Discount Montessori Metal Insets Tracing Tray

Customer Ratings:

I sought out this particular style of tray because I love having a clearly defined space to put all of the elements needed for metal inset work. The paper, inset/frame, and pencils fit perfectly in the appropriate sections, which is wonderful. The tray itself is also sturdy and attractive. My only complaint is that it is much bigger than is necessary, with thick borders of wood not used for anything. Space is at a premium in our classroom, as in many others, and this takes up more room than it needs to on the shelf, while also being a tad awkward for small hands. A small price to pay for a quality item, but something to consider.

UPDATE: Now that this tray has been used in my classroom for several months, my opinion is slightly less positive than it was to begin with. First, the white background in the areas for the paper and inset is confusing. Since it's the same color as white paper, children often mark on the tray by mistake, thinking they're writing on the side where they've put their paper. At first, I was able to use some baking soda paste to rub off marking, but this isn't working any longer so the tray simply doesn't look very nice any longer. Also, it was accidentally dropped by a child once, as they took it from a low shelf. It landed on its corner on the floor, and it completely came apart. The four wooden sides were able to be pressed back together, and I used to wood glue to keep them that way, but there are now some very obvious seams where the wood used to fit together perfectly. The tray is working fine for now, but a new one of a different design is on my list.

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I like this tracing tray with one of our grandchildren and I am sure that as soon as the other grandchild gets older, he will too. The concept of tracing at an early age is very good for many children because it teaches them 'how to hold the crayon or pencil correctly when they are learning to trace or write. This is an important skill to learn and with time, improve their penmanship; it is also a good way to teach them patience when tracing or writing; remember to make whatever exercise you choose, an attractive one and one that is also interactive; in other words, make sure YOU the instructor (parent or teacher) are in the right frame of mind to make the event one that will have the child or children coming back for more.