Wooden Tray Small: Set Of 2
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
Two small wooden trays of 23 by 17 by 3.5 cm, for polishing, folding, pouring and anything else in the prepared environment that needs a boundary. A tray is what turns a scattering of objects into a piece of work: everything for the activity is on it, the child carries it to a table, and when the tray goes back the work is finished. Two is the useful number, because one activity is nearly always waiting while another is out. Plywood and wood, for ages 0 to 6.
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
The Wooden Tray Small serves as a fundamental tool for independence in the Montessori environment, allowing children as young as twelve months to transport materials from shelf to workspace.
- Develops bilateral coordination through two-handed carrying
- Strengthens gross motor planning and spatial awareness
- Builds independence in selecting and organizing work materials
- Enhances concentration through defined workspace boundaries
Read More
These trays create defined boundaries for activities, helping toddlers understand that each work has its own space and materials. The oval handle cutouts positioned at each end of the wooden tray accommodate the developing grip of young children, who initially carry items with both hands centered on their body. By providing these serving trays in pairs, we enable simultaneous work by multiple children, reducing waiting time and supporting the social development that emerges in toddler communities. The smooth plywood construction of each tray withstands repeated daily use while maintaining the aesthetic order essential to the prepared environment. When children select a tray from the shelf, carry it to their chosen workspace, and later return it, they practice the complete cycle of activity that builds concentration, coordination, and a sense of completion.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place trays on accessible shelf at child's chest height. Arrange simple materials (3-4 items) on one tray for initial presentation.
- 1
Show child how to grasp tray with both hands through oval cutouts
Demonstrate at child's eye level, moving slowly - 2
Walk carefully to work area, keeping tray level
Take exaggerated careful steps to model balance - 3
Lower tray gently to table or mat using knees
Emphasize quiet placement without sliding - 4
Complete chosen activity using materials from tray
Keep all materials within tray boundaries - 5
Return all items to tray in original arrangement
Point out each item's specific position - 6
Carry tray back to shelf using same careful movements
Wait until child masters before adding more complex materials
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
Wooden Tray Small: Set Of 2
