Dr.Maria Montessori observed that to establish a connection between brain and sight-coordination children need to master visual and neurological development exercises. Furthermore, she referred to it as ‘ Chromatic Sense’.
To be more precise, ‘ Chromatic Sense’ is an extended version of the ‘Visual Sense’.
In addition to this, the visual sense gives rise to the ‘Chromatic Sense’
Above all, Maria Montessori isolates chromatic sense from general visual sense activities using Color Tablet activities.
I would like to add that, while I performed the visual sense exercises, I already made my children and my students familiar with the color tablet or color box activities.
To teach them chromatic sense in Montessori along with its meaning, importance, and examples I did the following:
Chromatic Sense In Montessori Meaning:
I have stated earlier that the chromatic sense is an extended version of the visual sense. Therefore, the color tablet activities help children learn this sense.
Above all, Montessori teachers (including me) primarily help children to learn the differences specifically in color with this activity.
Children first learn to distinguish between primary colors, then secondary colors, and the various sequences.
Examples:
Suppose a child looks at a tree and sees the varieties of green found in the leaves. With his/her already trained chromatic sense, he/she can very easily spot the variations of the green color of the leaves.
Montessori Chromatic Sense Activity:
I have told you earlier that I have implemented visual sense activities with my students and my son and daughter on several occasions.
However, I have a specific purpose – the purpose is to refine the chromatic sense both in my students and in my offspring.
As a result, I designed the chromatic sense activity in the following way:
Chromatic Sense Activity With Color Tablets | |
| Purpose | Develop visual discrimination and understanding of colors and shades. |
| Materials | Color tablets from Montessori Color Boxes (Box 1: Primary colors; Box 2: Secondary colors; Box 3: Gradations). |
| Activity Steps | Children match identical colors, name them, and order gradations from lightest to darkest. |
| Extensions | Explore color mixing and creative uses like grouping similar objects by shades. |
| Age Group | Typically 3 to 6 years old, adapting for younger or older children based on skills. |
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