Why is the tower pink?

[guestmama9911]

I'm new to Montessori studies, and I have to ask - why is the tower pink?

[mehndi mama]

I've been wondering the same thing! Is it important that it be pink, or is it just a reference point, to differentiate it from other materials?

[Montessori Mommy]

i'm not sure who decided the pink tower should be pink and the brown stairs should be brown, but I think it's as simple as being able to show what items belong to what sets of manips. And it's easier to reference with the colors, and makes material uniformity possible between schools.

Dr. Montessori talks about the "pink" tower in her book, "The Montessori Method" but she does not refer to it as being pink. She describes them as wooden blocks, and their sizes.

[Lillianna]

Apparently Dr. M chose the colour pink after experimenting with the children's reactions to a variety of different colours. The high gloss of the pink tower accentuates the size gradation and is an intensely interesting color, stimulating use.

[guestmama9911]

Thanks, ladies!

[mehndi mama]

Originally Posted by Lillianna

Apparently Dr. M chose the colour pink after experimenting with the children's reactions to a variety of different colours. The high gloss of the pink tower accentuates the size gradation and is an intensely interesting color, stimulating use.

That makes sense. If I recall correctly, every one of my kids has gone through a "pink is my favorite color" phase around the age of 3 or 4. It always lasted longer with the girls, because grandparents encouraged it with them, but still, it *is* a fascinating color to preschoolers for some reason.