More Tactile Discrimination Ideas!

These tactile discrimination activities were submitted by Joan, a Montessori teacher in the US.

Handing over to Joan - thank you for your ideas!

Mystery Bags for Tactile Discrimination

I was reading your descriptions of the feely bag activities for tactile perception. In Montessori we call this activity 'mystery bags'.

1. ordinary objects: 8-10 ordinary objects: the child names the objects, then puts them in the bag and identifies without looking (usually a shared activity)

2. identical objects (5-6 pair of matching objects) - child names the objects, then all objects go into the bag. He takes out one object, then hunts for the match (no looking, just feeling).

3. similar objects (5-6 sets of similar objects:- such as a square/round button; real/rubber cork; glass/plastic bottle, big/small pompom etc.) Child makes pairs outside bag and names the objects; objects go into the bag; child pulls out one, then has to 'hunt' for the similar object.

Identifying objects in a mystery bag

4. related objects(5-6 sets of related objects - such as a tiny shoe/sock; pencil/eraser; lock/key etc.). Child makes pairs outside bag and names the objects; objects go into the bag; child pulls out one, then has to 'hunt' for the related object.

It's nice if you change objects throughout the school year - or start with a few sets, then add a new one so the children are surprised.

Stereognostic Sorting

Another activity we have is 'sterognostic sorting'. This can be done with many things, including natural objects such as nuts, seeds or even grains (the hardest).

A child can sort two types of objects up to four or even five types. At first this is done while looking, then with a blindfold using two hands. In my class currently I have a basket with wood cubes and wood rectangular prisms. There are two bowls - the child first sorts looking; then closes her eyes or uses a blindfold to sort the wood objects into two bowls.

Objects can be sorted by size or attributes (rough/smooth) in addition to similarity/dissimilarity.

Because you can use ordinary objects, this is easy and fun to do with a child at home. In the pic alongside, the child sorted a mixed selection of pasta  into different types without looking.

Sorting different kinds of pasta shapes by feel

Thanks for sharing your ideas with us, Joan!

Tip from OT Mom: If your child dislikes being blindfolded, then rather cover the hands with a piece of fabric, or have your child insert the hands into a cloth bag to feel the objects.

This page forms part of a series on Tactile Perception

You can read the other pages in the series here:

• Why tactile perception is important
• Easy tactile perception activities you can do at home

Thank you for visiting! I hope you  found these Montessori based tactile discrimination ideas to be helpful!

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