Maria Montessori used the term ‘ Baric Sense ‘ to highlight activities that refine the perception of weight. Sensory activities like visual perception or identification of similar sounds, textures, shapes, colors, weights, and temperature focus on a specific sensory aspect.
In the first part of the 20th century, Maria Montessori designed various teaching-learning materials to educate the human senses inside and outside the classroom. In doing so, she sought inspiration from the works of Itard and Seguin. In addition, her concept of geometry solids originated from Froebel’s gift ideas.
Most importantly, here I shall talk about Baric Sense in Montessori education along with its meaning, use, examples, benefits, perception activities, and more.
How To Use Baric Sense In Montessori?
I have stated earlier that the term ‘ baric sense ‘ refers to the perception of weight. Now the question-” How To Use Baric Sense In a Montessori classroom or a Montessori-motivated home environment? may arise.
Don’t worry, I have the privilege to implement this activity both at school and at home.
First of all, putting baric sense activity into practice, it requires Montessori Baric Tablets. These are generally three sets of identical-shaped and sized tablets. Furthermore, they are made from three types of wood, with softwood being the lightest and hardwood being the heaviest in the set.
Now that you have become familiar with Montessori baric tablets, it is high time to perform the exercise with the aforementioned tablet.
The activity requires young children to perceive small differences in weight and hence you need to call children be it your own or be it your school children.
After summoning the children you need to hand them baric tablets one by one and ask them to perceive small differences in weight. Note down the outcome of the activity and try to correct the mistakes that your children are making consciously or unconsciously. Rinse and repeat the process. Now you are good to go.
Baric Sense In Montessori Examples:
The word’ baric’ suggests weight. An example of baric sense in Montessori sensory education is – a child’s ability to sense and compare the weight of objects by holding them in his/her hands.
Baric Perception Activities:
I have stated earlier that Montessori Baric Tablets are perfect for Montessori sensory material to educate young individuals about the perception of weight.
However, these tablets are more or less expensive. I have access to these tablets in my school but at home, I arranged this activity both for my son and daughter with home-made materials. These materials are easy to get and serve the same purpose.
I note down below in detail what I exactly did to execute this activity.
| Step | Instruction | Details |
| 1 | Lay out 8 cups. | Arrange the cups as shown in the photo. |
| 2 | Add 1 quarter to each of two cups. | Write the numeral 1 on each cup. Assist the child if needed. |
| 3 | Add 3 quarters to another pair of cups. | Write the numeral 3 on these cups. |
| 4 | Add 6 quarters to a third pair of cups. | Write the numeral 6 on these cups. |
| 5 | Add 10 quarters to a fourth pair of cups. | Write the numeral 10 on these cups. |
| 6 | Use a blindfold. | Blindfold the child and have them hold a cup with 1 quarter in one hand. |
| 7 | Compare cups. | Place a cup with 6 or 10 quarters in the other hand and ask: “Do they weigh the same or are they different?” |
| 8 | Identify the weights. | The child should identify which cup feels heavier or lighter. |
| 9 | Confirm results. | Remove the blindfold and check whether the child identified the weights correctly. |
Note: If your child struggles to distinguish the weight difference:
- Allow the child to feel the weight without a blindfold.
- Rinse and repeat the process for a couple of weeks to get the desired result.
Baric Sense Montessori Benefits:
Here are some benefits of baric sense in Montessori education –
Firstly, the exercise of baric sense in Montessori education develops the ability to compare weights in young individuals.
In addition, it enhances minute weight discrimination skills by identifying the slightest differences of weight in objects.
Secondly, When young individuals compare objects of similar or different sizes and weights, their abstract thought and reasoning take proper shape.
Thirdly, through interactive activities that involve weights and comparisons, the young students’ concept of math get strengthened.
Finally, as the young children explore the textures and weights of various materials, their sensory development automatically get promoted.
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training