Introduction to Sensorial

Children learn about the world through their senses—by seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. Young children especially explore everything with their whole body. A baby might look at something, touch it, shake it, or even put it in their mouth to understand it better.

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that the early years are the perfect time to help children develop and sharpen their senses. To support this, she created special materials called Sensorial materials that help children notice small details in the world around them.

In the Montessori classroom, children first explore clear differences—like smooth and rough, or light and heavy. Then they move on to matching colors or textures, and later to sorting things from lightest to darkest or smallest to biggest.

Each material focuses on just one idea, such as color, shape, size, weight, sound, texture, or smell. For example, the Colour Tablets are all the same shape and size—only the color changes—so the child can focus on learning about color.

Why does this matter? Because simply seeing or touching things isn’t enough. Children need to learn how to notice, compare, and understand what they sense. The Sensorial materials help children train their minds to think more clearly and carefully—skills that will help them throughout life.

Some of the most famous Montessori materials—like the Pink Tower, Broad Stairs, and Red Rods—are part of the Sensorial area. Dr. Montessori adapted these tools from ones used to test adult intelligence, understanding that if young children used them early, they could develop these important skills from the very beginning.

Let me know if you'd like versions for toddlers, primary-aged children, or for use in a brochure or website!