting Spindles
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
A beechwood box for the loose counting spindles of the Spindle Boxes exercise. The open tray with its interior divider keeps the spindles tidy and ready between works, so the child can carry them to the mat, count them out into hands and compartments and return them without an adult stepping in. The unfinished natural beech shows the wood as it is and ages with the classroom. The spindles themselves are ordered separately. For children of 3-6 years.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
The Loose Spindles Box embodies Maria Montessori's principle of isolation of difficulty by presenting the child with a single sensorial quality to explore - the smooth, cylindrical form of the spindles. This material bridges the gap between sensorial and mathematical work, preparing the child's hand for writing while simultaneously introducing the concept of quantity.
- Development of pincer grip and fine motor control essential for writing
- Tactile discrimination through handling smooth wooden surfaces
- Visual discrimination of length and diameter variations
- Introduction to mathematical concepts of counting and quantity
Read More
Through repetitive manipulation of the spindles, children develop muscular memory and refined finger control essential for later pencil grip. The material's self-correcting nature allows children to work independently, fostering concentration and the inner discipline that Montessori observed as fundamental to the child's self-construction. The precision of the corner joints and smooth finish demonstrates the importance of beauty and quality in the prepared environment, inviting the child to treat materials with care and respect.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the spindle box on a mat or table at the child's working height. Ensure all spindles are present and in good condition. Sit to the right of the child if you are right-handed.
- 1
Slowly remove one spindle using thumb and two fingers, demonstrating the pincer grip
Move deliberately to allow the child to absorb the movement pattern - 2
Hold the spindle horizontally at eye level, running fingers along its length
This emphasizes the smoothness and cylindrical shape - 3
Place the spindle gently on the mat, aligned parallel to the box edge
Model care and precision in placement - 4
Continue removing spindles one by one, creating an organized arrangement
Work from left to right to reinforce reading/writing directionality - 5
Return spindles to the box individually, grasping at the center point
Observe if the child naturally finds the balance point
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
Spindles Box: Wooden Storage for Loose Counting Spindles
