Slatted Chair: High (17.5 cm)
A slatted chair at 17.5 cm for a child of roughly one to two years, with a seat shaped so the toddler is pushed back into the right position instead of perching on the front edge. Perching is what a flat seat produces, and a toddler on the edge of a chair spends their attention on not falling rather than on what is in front of them. The shaping does the work an adult would otherwise do by reminding. Plywood with laminated wood, seat height 17.5 cm.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
The Slatted Chair with its 17.5 cm seat height serves as a fundamental tool for independence in the Montessori toddler environment.
- Independent sitting and standing transitions
- Postural control and core strength development
- Spatial awareness through chair positioning
- Social skills during group activities at child-height tables
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Dr. Montessori observed that when children can sit with their feet firmly planted on the floor, they gain both physical stability and psychological security. The chair's proportions - specifically the 17.5 cm height - enable toddlers to climb up and down independently, exercising their will through purposeful movement. The slatted seat design promotes air circulation during extended sitting periods, while the two-rail backrest provides minimal support, encouraging active posture development. This chair transforms everyday activities like eating, working with materials, or participating in group activities into opportunities for physical development. The ability to move the chair independently allows toddlers to create their own work spaces, fostering decision-making skills and environmental awareness. Through using properly-sized furniture, children develop spatial awareness, coordination, and the confidence that comes from managing their physical environment without adult assistance.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the chair at a child-sized table in an accessible area. Ensure clear pathways for carrying the chair. Mark a designated spot on the floor with tape if needed.
- 1
Show the child how to stand behind the chair and grasp both sides of the seat
Use slow, deliberate movements to model careful handling - 2
Demonstrate lifting the chair slightly off the ground and walking forward
Keep the chair close to your body to model proper carrying technique - 3
Place the chair gently at the table, showing how to align it properly
Let the child hear the quiet sound of careful placement - 4
Model sitting down by backing up to the chair and lowering slowly
Emphasize feet flat on floor for stability - 5
Stand up by pushing through the legs, not pulling on the table
Practice this movement separately if needed
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
Brands used by
schools worldwide
European brands
AMI
Endorsed
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