How Do Toddlers Further Develop Their Senses? 

Understanding how toddlers develop their senses is crucial for parents and educators alike. From birth, children are bombarded with sensory information and their early years are a critical period for processing and understanding this input. As toddlers grow, their sensory experiences become more refined, allowing them to make sense of the world around them in increasingly complex ways. 

About Sensory Development 

Touch is often one of the first senses to develop. Toddlers learn about textures, temperatures and pressure through their hands, feet and even their mouths. Providing a variety of tactile experiences, such as playing with sand, water, playdough, or different fabrics, helps them build a rich understanding of their environment. This exploration is not just about identifying objects; it’s about developing fine motor skills and spatial awareness. 

Sight continues to evolve rapidly in toddlerhood. Their ability to track objects, recognise faces and differentiate between colours improves significantly. Activities that encourage visual discrimination, like sorting coloured blocks, identifying shapes, or pointing out objects in books, are beneficial. Outdoor play also provides a wealth of visual stimuli, from the changing light to the movement of leaves in the wind. 

Hearing becomes more sophisticated as toddlers begin to understand language and different sounds. They learn to distinguish between voices, animal sounds and musical tones. Engaging them in singing, rhyming and listening to various types of music can foster auditory development. Simple games like identifying sounds around the house or in nature also contribute to their aural understanding. 

Taste and smell, while perhaps less explicitly focused on in educational settings, are equally important. Toddlers are naturally curious about food and new aromas. Offering a diverse range of healthy foods with different textures and flavours can encourage exploration of taste. Similarly, introducing them to various scents, like flowers, spices, or natural oils, can broaden their olfactory experiences. 

How Montessori Education Supports Children’s Development 

Montessori education plays a significant role in fostering sensory development in toddlers. The Montessori philosophy emphasises hands-on learning and specially designed materials that isolate sensory qualities. For instance, the ‘Pink Tower’ helps children discriminate visual differences in dimension, while the ‘Sensory Cylinders’ focus on differences in weight and size. These materials allow toddlers to explore sensory attributes independently, at their own pace and through repeated engagement. The self-correcting nature of many Montessori materials means children can discover errors themselves, leading to deeper learning and self-reliance. The prepared environment in a Montessori setting encourages freedom of movement and choice, enabling toddlers to follow their natural curiosity and engage with materials that appeal to their developing senses. This holistic approach supports a comprehensive and integrated sensory development, laying a strong foundation for future learning.