Geometric Cabinet

The Geometric Cabinet lets the child abstract pure form from the objects of the world. The tracing finger engraves the shape into muscular memory, preparing for both geometry and the tracing of letters in sandpaper work. A figure placed in the wrong frame will not sit flush — the child sees the mismatch and re-tries.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Sensorial
• Learning area: Visual Form
• Level: Ages 4-5

Objectives

• Match plane geometric figures to their frames
• Acquire precise names for polygons, circles, and curves
• Trace each figure to register its form through the finger
• Prepare for geometry, art, and reading readiness

Materials

• Wooden cabinet with six drawers (presentation tray plus circles, rectangles, triangles, polygons, and curved figures)
• Set of three-part cards showing solid figures, outlined figures, and thick outlines

Instructions

1. Begin with the presentation tray containing a circle, a square, and an equilateral triangle. 2. Remove each figure using the small knob with a pincer grip. 3. Place the three figures and three frames in separate groups. 4. Select a frame and trace its inner edge with the index and middle fingers of the dominant hand. 5. Trace the matching figure's edge. 6. Set the figure into the frame. 7. Repeat with the other two. 8. Close the tray and use a three-period lesson to name circle, square, triangle. 9. Over successive days, introduce each subsequent drawer of the cabinet.

Educator tip

Always trace the figure and the frame, in that order, with two fingers. The finger teaches the eye — skipping the trace breaks the sensorial circuit.

Assessment

Observe whether the tracing is accurate and whether the child acquires and retains new vocabulary such as pentagon, curvilinear triangle, ellipse, ovoid.

More from Sensorial

• Constructive Triangles
• Binomial Cube
• Trinomial Cube
• Knobless Cylinders
• Touch Boards — Rough and Smooth
• Fabric Box
• Sound Cylinders (Noise Boxes)
• Montessori Bells — Pitch Matching