Thermic Sense in Montessori refers to children’s ability to understand objects with touch. Several Montessori activities educate children’s sense of touch.
When our children are too young, we use a basket of treasures to teach them the sense of touch, whereas we present them with more challenging activities like the ‘ Thermic Tablets’ as they reach preschool age.
Dr.Maria Montessori designed this thermic sense activity for children between 4-5 years of age.
As an experienced Montessori teacher and the proud father of two children (ages 5 and 7), I have closely observed several children’s growth ( including mine).
As a result, I here categorically present thermic sense in Montessori, including its examples, vocabulary, points of interest, control of error, and direct and indirect aim.
Thermic Sense In Montessori Examples:
An example of thermic sense in Montessori is a child’s ability to grade water by temperature using their thermic sense.
How To Use Thermic Tablets:
Here, I present the use of thermic tablets:
| Topic Details | Title: How To Use Thermic Tablets |
| Description: | Thermic tablets are generally identical-sized pairs of tablets stored in a box. These pairs are made of different materials, such as felt, wood, stone, and metal. They are available both in online and offline marketplaces. |
| Personal Note: | I use thermic tablets at school but rely on thermodynamic bottles at home for similar outcomes. These bottles are cost-effective and can easily be made at home using household materials. |
| Activity Steps: | Step 1: Tell your children to match the pairs by placing their hands on each tablet. |
| Step 2: Grade the tablets according to your choice. | |
| Step 3: Encourage children to compare the materials with similar items in the environment | |
| Optional Step: | Blindfold the child for an advanced sensory experience. |
I have used a different method with my son and daughter to enhance their thermic sense with thermic bottles
Here’s how:
| Topic | Details |
| Title | Thermic Touch Activity |
| Purpose | Helps children (ages 4-6) grade water by temperature, enhancing their thermic sense. |
| Materials Needed | Small bottles of water (hot, warm, cool, cold) and 4 name cards labeled as hottest, warm, cool, cold. |
| Presentation Steps | |
| Step 1 | I placed one bottle in the refrigerator, one in the freezer, and one in the microwave for 40–60 seconds. Tested the bottles to ensure safety of my children’s skin. |
| Step 2 | Then mixed the bottles in a line and let my children feel each one. Have my children blow on their hand between each test to refresh their sensory input. |
| Step 3 | Finall I asked them to arrange the bottles in order from hottest to coldest, placing the correct name card in front of each bottle. |
Thermic Tablets Montessori Control Of Error:
Parents may make several mistakes while teaching young children the activity.
Instead of getting hopeless, we must correct their mistakes. My students and my children made several mistakes while accomplishing the activity.
I always try to correct their mistakes positively. Thus, controlling the error of a young individual may be accomplished by an educator or a parent.
Thermic Tablets Montessori Direct And Indirect Aim:
While the direct aim of Montessori thermic tablets is to enhance children’s perception of touch, it indirectly aims to prepare them for a better future.
Thermic Tablets Montessori Age Group:
There are educators around the globe who cherish different opinions about what age group is appropriate for thermic tablet activity.
Some argue that children from 3.5 years onwards are its perfect candidates, whereas some state that children between 4 and 6 years are its proper beneficiaries.
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