The development of the senses begins almost from the moment of birth. A baby’s vision gradually improves, allowing them to start recognizing familiar faces and objects around them. The same goes for hearing — infants begin to recognize voices, respond to pleasant and unpleasant sounds, and calm down when they hear a lullaby or their mother’s gentle voice. Taste, smell, and touch also rapidly develop, helping the child explore the world and connect with their environment.
Anthropological research shows that early sensorial development played a vital role in human survival and remains one of the most important aspects of overall development. While modern environments protect children from many external threats and stimuli, sensorial education Montessori style is still essential for healthy brain development.
In the Montessori educational approach, sensorial development is given special attention. That’s because children learn about the world through their senses — engaging directly with objects, phenomena, and concepts in a hands-on and meaningful way. The importance of sensory play cannot be overstated. It is linked to the development of fine motor skills, enhances cognitive growth, promotes practical life skills, stimulates brain activity, and is incredibly beneficial in helping children learn emotional regulation. By using all five senses in a structured and intentional way, children refine their perceptions and build deeper connections with the world around them.
What Is Sensorial Education in Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that sensory experiences form the foundation for intellectual development. She proposed categorizing sensory play by specific qualities: activities that develop texture perception, as well as games focused on sound, smell, taste, and vision. For instance, one day a child may play with Montessori sensorial materials to explore different textures by touch; the next day, they might go for a walk in the park to listen to birds, and on another occasion, they may be baking cookies with their parents — smelling the ingredients, tasting the result.
Each type of sensory play not only nurtures the brain but also provides practical knowledge and life skills. Kids learn to distinguish between warm and cold objects by touch or to compare items by weight and texture. These activities help children classify, compare, and better understand the attributes of objects and their surroundings.
To learn more about the value of sensorial education Montessori, and how to apply it at home with children from birth to school age, explore our detailed guide “What is Sensory Play?”. Available as a downloadable e-book, it includes everyday strategies for meaningful and fun sensory activities.
Why Does Sensorial Education Matters?
When children manipulate materials that engage their senses, they begin to develop:
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Fine motor skills
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Language acquisition through descriptive vocabulary
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Focus and attention
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Memory and reasoning abilities
One of the key Montessori principles is the concept of the absorbent mind — the idea that children absorb information from their environment like a sponge. That’s why sensorial education in Montessori enables children to observe, try, experiment, and internalize as much knowledge as possible about the world around them. These early experiences lay the groundwork for future academic success and help build confidence throughout the child’s developmental journey.
What Are Montessori Sensorial Materials?
To support sensorial growth in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, you can use a wide variety of materials that are already available at home. In our article 10 Engaging Sensory Activities for Preschoolers, we share fun ideas that can be introduced right in your living room. And in What Are Sensory Toys, we highlight common items that work perfectly as Montessori sensorial materials — many of them DIY, yet just as effective as specially designed tools.
That said, in Montessori preschool environments, you’ll often find materials developed by Maria Montessori herself and her followers. These include:
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Knobbed cylinders
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Color tablets
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Sound boxes
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Sensory boards
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Wooden puzzles with pegs
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Busy boards
All of these tools are self-correcting, meaning children can explore and experiment, make mistakes, and try again in a safe and supportive setting.
Creating a Sensorial Area at Home
A dedicated sensorial area in your home can provide your child with consistent opportunities for exploration and learning. This doesn’t require a classroom setup; just a quiet space with a few purposeful materials is enough.
Start with simple, open-ended tools such as:
These products from WoodandHearts are designed to support active exploration and calm sensory input. For example, the Sensory Table allows children to scoop, pour, and dig in different textures, while the Balance Beam builds body awareness and stability. The Pod Swing creates a gentle cocoon that supports vestibular stimulation and emotional regulation.
Sensorial Education Through Play
Play is the primary activity of early childhood, so it makes sense to integrate learning experiences into playful moments. This way, learning happens organically and effortlessly. There’s no need to emphasize that it's “lesson time” or expect your child to behave in a specific way — you're simply playing, while your child naturally absorbs knowledge, gains experience, and benefits from the interaction.
Explore the developmental value of sensory-based play with our article 6 Main Benefits of Sensory Toys for Your Child. There, we dive deeper into how sensory play supports key areas of development, and how to combine fun and learning in ways that truly engage toddlers and preschoolers.
The Lasting Impact of Sensorial Education
Sensorial education Montessori doesn’t just prepare children for school — it prepares them for life. By developing their ability to observe, try, make mistakes, analyze, compare, and describe, we help children grow into confident individuals.
Refined hearing, sight, and touch also lay a strong foundation for mastering essential academic skills such as reading, writing, math, and art. Sensorial education Montessori helps children discover what they enjoy and where their passions lie. For instance, painting may awaken a love for visual expression, while listening to music might spark a desire to learn an instrument. Beyond practical skills, sensorial education Montessori nurtures self-awareness and emotional insight.
If you're unsure where to start, begin with small steps. Create a simple sensorial area at home, offer one interesting sensory activity a day, and always present it as play. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results!
