The purpose of sensorial activities is to help children sharpen their senses, absorb abstract information, and classify their environment while using hands-on materials. These activities help the child to think for themselves using a systematic approach

     According to Montessori, sensory development starts at birth. The child learns about his surroundings by using his senses. He then starts to comprehend his surroundings as a result of this investigation. The child is a “sensorial explorer” in Montessori’s eyes. The Sensorial area in a Montessori classroom focuses on lessons and activities that help develop the five senses: tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory. 

Here are 5 easy sensorial activities to do with your child:

Sound cylinders

     This activity will help the little ones in enhancing their auditory sense. Sound Cylinders are cylindrical containers that contain a variety of materials that will produce multiple sounds varying from soft to loud. It improves children’s ability to recognize differences and variations in sound.

Pink Tower

     The iconic Pink Tower consists of ten wooden pink cubes that increase in size by one cubic centimeter each block. By highlighting disparities in dimension, this activity will improve the child’s visual perception, fine motor skills and sense of order. This deceptively straightforward Montessori practice also has multiple goals ranging from introducing mathematical, volume and cubing ideas to really complex objectives such as the introduction to the decimal system and pre-algebra work.

Knobbed Cylinders

     This activity has a control of error built into the material, so apart from the ability to explore the senses of touch and sight, it also encourages independent play. It is presented in a straightforward manner from easiest to most difficult. It has different variations ranging from height and diameter. They are mostly intended to teach kids how to visually distinguish between different dimensions. However, as the little ones improve this skill, they can start doing it with their hands as well. 

Discovery Basket 

     Consider placing many intriguing, everyday items in a basket for your toddler to discover. It will help enhance the sense of touch. A discovery basket can be filled with almost anything, including fabric samples, small mirrors, lavender satchels, seashells, metal whisks, and napkin rings. For young children, exploring these common materials may be quite exciting since it gives them first hand exposure to a variety of interesting everyday items. 

Smelling Bottles 

     It might sound silly, but presenting bottles with different scents will heighten the child’s sense of smell. It will also help the child’s olfactory sense develop as they become more familiar with the many scents that already exist in his environment. Make sure to place each scent in two bottles, so that the child is challenged to a matching game of smells. There are so many scents you can choose from, but start with 2 or 3 at a time such as vanilla, peppermint, and lemon extracts.