Visual sense plays an important role in Montessori learning. Along with the other sense, Montessori work is designed around them. Montessori activities engage the whole person – body, mind, and senses.
What is visual sense in Montessori? The visual sense in Montessori is the ability to identify and differentiate forms, objects, colors, and sizes. It is the ability to track and follow movements for deeper evaluation.
The visual sense is one of the senses Montessori education aims to stimulate to develop the child’s natural inclination for learning.
Why is Visual Sense Development Important in Montessori
Visual sense development is important because children are not born with a fully developed sense of sight.
Sight improves as children grow. It is important to stimulate it and train the eyes to be strong and sensitive.
When born, infants only see shadows and darkness. As they grow, their eyesight develops until they see colors. During these times, it is important to support that journey with appropriate activities.
A sharp sense of sight is one of the building blocks of a smart, healthy child.
Visual Sense Work in Montessori
Visual sense work in Montessori is designed to sharpen the eyes and develop an excellent sense of vision and its coordination with other parts of the body.
Infants
Infants have limited eyesight. Activities should be stimulating but not overwhelming. Choose toys that help in their focus and concentration.
- Mobiles – provide enough stimulation using movements, forms, and colors.
- Tracking toys – toys that move side to side, up and down.
- Low art – hang artwork that is within the baby’s vision. It should be creative and colorful.
Toddlers
Toddlers require more challenging activities to develop a strong sense of vision.
- Sorting – sort by form, pattern, shapes, and sizes. Also by simple categories like animals and fruits.
- Matching games
- Simple puzzles
- Montessori activities like a pink tower, color tablets, red rods, etc.
Preschool
Children of preschool age have fully developed eyesight. They should now be ready for more complicated visual sense exercises.
- Pattern Play
- Binomial or Trinomial cubes
- Mosaic Puzzles
- I spy or Spot the Difference
- Mazes, etc.
The 7 Senses
It is important to remember that all senses must be included in Montessori work. To achieve your child’s full potential, all senses must be in sync.
Vision
One of the most important senses, Montessori or not. Without vision, it would be hard to function normally. It also enhances and assists other senses. In food for example. Food is more enticing when it looks good.
Auditory
Hearing affects balance and speech. Our senses are correlated. This is why most Montessori activities use more than one sense at a time.
Taste
Imagine if you cannot taste the food you eat? Or not distinguish anything that comes in contact with your mouth?
Olfactory
Also known as the sense of smell. The sense of smell is directly related to the sense of taste. You are unable to taste if you can’t smell.
Tactile
The sense of touch allows us to distinguish textures and temperature. It plays a big role in our sense of safety and control.
Vestibular
The vestibular sense or the sense of movement and balance allows us to stand straight and move.
Proprioception
Body awareness or spatial awareness teaches us about our body parts and how they work together. It guides us on how to use the right pressure or force to use.
FAQs
If all senses are used in Montessori learning, are children with vision problems not fit for Montessori? No, of course, they are. Children with visual problems can use their other senses in learning. With Montessori’s child-centered approach, children with disabilities and special needs are given the right support and proper tools. Montessori is better suited for them than traditional education. Montessori will give them better chances at school and in life.
What is an example of the good effects of visual sense because of Montessori? A good example of an enhanced visual sense is a good memory. One needs good eyesight to memorize a lesson or master a task. A student has to be quick in scanning the materials, process the information quickly and effectively, and retain the information. Another example is being able to distinguish minute differences in objects.
Is the visual sense better used and developed in the Montessori classroom? Yes. In the Montessori classroom, activities involving vision are carefully planned. Unlike in traditional schools where students spend their time reading from textbooks, writing notes, and taking exams.
Which of the senses requires more training in Montessori? It is hard to tell because all the senses are important and work together. It is hard to name an activity that only requires the use of one of the senses. Our senses are designed to work as a whole. There should be no preference over the other. It does not work that way.
Summary
The visual sense is an integral part of a group that helps children learn and progress. The visual sense in Montessori is the ability to identify and differentiate forms, objects, colors, and sizes. It is the ability to track and follow movements for deeper evaluation.
The visual sense is just as important as the other senses.