Wooden Tray With Handles: Large
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
A large wooden tray with handles, 44 by 31 by 3.5 cm, for polishing, folding, pouring and anything else that needs its own boundary. Handles are what make a tray this size usable by a child: without them a wide tray is carried by gripping the edges, which tilts it, and a tilted tray of water is the end of the activity. With handles it stays level from the shelf to the table. Wood and plywood, for ages 0 to 6.
“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.”
The Wooden Tray With Handles serves as the physical foundation for countless practical life exercises in the Montessori toddler environment.
- Bilateral coordination through gripping both handles simultaneously
- Spatial awareness by organizing materials within tray boundaries
- Gross motor control when carrying loaded tray across room
- Visual-motor integration while placing objects on flat surface
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Its generous size accommodates multiple objects while the raised edges create clear boundaries that help young children understand spatial limits. The integrated cutout handles position naturally for small hands, enabling toddlers to experience success in carrying activities from shelf to table. This large wooden tray transforms abstract concepts of order and sequence into concrete experiences, when a child arranges pouring vessels on the tray's surface, they internalize left-to-right progression. The tray's sturdy wooden construction withstands repeated daily use while its smooth finish invites touch. By providing a defined workspace, this wooden tray helps children ages 0-3 develop the concentration necessary for complex tasks, as materials remain organized within the raised edges throughout an activity.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the wooden tray on a low shelf at child's eye level. Arrange one complete activity (such as dry pouring materials) on the tray surface. Ensure pathway from shelf to table is clear of obstacles.
- 1
Model approaching the shelf and placing both hands on the tray handles
Move slowly and deliberately to emphasize careful movement - 2
Lift the tray with both hands, keeping it level and close to body
Exaggerate the horizontal position to show importance of balance - 3
Walk heel-to-toe to the table, maintaining steady pace
Count steps aloud initially to help child focus on controlled movement - 4
Lower tray gently onto table surface using bent knees
Make contact with table edge first, then slide tray into position - 5
Complete the practical life activity arranged on the tray
Keep all materials within tray boundaries during work - 6
Return tray to shelf using same careful movements
Check that tray sits completely on shelf before releasing handles
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
AMI approved
To the association standard
Wooden Tray With Handles: Large
