New Interest in the Sensorial Materials

A few weeks ago, I described on another post that there had not been much student interest in the Montessori sensorial materials in our classroom. I had decided it was time to introduce new ways of manipulating the materials such as the "red rods", "blue and red rods", "pink tower", and "brown stairs". After a few demonstrations, new interest arose. 

One of the favorite arrangements is "the maze", using the rods of different lengths. Often working in teams, the children assemble the rods in a spiral pattern. Then they carefully walk the path in the maze, to the center, where they retrieve a small prize (like a sticker). Concentration and control are definitely put to the test walking through the maze. Plus, other children usually gather around to cheer on the child's efforts. So this activity is surely a confidence builder!

"The Maze" with the "Red Rods" 

"The Maze" with the "Blue and Red Rods"

Patterns with the "Pink Tower" and "Brown Stairs"