Sensorial

Refining the senses and preparing for mathematical and language concepts

The Sensorial materials are designed to help children refine their senses and develop their ability to observe, compare, and classify. These materials prepare children for mathematical and language work by developing their powers of discrimination and perception.

Through sensorial work, children learn to organize and categorize their experiences, building the foundation for abstract thinking.

Sensorial Materials

Visual Discrimination

Materials that help children distinguish differences in size, shape, and color:

  • Pink Tower: 10 cubes increasing in size from 1cm? to 10cm?
  • Brown Stairs: 10 prisms increasing in width
  • Red Rods: 10 rods increasing in length
  • Color Tablets: Matching and grading colors
  • Geometric Cabinet: Shapes and their variations
  • Constructive Triangles: Creating shapes from triangles

Tactile Discrimination

Materials that develop the sense of touch:

  • Touch Boards: Rough and smooth surfaces
  • Touch Tablets: Grading textures from rough to smooth
  • Fabric Box: Matching fabrics by feel
  • Thermic Bottles: Distinguishing temperatures

Auditory Discrimination

Materials that refine the sense of hearing:

  • Sound Boxes: Matching sounds
  • Bells: Musical scale and matching tones
  • Silence Game: Developing awareness of sound

Olfactory & Gustatory

Materials that develop smell and taste:

  • Smelling Bottles: Matching scents
  • Tasting Bottles: Distinguishing tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter)

Why Sensorial Work Matters

Foundation for Math

Visual and tactile discrimination prepares children for understanding mathematical concepts like size, quantity, and relationships.

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Foundation for Language

Refining the senses helps children notice details and differences, essential for reading and writing.

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Classification Skills

Children learn to organize and categorize, developing logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

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Concentration

Sensorial work requires focused attention, developing the ability to concentrate for extended periods.

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How Sensorial Materials Work

Sensorial materials are designed with specific characteristics:

1
Isolation of Quality: Each material isolates one quality (size, color, texture, etc.) so children can focus on that specific attribute.
2
Control of Error: Materials are self-correcting, allowing children to discover and correct their own mistakes.
3
Gradation: Materials progress from simple to complex, allowing children to build skills gradually.
4
Beauty: Materials are aesthetically pleasing, attracting children and encouraging engagement.

See Sensorial Materials in Action

Schedule a tour to see our Sensorial materials and activities.

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