Metal insets are a common material used in Montessori classrooms for the development of fine motor skills, pre-writing skills, and geometric exploration. They consist of a set of metal shapes, usually made of a thin metal plate, with various outlines such as circles, squares, triangles, and polygons. Each shape is inset into a wooden frame, making it easy for children to trace the shapes with a pencil or crayon.

Metal insets are designed to help children refine their hand movements, develop hand-eye coordination, and prepare for writing. By tracing the shapes, children practice their grip, pencil control, and finger dexterity. They also provide a foundation for handwriting by allowing children to practice the basic strokes and shapes they will encounter when forming letters. The various shapes help them become familiar with curves, straight lines, angles, and more complex figures.

Montessori emphasizes hands-on learning and the use of specially designed materials to support children’s development. Metal insets are one of the many materials used in Montessori classrooms to promote the growth of various skills in a holistic and engaging manner.