4 Sensorial Activities to do at Home
What are Sensorial Activities?
Sensorial activities are integral in Montessori education. Maria Montessori herself was a firm believer in including the senses in education, because it helps the child become more logical, perceptive and aware. Of course there are so many sensory activities that are done in the Montessori classroom, but we have comprised a short, simple list of sensory activities that anyone can do with their child at home! The purpose and aim of Sensorial work is to allow the child to explore and learn by interacting with their environment through the senses. The child will acquire clear conscious information through this exploration. The below activities are best catered towards the child aged 3-6.
1. The Colour Game
Aim:
- Refinement of the sense of colour
- To develop awareness of colour in the environment
- Preparation for future art work
Description:
This activity aids the development of sensorial and oral language skills.
Lay out all the different colored items. Say the name of each item with the child. Ask the child if they would like to play the colour game (this promotes the Montessori philosophy of choice, as outlined in our blog here).
Ask child to try to find something blue. Now something orange, Now green, Now yellow, Now red, Now pink. Now ask the child, “What are the names of the objects that you found?”
Be sure to have the child group the items in like colours.
2. Moonsand
Aim:
- Aids in dexterity development
- Helps the child learn maths skills when measuring
- Promotes creativity and imagination
- Teaches problem solving skills
Description:
Moonsand is a great and fun activity that the child can not only play with, but help the parent make! All that is needed to create the moonsand is 8 cups of flour and 1 cup of oil. Be sure to mix the flour and oil well, until the product is well incorporated. Now it’s ready to be molded and conformed to the child’s desire!
Pro-tip: Use baby oil instead of vegetable or olive oil.
3. Walk the Line
Aim:
- Aids the development of balance
- Helps the development of concentration
Description:
Walking on the line is a key Montessori activity. Ideally, the shape to create would be an ellipse as it allows for continuous movement without the need to stop at angles; however, in this image, the parent chose a square as it is easier to make in a home.
The child simply walks on the line with one foot in front of the other and tries to stay on the line. You can then give the child different items to hold such as a glass with a small amount of liquid in it or a bell. A bell is a very good one as they need to try and walk all the way around without ringing it. You can add music as the child walks however when adding music it should not have any marked rhythm.
Pro-Tip: Insulating tape works best as it does not mark the floor.
4. Mystery Bag
Aim:
- Promotes memory
- Aids fine motor skills
Description:
This is a great way to challenge the child’s sense of touch! Allow you and your child to find some small objects from your house or garden. Have a look at them. Feel them. No doubt they all feel very different! Next, put the objects into the bag. When you are ready, have the child reach into the bag and search for an object. Feel the object. Now ask the child, “Can you tell me what the object is, just by touching it?”
For more ideas and activities to do at home with your children, check out our blog page at www.smsi.ie.