Smooth Gradation TabletsTactile Discrimination Activity
The first photo is the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.
Inv. no. NIE-001440
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Product size
- 12 × 9 cm
- Box Construction
- Natural wood
- Tablet Materials
- Wood frame with smooth laminate center panels
- EAN
- 8719924000189
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 8719924000189 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.
Smooth Gradation Tablets in a child's hands
The Smooth Gradation Tablets refine the lightest touch: five pairs of smooth surfaces mounted on solid beechwood tablets of 12 x 9 cm, with a storage box to keep them. The child strokes each surface with the fingertips, first pairing the identical ones, then grading them by fineness, and the differences are subtle enough that the hand must slow down to feel them at all. The work builds the vocabulary of texture and the calm, deliberate touch that later tool work and writing depend on. Beechwood, for ages 3-6.
Tactile Discrimination
Children refine their sense of touch by perceiving and grading subtle differences in surface smoothness.
Concentration & Focus
The careful examination required to grade the tablets develops sustained attention and mindful observation.
Vocabulary Development
Introduces comparative language such as 'smooth,' 'smoother,' 'smoothest' and descriptive terms for texture.
Preparation for Writing
Develops the light touch and finger sensitivity essential for proper pencil grip and control.
How to present it
Place the box on a table mat. Sit to the child's dominant side. Remove tablets randomly and place them on the mat. Ensure hands are clean and warm.
- 1Demonstrate the three-finger grip, touching only the wooden frame
- 2Using middle and index fingers together, lightly stroke each tablet's center from top to bottom
- 3Select the smoothest tablet and place it to the left, then find the roughest and place it to the right
- 4Grade remaining tablets between these extremes, comparing adjacent pairs
- 5Perform a final check by running fingers across the complete gradation
- 6Mix tablets and invite the child to grade them independently
3 tips for parents
- At home, create texture collections using fabric swatches or paper samples for continued tactile exploration
- When outdoors, encourage touching different tree barks or stones, using similar grading language
- Respect your child's need to touch objects in daily life - this is crucial sensorial learning, not misbehavior
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
- Smooth Gradation Tablets: Set of 8 graded tablets
- Wooden Storage Box: With solid construction
Size and material
| Product size | 12 × 9 cm |
| Packaging | 15 × 15 × 13 cm |
| Box Construction | Natural wood |
| Tablet Materials | Wood frame with smooth laminate center panels |
| Recommended Age | 3-6 years |
Care
Wipe with slightly damp cloth; dry immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smooth Gradation Tablets and how are they used?
Smooth Gradation Tablets are a Montessori sensorial material consisting of eight wooden tablets with varying degrees of smoothness in their center panels. Children use their fingertips to feel each tablet, learning to discriminate between subtle differences in texture and arrange them from roughest to smoothest, developing refined tactile perception.
What skills do children develop using these tablets?
Children develop tactile discrimination, concentration, fine motor control, and the ability to perceive subtle differences through touch. This material also builds vocabulary related to texture (smooth, rough, smoother than, rougher than), prepares the fingertips for writing, and enhances sensory awareness essential for later academic work.
How do I present the Smooth Gradation Tablets to a child?
Demonstrate using the first three fingers to gently feel each tablet's center panel with light, circular movements. Show how to compare two tablets by feeling them alternately. Once the child can discriminate between textures, introduce grading by arranging all tablets from roughest to smoothest, encouraging systematic comparison and self-correction.
Why is the wooden box designed with corner joints?
The solid construction ensures durability for classroom use while teaching children to handle materials with care and respect. The quality craftsmanship reflects Montessori principles of providing beautiful, precisely-made materials that invite exploration and demonstrate the value placed on the child's learning experience.
What age is most appropriate for introducing these tablets?
While suitable for ages 3-6, most children are ready around age 3.5-4 when they have developed sufficient finger control and concentration. The child should have experience with other tactile materials like the Touch Boards before progressing to these more refined gradations. Individual readiness varies based on sensorial development and interest.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Smooth Gradation Tablets