Rough Gradation TabletsTactile Discrimination Activity
The first photo is the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.
Inv. no. NIE-001400
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Product size
- 12 × 9 cm
- Tablet Material
- Natural wood
- Surface Material
- Graduated sandpaper textures
- EAN
- 8719924000172
Final price incl. VAT. Delivery €5.90, €92.10 to go for free delivery.
Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.
Why it costs €56.90
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 8719924000172 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.
Rough Gradation Tablets in a child's hands
Five pairs of sandpaper in graded roughness, mounted on solid beechwood tablets of 12 by 9 cm, with a box to keep them in. Pairing them is done with the eyes closed, and it has to be, because sandpaper grades look far more alike than they feel. Five grades is a deliberate limit: enough that the middle three are genuinely hard to tell apart, few enough that a child can hold the whole range in their fingers at once. Beechwood with graded sandpaper, for ages 3 to 6.
Tactile Discrimination
Refines the sense of touch through systematic exploration of graduated textures, developing the ability to perceive subtle differences.
Hand Preparation
Light touch movements across surfaces prepare the hand muscles and sensitivity needed for proper pencil grip and writing pressure.
Concentration Development
Matching and grading activities require sustained focus, building the child's capacity for concentrated work.
Vocabulary Enrichment
Introduces comparative language: rough, rougher, roughest, smooth, smoother, smoothest, supporting precise communication.
How to present it
Place the box of tablets on a table mat. Ensure hands are clean and warm. Sit to the child's dominant side.
- 1Remove the first tablet (roughest) and demonstrate tracing with two fingers (index and middle) moving from top to bottom slowly
- 2Invite the child to trace the same tablet, observing their touch pressure
- 3Introduce the smoothest tablet for contrast, using the same tracing motion
- 4Mix these two tablets and invite the child to find the rough one with eyes closed
- 5Gradually introduce middle gradations, always working with contrasts first
- 6Once familiar with all tablets, invite the child to grade from roughest to smoothest
3 tips for parents
- Create texture books at home using various materials to extend tactile exploration
- During daily activities, draw attention to textures - smooth soap, rough towels, soft cotton
- Respect your child's need to touch and explore safely rather than saying 'don't touch'
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
- Rough Gradation Tablets: Approx. 10 tablets with graduated textures
- Wooden Storage Box: Natural finish for organized storage
Size and material
| Product size | 12 × 9 cm |
| Packaging | 15 × 15 × 14 cm |
| Tablet Material | Natural wood |
| Surface Material | Graduated sandpaper textures |
| Storage Box | Natural wood construction |
| Recommended Age | 3-6 years |
Care
Dust gently with soft brush; avoid moisture on sandpaper surfaces
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablets come in the Rough Gradation Tablets set?
The set typically includes 5-6 pairs of wooden tablets, each pair featuring identical sandpaper surfaces that progress from very rough to smooth textures, allowing children to match and grade the tablets by touch.
What skills do children develop using the Rough Gradation Tablets?
Children develop refined tactile discrimination, concentration, and finger sensitivity. The material also prepares the hand for writing through controlled finger movements and builds vocabulary for describing textures (rough, smooth, rougher than, smoother than).
How do children work with the Rough Gradation Tablets?
Children use their fingertips to feel each tablet's texture, then match pairs with identical roughness or arrange them in order from roughest to smoothest. Work progresses from matching to grading, and can be done with eyes open or blindfolded for increased challenge.
What is the difference between Rough Gradation Tablets and Touch Tablets?
While both develop tactile discrimination, Rough Gradation Tablets specifically focus on graduated sandpaper textures from rough to smooth. Touch Tablets typically feature contrasting textures (rough/smooth) without the fine gradations, making them suitable for younger children.
Can these tablets be used with other Montessori sensorial materials?
Yes, the Rough Gradation Tablets complement other tactile materials like Touch Boards, Fabric Box, and Sandpaper Letters. They form part of the sensorial curriculum's systematic approach to refining the sense of touch and preparing for academic work.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Rough Gradation Tablets