List of Montessori Sensorial Materials

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If you are familiar with the Montessori philosophy and the materials that are used in the classroom, then this list of sensorial materials will be "old hat." However, if you are new to Montessori and are wanting to incorporate Montessori materials into your homeschool environment, this list will be helpful. This list of Montessori Sensorial Materials is for ages 2.5 to 6.5 years old. Also, with "extension" exercises added these materials can possibly be enjoyed up to 7 or 8 years of age.

Montessori Sensorial Materials

What are Montessori sensorial materials?

These materials were brilliantly designed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the late 1800's. Her goal was to help a child absorb abstract information, sharpen their senses, and classify their environment. All while using these concrete hands-on manipulatives. Each material has a "control of error" to allow the child to self-correct himself. This encourages the child to process the information for themselves and find the answer to the problem. The beauty of Montessori materials is that they teach a child to think for themselves using a systematic approach. These materials help a child embrace and fine-tune their senses. The materials cover the five senses.

The Five Senses Include:

Visual (Seeing)
Acoustic (Hearing)
Tactile (Touching)
Olfactory (Smelling)
Gastatory (Tasting)

FYI: The sensorial materials can be more of a challenge and heighten a child's senses by closing their eyes or being blindfolded, as well as adding "extension" exercises.

Our Favorite Materials for the Five Senses

List of Montessori Sensorial Materials

In this list, you will find different materials present in the Montessori Sensory Teaching Manual. If you buy the manual, you will also see the step by step for each material. Another wonderful online resource for step-by-step instructions is infomontessori.com.

What to keep in mind when using these Montessori sensorial activities?

Please note that the list below is only a guide to the possible order of introduction of the sensory materials. It is important to "follow the child" and what interests him and move to the child's rhythm. For example, you want the child to get involved with work. If the job is too challenging, then take a step back and reevaluate. Repetition with less challenging work is perfectly acceptable until the child is developmentally ready to move on.