I have many fond memories of children’s work with Montessori cylinder blocks. You’ve probably noticed that my now-adult daughter is part of the Living Montessori Now logo. She’s working with a cylinder block at age 1 1/2. Today, I’m sharing ideas for the first presentation of a Montessori cylinder block. This can be introduced as early as age 1 1/2.
First Cylinder Block Presentation for Toddlers
First Montessori Cylinder Block
The Montessori cylinder blocks are amazing materials for developing visual size discrimination. In the first Montessori cylinder block, the cylinders vary only in diameter but not in height. I love that they’re a beautiful introduction to Montessori sensorial activities along with being safe for toddlers.
Except for the two cylinder blocks that don’t have a short, thin piece, I don’t recommend having cylinder blocks accessible to toddlers unless you’re certain your toddler won’t mouth the cylinders. Be sure to watch the YouTube video to hear why I don’t recommend buying the toddler cylinder blocks (sometimes called mini cylinder blocks).
Working with a Montessori Cylinder Block at 18 Months
If your child attends or will attend a Montessori school, you don’t need to buy traditional Montessori materials (such as cylinder blocks). Cylinder blocks are wonderful to own if you’re a Montessori homeschooler, though. The cylinder blocks can be introduced to toddlers and used in a wide variety of activities throughout the preschool years.
First Cylinder Block Presentation for Toddlers – YouTube Video
In this video, my adult daughter, Christina (the one at age 1 1/2 in the Living Montessori Now logo) tells more about the Montessori cylinder blocks and shows a first presentation. My 18-month-old granddaughter, Zoey, joins Christina near the end of the video.
If you find that your toddler isn’t interested or ready for the cylinder blocks, don’t worry. They’re not at all essential for toddlers. Just put the cylinder block away, and get it out again in a month or whenever you think your toddler might be ready for a repeat presentation.
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Montessori Cylinder Block Resources and Presentations for Preschoolers
Knobbed Cylinder Blocks from Alison’s Montessori
My cylinder blocks are from Alison’s Montessori. I’m especially happy with the value line materials because they’re reasonably priced for homeschoolers, nice quality, and the cylinders fit perfectly in the holes (very important). You can read my review of the Alison’s Montessori cylinder blocks and knobbless cylinders. Cylinder blocks are some of the sensorial materials I recommend buying (for homeschoolers).
In the video, Christina shows a first presentation that works well for toddlers. For later presentations and for preschoolers, check out the cylinder block presentations from Montessori Primary Guide.
Here’s a Montessori Primary Guide YouTube video of a first cylinder block presentation for a preschooler.
If you homeschool a preschooler, please check out my post with Montessori sensorial size extensions. You’ll find lots of great ideas and printables for extensions.
This post is part of the 12 Months of Montessori Learning series!
Amazing blogs involved in the 12 Months of Montessori Learning
Natural Beach Living ~ The Natural Homeschool ~ Living Montessori Now ~ Planting Peas
The Kavanaugh Report ~ Mama’s Happy Hive ~ Study at Home Mama ~ Child Led Life
Every Star Is Different ~ Grace and Green Pastures ~ The Pinay Homeschooler
Learn more about Montessori at Home or School: How to Teach Grace and Courtesy!
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My 3 year old has always shied away from this activity and I wasn’t sure why. Lately we have started working together and he is becoming more engaged. Somehow it’s like he finds this activity to be a very “big work” so it overwhelms him unless we work together. I can’t wait until he makes the connection between this and the knobless cylinders 🙂
This is wonderful! The videos with your daughter are so perfect, I love watching them. Thanks for all of the great information you share.
Thanks for a great post on a great material! Your videos are always informative and this no exception. I enjoy a chance to see Zoey in action.
Dream material of mine. Thank you for sharing this post. I decided NOT to get this material, but after reading and watching your video…. now I’m undecided once again. LOL.
This blog post is so helpful to me as I am homeschooling my child. I will use this as a resource post. Thank you!
Great presentation! I can’t wait to introduce to Nora! Henry loved these for a long time, and I’m sure Nora will too.
I just introduced Blocks 1 and 2 of the Knobbed Cylinders to my 23 month old and she was pretty good with it.