The Wooden Tray Small: Set Of 2 is a Accessories Montessori material designed for children aged 0-3, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
This set of two wooden serving trays provides essential support for the Montessori prepared environment, enabling children to carry materials independently and develop organizational skills. The raised edges and oval handle cutouts offer secure grip points perfectly sized for small hands, while the smooth plywood construction ensures durability for daily classroom use.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”— Maria MontessoriEducation and Peace
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
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. 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.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Show child how to grasp tray with both hands through oval cutouts
Walk carefully to work area, keeping tray level
Lower tray gently to table or mat using knees
Complete chosen activity using materials from tray
Return all items to tray in original arrangement
Carry tray back to shelf using same careful movements
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Carrying trays develops balance, coordination, and careful movement essential for daily living activities.
Using designated trays helps children understand boundaries and maintain an organized work environment.
Child-sized handles and lightweight construction enable autonomous material transport and activity setup.
The focus required to carry items without spilling enhances attention span and mindful movement.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Start with lightweight materials like fabric squares or wooden blocks until carrying skills develop”
Keep tray activities on lower shelves initially for easier independent access
Rotate materials on trays weekly to maintain interest while keeping tray-carrying constant
Use one tray for wet activities (with small pitcher) and one for dry materials to prevent mixing
Everything you need to know about this material.
Each wooden tray measures approximately 30 x 20 cm with 2 cm raised edges. The sturdy plywood construction can safely hold up to 2 kg of materials, making them suitable for carrying various Montessori activities including pouring exercises, practical life materials, and art supplies.
These trays promote independence by allowing toddlers to transport materials themselves, supporting the Montessori principle of 'Help me do it myself.' The oval handle cutouts are ergonomically designed for small hands, encouraging proper grip development and bilateral coordination essential for this age group.
The trays are crafted from high-quality plywood with a smooth, natural finish that's free from harmful chemicals and splinters. The water-based, non-toxic sealant makes them safe for children who may still be in the mouthing stage while being easy to clean and maintain.
Yes, these trays are versatile for numerous activities including water pouring exercises, transferring activities with beans or rice, snack preparation, art projects, and organizing sensorial materials. They're also perfect for creating defined work spaces on tables or floors.
Having two trays allows for activity rotation, enables multiple children to work simultaneously, and supports practical life exercises like sorting and matching. One tray can be designated for wet activities while the other remains for dry materials, maintaining proper classroom organization.
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