Children use a Montessori bolt block as a material to develop the hand and finger muscles. Strong hand and finger muscles are the first step to develop good pincer grip. In addition, the action of connecting the nut with the bolt is effective in developing hand-eye coordination. This Montessori bolt block wing nut is a step up in difficulty from the basic hex nut version, due to the characteristics of the wing nut.

About the Exotic Wood

This unique, high quality Montessori Bolt Block is handcrafted from Bubinga wood with a maple base. Bubinga is a popular African wood used by woodworkers for fine furniture making, inlays and veneers. Bubinga has a beautiful grain and it resembles Rosewood.  It is a very hard wood that is rot and termite resistant. This block is varnished with non toxic water based finishes. It is also available as a set of 3.

Montessori Bolt Block Step 2 – Wing Nut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guU24phMcco

Practical Life Activity

Children use bolt blocks as a Montessori Practical Life activity typically in the 3-6 year old classroom. This material helps develop and strengthen hand and finger muscles of the pincer grip. It is one of the many examples of how the design of Montessori materials indirectly prepare for a future skill – in this case for holding a pencil. In addition, the practical life aspect helps a child to learn how to thread, tighten and loosen a bolt and nut!

This bolt block material is an excellent addition to any preschool or homeschool classroom. It is both intriguing to children and develops concentration.

The Montessori bolt block wing nut is considered medium in difficulty, or Number 2 in the set of 3.

Features:

• 3/8″  Bolt and corresponding Wing Nut with an oversized Washer
• Base is approximately 2-3/8″ square (6cm) and 1″ thick (1cm) allowing it to be comfortably held in the hand

The wing nut is fun to grip and gives a different sensorial experience due to its unique shape.  This feature further develops finger dexterity and pincer grip.

Extension activity:

To add an element of challenge: once the nut is on the first few threads continue to spin the nut around the bolt using only one finger. This extension hones in on the hand eye coordination, fine motor skills and concentration.

Includes:

One Bolt block

One Washer

One Wing Nut