Material name: Roman Arch (Montessori Roman Arch)
Area: Sensorial & Geometry / Early Engineering
Purpose & developmental benefits:
The Roman Arch allows children to explore the structural principle of the arch through hands-on construction and balance. By arranging and supporting the blocks to form a complete arch, children discover the crucial role of the keystone and how force is evenly distributed through the structure. This material offers a concrete and intuitive understanding of stability, balance, and load-bearing, beautifully connecting geometry, physics, and early engineering.
Skills supported:
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Develops spatial reasoning and logical thinking
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Builds understanding of balance, symmetry, and weight distribution
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Strengthens planning skills and sequential work
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Encourages concentration, patience, and precision, with clear self-correction (the arch collapses if built incorrectly)
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Expands scientific and geometric vocabulary (arch, pier, keystone, etc.)
Recommended age: 3–6 years (Casa),
introduced after experience with advanced construction and geometry work
Material & design:
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A Nienhuis set made entirely from beechwood
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Includes a wooden base, two side piers, and multiple wedge-shaped or trapezoidal blocks to form the arch
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Comes with temporary support bars used during construction
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The central keystone locks the arch into place once supports are removed
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Smooth wooden finish with precise shapes for accurate building
Use in the classroom / at home:
Children begin by setting up the two side piers on the base and placing the temporary support between them. They then add the arch blocks from both sides toward the center, finishing by placing the keystone. Once complete, the support is carefully removed to test the structure.
Extensions may include discussing why the arch stands, observing real-life arches in the environment, and making connections with Geometric Solids or Constructive Triangles.
At home, it is best to offer the material on a large work mat, allowing the child to work slowly, experiment freely, and learn through trial and error.
