The benefits of learning through sensorial play in two Montessori schools

Abstract

This study examines the benefits that young children acquire when playing with sensorial materials. Drawing on sensory stimulation theory, which considers that learning is enhanced when the senses are stimulated and engaged, this study investigates the way typical Montessori sensorial materials are used at two local Montessori schools. A number of sensorial materials were observed in use by young children. Each respective sensorial material focused on enhancing one of the five senses: the visual sense, the acoustic sense, the tactile sense, the olfactory sense, and the gustatory sense. A qualitative approach was adopted. Data was collected mainly during eight observations, four in each school, in classrooms of three to five-year old children. Moreover, photographs were taken of the children while they were using the typical sensorial materials. To support the data collected, four interviews with two educators from each school were held in order to capture their views of sensorial materials. Findings from the study indicate that a number of different learning benefits occur through sensorial play. The most common learning benefit which emerged was the enhancement of the fine and gross motor skills. Other benefits included the enhancement of eye-hand coordination, the development of language skills, the ability to differentiate between objects, and the enhancement of mathematical skills.