SolarisMontessori Clock with Interchangeable Faces
All photos are the maker's own.
Inv. no. NIE-315000
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Product size
- 27 cm
- Base
- Natural wood
- Clock Hands
- Metal
- EAN
- 8719924023973
Final price incl. VAT. Free delivery.
Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.
Why it costs €172.90
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 8719924023973 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.
Solaris in a child's hands
A clock the child builds rather than reads. The components assemble into a working clock, and the face can be swapped between Arabic numerals, Roman numerals divided into minutes, and a sundial. Changing the face is the lesson: the same moment in time looks completely different depending on the system used to write it down, which is exactly the insight that makes telling time click rather than being memorised. A sundial alongside a numbered dial also quietly says that clocks came from somewhere. Wood, metal and plastic, 27 cm, for ages 3 to 6.
Mathematical Understanding
Supports comprehension of number systems, circular counting, and the relationship between different numerical representations.
Abstract Thinking
Bridges concrete manipulation to abstract time concepts through interchangeable visual representations.
Fine Motor Precision
Develops pincer grip and hand control through careful placement of clock hands and ring exchanges.
Sequential Learning
Encourages systematic exploration from simple number recognition to complex time-telling skills.
How to present it
Place the Solaris wooden base on a mat. Arrange the three number rings nearby: standard numerals, Roman numerals, and practice ring. Set moveable clock hands to 12:00 starting position.
- 1Begin with the standard number ring, naming each hour position while touching the numerals 1-12
- 2Demonstrate moving the hour hand to specific positions, stating 'three o'clock' while placing the hand at 3
- 3Introduce the minute hand after mastery of hours, showing 'half past' and 'quarter past' positions
- 4Switch to Roman numeral ring once comfortable with standard time-telling
3 tips for parents
- Reference household clocks after your child works with Solaris, noting similarities and differences
- Practice time-telling during daily routines: 'We eat dinner when the clock looks like this'
- Avoid digital time references initially; keep focus on analog representations
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
- Wooden clock base: The child assembles the clock from the components
- Interchangeable faces: Arabic numerals, Roman numerals divided into minutes, and a sundial
- Hour hand: Metal, removable
- Minute hand: Metal, removable
Size and material
| Product size | 27 cm |
| Packaging | 37 × 32 × 15 cm |
| Base | Natural wood |
| Clock Hands | Metal |
| Number Rings | Durable plastic |
| Recommended Age | 6-12 years |
Care
Wipe wooden base with slightly damp cloth; clean plastic rings with mild soap solution
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the Solaris clock learning system suitable for?
The Solaris is designed for children ages 3-6 years old, aligning with the Montessori sensitive period for learning time concepts and numerical representations.
What comes with the Solaris clock system?
The Solaris includes a wooden base clock with three interchangeable number rings featuring standard numbers, Roman numerals, and alternative numerical representations for comprehensive time-telling exploration.
How does this support Montessori learning principles?
The Solaris follows Montessori methodology by providing hands-on, concrete materials that children can manipulate to understand abstract time concepts through visual comparison and tactile exploration.
Can children use this independently?
Yes, once introduced to the material, children can work independently to change number rings, explore different time representations, and develop their understanding of clock reading at their own pace.
What skills does the Solaris help develop?
This material develops time-telling abilities, number recognition, understanding of Roman numerals, fine motor skills through ring manipulation, and abstract thinking through comparing different numerical systems.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Solaris