This post includes ideas fro Sensorial materials for toddlers. The other morning my 3 year old and I were in our garage choosing new books to rotate into our library. I saw him eye my large storage container marked Sensorial materials. He ran over to it and wanted in on it. I was at first annoyed and sighed but then I thought about it. He and his brother hadn't touch the materials on their Sensorial shelves for weeks. I thought maybe we needed new sensorial materials? So, we dragged the container into our home. I let my sweet, curious toddler explore the contents. What I discovered by observing him was that he was enthralled with the early sensorial works, those materials perfect for toddlers and young preschoolers. I realized that maybe I had pushed lessons and materials on him when he wasn't ready for the work.
Sensorial Materials for Toddlers
Sorting and Snapping
Melissa & Doug Sort & Snap Color Match
is hugely popular in our home and it is the perfect sensorial activity for toddlers. Both my 3 and 4.5 year old love using the templates and snapping the corresponding colors into place. My 3 year old did at least four of the templates that morning. Great for fine motor skill development and for pattern work.
Creating Designs
Haba's Geo Shape Hammering Material is phenomenal.
The product comes with various colored shapes, a thick cork board for hammering, a hammer perfect for little hands and small nails (these nails are extremely small actually. I didn't expect it.). I place one color of shapes in a small bowl, the nails in a small dish, the hammer and the cork board on a tray. So, keep it simple. Then it is not so overwhelming for the younger children. This work is great for fine motor skill development and pre-sensorial work.
Smelling Bottles
I created Smelling Bottles last year with vanilla, lemon, strawberry and cinnamon. He could not get enough of them. First, we smelled each one. Then I worked with him to find pairs. I marked the pairs. It was fun to watch him check his work. Smelling Bottles are an easy and inexpensive DIY Montessori material. Smelling Bottles are another staple in a Montessori classroom. You can actually purchase this material at a reasonable price but making them on your own is really easy.
Sound Bottles
He loved the Sound Bottles too. I made these materials last year with simple items from around the house such as salt, beans and rice. I made four pairs from softest to loudest. Sound Bottles are a staple in a Montessori classroom.
Thanks for reading!
Marnie
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