Smell jars (smell boxes) are among the classic Montessori sensory materials inspired by the work of the Italian educator Maria Montessori. The child compares pairs of jars by smell and gradually learns to distinguish, name, and sort scents. The lids of one jar from each pair always have a yellow marking, which helps with orientation during work.
Error control: the jars form pairs – the child verifies correctness by smell by comparing the scents.
Direct aim: refinement of the sense of smell, classification of scents in the environment.
Indirect aim: awareness of different scents/odors and development of the ability to protect oneself.
Recommendation for use: work with contrasting natural scents (flowers, medicinal herbs, culinary aromas such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, rosemary, caraway, curry, cocoa). Do not use pepper or coffee. Insert, for example, cotton balls soaked with substances of different scents or spices. Choose only substances of natural origin that are not harmful for small children. During the activity, you can talk with children about the origin of individual scents and naturally expand vocabulary.
