FROM HOME & CLASSROOM MAGAZINE: It's Too Delicious
Through his eyes, and ears, and touch- the world is both beautiful and overwhelming.
Written by Abbe Kovacik
Temperament describes the way in which we approach and respond to the world. Understanding temperament can help us to nurture a child’s development. Children who have an “active temperament” may be highly sensitive and very aware of their environment. They may be uncomfortable with the texture of their clothing, the sounds in a classroom, or the firmness of their chair. Less sensitive children, or those with a “flexible temperament” may be more tolerant of environmental sensations but may also be slow to respond to stimulus.
Much like the Princess and the Pea; for some children even the slightest sensory input can be uncomfortable. My youngest son, Adin, really hated socks with rigid seams. Always looking for the teachable moment; I turned his deep aversion of “scratchy socks” into a research study. We purchased a variety of socks, examined their seams, created a grid to record our observations, rated their comfort, and read books on how socks are made. Always a fan of humor, he giggled hilariously at a reading of “There Are Rocks in My Socks,” Said the Ox to the Fox by Patricia Thomas.
It is clear to me that Adin, feisty in nature, approaches the world in a different manner than I do. He hears all parts of a musical composition. I hear the melody. He sees all of the varied hues of a sunset. I see the horizon. He can detect the specific aroma of a flower. I see a garden. His sensitivity to stimuli triggers his brain to respond both intellectually and emotionally. Through his eyes, and ears, and touch- the world is both beautiful and overwhelming. At age 7, upon taking a bite of chocolate cake, he explained, “That is so delicious; silky, sweet chocolate… bitter chocolate, and….nutty.” I asked if he would like a slice. He said; “No.” Holding his hands up in a stopping motion…”it is too delicious to have more!”
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If you are interested in creating experiences to support a child’s ability to receive, interpret, and effectively use information provided by all the senses see the Montessori inspired activities listed below.
SMELLING BOTTLES
photo credit: https://www.mamashappyhive.com/diy-montessori-inspired-scent-jars/
Easy to make smelling bottles will delight children. To make your own sensory bottles, put cotton balls into empty plastic spice bottles. Place a few drops of vanilla, lemon, or peppermint extract on each cotton ball. Put picture and word labels on the bottles. Make two of the same bottles so that children can match the bottles. It’s best to start with only two or three pairs of bottles.
Visit www.mamashappyhive.com/diy-montessori-inspired-scent-jars/ for some DIY tips.
SOUND BOTTLES
Collect 10–12 small plastic bottles. Drinkable yogurt bottles work well; some with red tops and some with blue. Fill the bottles with rice, black eyed peas, dry pasta, salt etc. Make two of the same bottles for matching. Hot glue shut. Organize the bottles from softest to loudest sounds. Present them on a tray.