What is the geometric cabinet in Montessori?
The geometric cabinet is a wooden cabinet of drawers holding flat inset shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles, polygons, curved figures) with matching frames, plus cards showing each shape in three forms: filled, thick outline and thin outline. Children trace, match and name shapes, refining visual and tactile perception and learning geometry vocabulary.
What this means in practice
Usually a demonstration tray of a few shapes is presented first, followed by the drawers.
Activities
- Removing and replacing insets
- Tracing edges with two fingers
- Matching insets to cards
- Naming shapes with the three-period lesson
Links
Tracing shapes prepares for the metal insets used for pencil control.
Practical next steps
- Start with the demonstration tray.
- Trace edges slowly.
- Use the three-period lesson.
- Match to card series.
ExampleRohan traces a decagon and proudly tells his mother its name at home.
What to keep in mind
Introduce a few shapes at a time.
Common follow-up questions
What age?
About 3½–5.
Is it the same as metal insets?
No; metal insets are for pencil control.
Sources
Examples are educational illustrations with made-up names. How these answers are prepared.