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The Sensorial curriculum is
designed to help the child focus his attention more
carefully on the physical world, exploring with each of
his senses the subtle variations in the properties of
objects.
At first, the child may
simply be asked to sort among a prepared series of
objects that vary by only one aspect, such as height,
length, or width. Others challenge him to find identical
pairs, or focus on very different physical properties,
such as aroma, taste, weight, shades of color,
temperature, or sound. These exercises are essentially
puzzles, and they tend to fascinate the children because
they are just difficult enough to represent a meaningful
challenge. Each has a built-in control of error, which
allows the child who is observant to check his own work.
Why is it so important to
educate the young child's senses? In a way, the
Sensorial curriculum accomplishes something like a
course in wine tasting or music appreciation; one learns
to taste, smell, or hear what is experienced with a much
deeper awareness and appreciation. These exercises can
help children learn and appreciate their world more
fully. |
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