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Nienhuis MontessoriAMI Approved3 to 6 years

The Brown StairBrown Lacquer

The first photo is the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.

Inv. no. NIE-002550

Maker
Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
Approval
AMI
Primary Material
Solid wood
Finish
Brown lacquer coating
EAN
8719924001247
€230.90

Final price incl. VAT. Free delivery.

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Advicebefore and after
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Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.

The original

Why it costs €230.90

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 8719924001247 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.

The Brown Stair: Brown Lacquer: Child learning
Illustrative shot.
What the child does

The Brown Stair in a child's hands

Ten prisms that change in thickness, width and height together, while their length stays exactly the same, which is the point and the reason this is not just a smaller Pink Tower. Holding the tower's cubes, a child feels three dimensions changing at once; holding these, only the thickness changes and the length stays, so thickness is isolated and can actually be perceived. The prisms run in precise steps from 1 x 1 x 20 cm up to 10 x 10 x 20 cm. Building the stair and feeling the constant length under changing thickness is quiet preparation for area and volume years later. Wood with lacquer, for ages 3 to 6.

Visual Discrimination

Children refine their ability to perceive subtle differences in two dimensions simultaneously, building the foundation for geometric understanding.

Mathematical Preparation

Working with the Brown Stair introduces concepts of gradation, seriation, and the relationship between dimensions that later support understanding of the decimal system.

Motor Planning

Carrying and arranging the prisms develops coordination and spatial awareness while strengthening the child's sense of order.

Activity Guide

How to present it

Place the Brown Stair mat in an open floor space. Carry each prism individually with both hands, starting with the largest, arranging them randomly on the mat.

  1. 1Invite the child to build the stair, beginning with the thickest prism as the base
  2. 2Place each subsequent prism centered on the previous one, creating a uniform stair pattern
  3. 3When complete, view the stair from multiple angles to observe the gradation
  4. 4Introduce vocabulary by selecting contrasting prisms: 'This is thick, this is thin'
3 tips for parents
  • Point out thick and thin objects during daily activities: 'The tree trunk is thick, the branch is thin'
  • When cooking, compare utensils: 'Which spoon has a thicker handle?'
  • Build awareness through questions rather than corrections when observing your child's work
From the same maker

Accessories

Why it is in our selection
Norbert Kovalčín

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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Details
What's in the Box
  • Brown Stair prisms: 10 graduated wooden blocks
  • Storage consideration: No container included
Size and material
Product size28 × 21 × 17 cm
Packaging28 × 21 × 17 cm
Primary MaterialSolid wood
FinishBrown lacquer coating
ConstructionPrecision-⁠cut prisms
Recommended Age3-⁠6 years
Care
CleaningWipe with slightly damp cloth, dry immediately
MaintenanceCheck periodically for chips in lacquer finish
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dimensions of the Brown Stair blocks?

The Brown Stair consists of 10 wooden prisms, each 20cm in length. The largest block measures 10cm x 10cm in cross-section, and each subsequent block decreases by 1cm in both height and width, with the smallest being 1cm x 1cm.

How does the Brown Stair differ from the Pink Tower?

While both materials teach dimensional relationships, the Brown Stair focuses on two dimensions (height and width) with consistent length, whereas the Pink Tower changes in all three dimensions. The Brown Stair develops discrimination of thickness and prepares for mathematical concepts like base ten system.

What is the proper presentation sequence for the Brown Stair?

Begin by carrying one prism at a time to a work mat, starting with the largest. After bringing all blocks, build the stair from thickest to thinnest, aligning them at one end. Introduce vocabulary like 'thick/⁠thin' and 'thicker/thinner,' then invite the child to explore independently.

How do I maintain the brown lacquer finish?

Clean the blocks with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture. The lacquer finish is durable but should be inspected periodically for chips or wear. Store in a dry environment to preserve the wood and finish.

What extensions can be done with the Brown Stair?

Extensions include combining with the Pink Tower for pattern work, using as a unit of measurement, creating different stair configurations, tracing prisms on paper, and exploring mathematical relationships. Children often discover creative building possibilities while maintaining respect for the material.

Product safety

Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands