The Montessori method is an educational philosophy and approach that emphasises the child's self-directed learning and the development of independence, concentration, coordination, and order. One of the essential components of the Montessori curriculum is the use of sensorial materials to help children learn through their senses. One such material is the Baric Tablets.
Overview of Baric Tablets:
Baric Tablets are a set of four wooden tablets, each with a different weight, ranging from lightest to heaviest. These tablets are used to help children develop their sense of touch, specifically their ability to discriminate weight and to refine their sense of touch.
How the tablets are presented to the child
The tablets are typically presented to the child in a tray, with each tablet placed on a separate small mat. The teacher demonstrates how to pick up each tablet using the pincer grip and then invites the child to try it themselves. The child then explores the tablets by picking them up and placing them back down, comparing their weight and trying to arrange them in order of heaviest to lightest.
Benefits of Baric Tablets
The Baric Tablets are not just a tool for developing the sense of touch; they also help children to develop their concentration, attention to detail, and patience. As they work with the tablets, they learn to focus on the task at hand, to take their time, and to be precise in their movements.
Activities with Baric Tablets
The Baric Tablets can also be used in a variety of ways to further enhance their learning. For example, children can use the tablets to compare weights with other objects in the classroom, such as blocks or beads. They can also be used to create patterns, such as a sequence of light-light-heavy-light, or to arrange them in order from heaviest to lightest on a balance scale.
Overall, the Baric Tablets are a valuable addition to the Montessori classroom. They provide children with an opportunity to develop their sense of touch and refine their ability to discriminate weight, while also promoting concentration, attention to detail, and patience. By using these tablets, children can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.