The sensory box, also known as a small world, is a very useful technique for early childhood education since its main objective is to stimulate multisensory learning in children. It is a method inspired by the pedagogy of Maria Montessori that is based on the idea that children learn fundamentally through their senses. This technique aims to stimulate sensory development, concentration, imagination and fine motor skills in young children, for which it uses the different sensations and the most basic instincts.
However, the most interesting thing about this technique is that although it was conceived for nurseries and schools, it can also be use parents at home. In fact, it is an excellent method for children to discover new textures, sounds and colors while learning to interact with their environment.
What is the sensory box?
The sensory box is a kind of container that contains different objects. It can be a shoebox, a plastic bottle or any other type of container that is large enough to that the child can insert his hands without difficulty. In addition, in the sensory box all kinds of objects can be introduced, since the idea is to create small real-life scenarios.
Ideally, they should be objects that have different textures, shapes, sizes and colors to stimulate all the senses. There are mixed sensory boxes, with objects and toys without any common link, as well as themed sensory boxes with items linked to each other, such as a farm with little animals, a desert with camels, sand and pyramids or a beach with water and fish. colors.
The advantages of having a sensory box at home
The sensory box is a learning tool very useful for it stimulate the child’s senses and her interest in the world around him. In addition, the systematic use contributes to improving fine motor skills, as well as some gross motor skills such as the movements of emptying, filling and transferring objects . It also enhances children’s concentration and even helps to relax tensions when the child is irritable. As if that were not enough, its use allows the child to discover the characteristics of different objects, as well as the links between them. relate, a basic skill for the development of both concrete and abstract thinking.
How to make a box s sensory box at home?
Making a sensory box at home is very simple. Once you have the container, you must choose a base element that will be the one with which you will cover a large part of the box. It can be water, sand, rice, seeds, pearls, small balls, foam, the options are endless. Next, you must choose the objects that you will include in the box. In this case you can also choose any type of object, from kitchen items such as spoons, measures or funnels, to natural elements such as leaves, seeds, stems and flowers.
If you are going to make a sensory box with a particular theme, you should ideally use different objects. For example, if it is a small sea world, you can fill Open the container of water and add colored plastic fish, stones, some sand and some algae.
When can you start using the sensory box?
The box sensory can be started when the child is able to sit up on his own, at approximately 6 months of age. Ideally, the first few times you present the sensory box, you interact with the child until he is motivated to discover its content on his own. Once the child is interested and begins to discover the objects, you should leave it alone, although you should always be vigilant to avoid any accidents.