Baric sense

In Montessori, we teach children how to differentiate between different weights by using their tactile sense with special equipment, called Baric tablets. Baric tablets are wooden tablets that are the same size, but different in weight and colour. The following activities are as follows:

Baric tablets (presentation one)

In the first presentation with the Montessori Baric tablets, children are asked to feel two sets of Baric tablets, while the directress sits opposite him at a table. The two sets include heavy and light tablets. The child is encouraged to wear a blindfold for this activity, to discriminate different weights.

The second presentation with the Baric tablets is presented in the same manner, the only difference here is we use the light and medium tablets.

The third presentation is presented in the same manner as before, the only difference here is we use the medium and heavy tablets.

Baric tablets (presentation four)

The child uses all three boxes in the fourth presentation with the Baric tablets. The child is encouraged to wear blindfolds for this activity while matching tablets of the same weight. The directress shows the child how to place the tablets of the same weight in the correct piles.

Baric tablets (presentation five)

The directress does a three-period lesson with the child. She teaches him the names of the ‘light’, ‘medium’, and ‘heavy’ tablets.