Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 100-102). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART 1: 16. Lack of Comprehension

“The soul is constantly being nourished with the sight of natural beauties like the rising of the sun, or the delightful vision of a work of art, or with the sound of melodious voices or instruments….  If there were no ego to take delight in these various sights and sounds, what good would there be in these elaborate organs of sense?” (p.102, para. 1-2)

Part of the Early Childhood curriculum in a Montessori Classroom includes sensorial exercises.  Building sensorial skills brings concrete meaning to ideas that without experience are abstract. Sensorial activities help the child differentiate, categorize and grade smells, sounds, flavors, colors, sizes and textures.  Through his senses, the child learns to understanding the world around them and developing meaningful vocabulary, helping him to express himself and connect to his environment.  When a child feels a rough material, he connects the feeling with the meaning of the word, gaining understanding beyond basic comprehension.