Basic Sensory Experiences are created by utilizing natural materials in relatively simplistic ways. These experiences allow children to fully explore the details of the materials and create ways to work with them. Create these sensory bins by providing children with a tub containing a foundational material along with some tools to create their own experiences through exploration. The joy of learning and creating will emerge in abundance as children learn, explore, and grow, through hands-on Sensory Experiences.

Creating Sensory Experiences allows children to explore materials, create “what if” experiences, learn by trial and error, develop concentration, and promote fine motor skills. These processes provide open ended experiences which can be considered “work” in a Montessori Environment or play in traditional children’s programs.

The basic sensory materials integrate well into the education philosophies of Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. Montessori and Waldorf methods thrive on the use of basic materials which allow the child to learn through manipulating objects. Reggio Emilia is an art based curriculum which includes elements such as those used in basic Sensory Experiences for open ended learning opportunities for children.

Montessori applications involve allowing the child to build skills through working with basic materials. These activities develop fine motor skills and are used often in Montessori Practical Life Activities. By utilizing the addition of other senses, these materials fall into the sensorial lessons of Montessori as children learn to sort, pattern, process scents, analyze the weight of materials and other such explorative processes.

The Waldorf method utilizes natural play and settings where children choose to do what they see the adults near them doing. This method can easily incorporate these basic sensory materials into lessons utilizing the beautiful natural materials in their pretend play as they develop fine motor skills, social skills, and become more aware of their natural surroundings.

The Reggio Emilia method uses provocations which provide children with an “invitation” to participate in the activities. This is done through presentations with open ended processes, where children want to join in and explore learning through artistic and creative methods. Reggio is used more fully in later chapters as the projects become more colorful and detailed.

These basic materials are plentiful. To create your nature sensory materials, go on a simple outdoor treasure hunt. This can start with picking up pretty and interesting rocks on a walk. Sticks, a bird nest, and a snake skin left behind are also wonderful ways to build your nature collection. When you need more, just look through your local supermarket or dollar store. Retailers such as Dollar Tree, carry small bags of stones which are beautiful and inexpensive. Many natural materials can also be found throughout your grocery store, just look in the dried food isles. Dried beans, rice, and popcorn kernels provide interesting materials. Pasta comes in many different shapes and colors. All of these items are inexpensive and easily available. Don’t worry about exactly matching materials found throughout this book. Simply take the ideas and look at what is readily available for you. Gather your basic sensory materials, and then you will have the base for many more experiences as these can be used repeatedly in different sensory presentations.