Montessori sensorial materials are materials used in the Montessori classroom to help a child develop and refine his or her five senses. Use of these materials constitutes the next level of difficulty after those of practical life.
Our tamariki explore sensorial materials so they can observe and learn to differentiate between, changes of size, texture, smell, taste and dimensions, slowly building a concrete understanding of their world around them allowing them to move into a more abstract understanding of concepts.
Like many other materials in the Montessori classroom, sensorial materials have a “control of error”, meaning that the child can work with the material independently, but has a way to check their work rather than seeking out their teachers at the first hurdle.
This gives a child real sense of achievement and satisfaction that they can problem solve themselves- an essential life long skill.
Kaiako demonstrate each new material to the child and then leave the child to practice and master this new skill. We are on hand to help of course-there is a fine balance of allowing opportunites of persistence but we also do not want a child becoming too frustrated and giving up. This is where kaiako relationship with the child is of utmost importance, first we observe where your child interests and developmental level lies. The child and teacher choosing 'where to next". Whanau input and collaboration is vital- you are your child's most important teacher. Please let us know anything you can to help us - we value this immenslely
Our job is to scaffold and encourage in the most nurturing way.
