At Davebrook Schools & College in Makogi, we believe that profound learning often looks like simple play. One of the most fascinating tools in our preschool classrooms is the Montessori Brown Stairs (also known as the Broad Stair).
While they appear to be just a set of wooden blocks, these stairs actively lay the groundwork for a child’s future success in mathematics and engineering.
What Exactly Are the Brown Stairs?
The Brown Stairs consist of ten rectangular wooden prisms. Each block shares the exact same length (20 cm), but they differ significantly in thickness and height. The series ranges from a thick, heavy base block (10 cm x 10 cm) to a tiny, thin prism (1 cm x 1 cm).
More Than Meets the Eye: What Children Learn
When a child at Davebrook interacts with these materials, they do more than stack wood. They actively engage in “visual discrimination of dimensions.” Through handling these materials, children:
- Master Size Concepts: They physically feel the difference between “thick” and “thin,” transforming abstract vocabulary into concrete reality.
- Sharpen Coordination: Carrying and placing these prisms improves fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
- Build Deep Concentration: Arranging the stair requires focus and precision, fostering an attention span that serves them in all future subjects.
- Prepare for Math: By ordering objects by size, children unconsciously practice grading and measurement—skills vital for geometry and arithmetic later in life.
How Our Students Use Them
The process is hands-on and self-correcting. The child places the prisms on a floor mat, starting with the thickest block. They carefully select the next thickest, placing it beside the first, continuing until the thinnest prism sits at the top.
When arranged correctly, the blocks form a perfect, even staircase. If a child makes a mistake, the stair looks uneven. This allows the child to spot their own error and fix it without an adult’s correction, boosting their confidence and independence.
A Simple Explanation for Our Little Ones
We explain it to the children simply:
“These Brown Stairs help us understand big and small. We arrange them from the biggest to the smallest to build a beautiful stair!”
At Davebrook Schools & College, we are proud to offer these world-class Montessori tools to give our students the best start in life.
Visit Us
Davebrook Schools & College No 2/4 Wisdom Estate, Makogi/Shefu Road, Makogi, Magboro, Ogun State. Email: info@davebrookschools.com Phone: 09053592410, 08105842907