COLOR TABLETS

Montessori Color Tablets are a set of wooden tablets, each painted in a

different primary or secondary color ranging from vibrant reds and blues to
soothing greens and purples.
Materials
3 boxes with lids containing color tablets:
Box 1
6 tablets; a pair of each of the primary colors (red, yellow, blue). These are the
most sharply contrasted colors.
Box 2
22 tablets; a pair of each of the primary colors, the secondary colors (green,
orange, purple), and also pink, brown, black, white, and grey.
Box 3:
63 tablets; 7 shades of 9 colors: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple, brown,
pink, and grey.

Presentation Box 1

Invite the child by telling him you have something to show him. Ask him to
bring & unroll the mat. Bring him over to the correct shelves and tell him we
will be using the Color Tablets. Show the child how to carry the box with your
two hands on opposite sides of the box with your fingers underneath the box
and your thumbs over the top. Have the child bring the correct box and have
him place it near the top right corner of the mat. Have the child sit to your left
and then you sit down in front of the box. Take off the lid using both hands and
place it directly in front of the box. Pick up the box using both hands and place
it carefully onto the lid.
Constructing
- Take the red, yellow, and blue tablets (with their matching pair) out of the box
with hands and making it evident that you are aware of not touching the color
part.
- Place each tablet randomly on the table next to the box.
- Pick up the box and place it behind the lid and then pick up the lid and replace
in onto the box.
- Pick up one of the red tablets using your right thumb and index finger and
holding the “frame” part of the tablet.
- Place it near the top of the table and isolated from the other tablets.
- Then tell the child, “ I’m looking for one just like it.”
- Choose the other red tablets and gently place it directly next to the first red
tablet.
- Then pick up the yellow tablet.
- Ask the child, “Can you find the one just like it?”
- Match the yellow in the same way as the red.
-Continue the same for blue tablet.
Presentation Box 2

Introduction
Now that the child has had the introduction for Box 1, have him carry Box 2
over to the mat and open the box as before.
Constructing
- Take the red, yellow, blue, green, orange, and purple tablets (with their
matching pair) out of the box with both hands and making it evident that you
are aware of not touching the color part.
- Place each tablet randomly on the table next to the box.
- Pick up the box and place it behind the lid and then pick up the lid and replace
in onto the box.
- Pick up one of the red tablets using your right thumb and index finger and
holding the “frame” part of the tablet.
- Place it near the top of the table and isolated from the other tablets.
- Then ask the child to place the one that looks just like it next to it.
- Have the child choose the next color and place it directly under the first red
tablet. Then you find its match.
- Have the child choose a color and then match it until all of the colors have
been matched. (Show the child where to place the tablets in a new column once
the first column is done.)
- Have the child close his eyes and tell him you are going to mix them up.
- Mix the tablets and place them all to the left of the box.
- Have the child match just as you had done in the presentation.
- Take out the other colors and place them randomly on the table to the left of
the box.
- Have the child match these colors as well.
- When the child is finished working, have him replace the tablets back into the
box, as he had done with Box 1, and then replace the box back onto the shelf.
Presentation Box 3

Introduction
Now that the child has had the introduction for Box 1 and 2, have him carry
Box 3 over to the mat and open the box as before.
Constructing
- Take out one shade of color (so seven tablets of the same color but of different
shades).
- Place each tablet randomly on the table next to the box.
- Close the box as done for the other boxes.
- Ask the child to find the two tablets that are the most different.
- Have the child place them next to each other (to see the contrast) and in
isolation from the other tablets.
- Separate them but still keep them isolated from the others.
- Point to the darkest tablet (should be on the left) and tell the child that you are
looking for one that is just a little different.
- Place the correct tablet directly to the right of the darkest shade.
- Point to this new tablet and ask the child, “ Can you find the one that is just a
little different than this one?”
- Continue until you and the child have successfully arranged the shades in
decreasing order.
- you mix up the tablets.
- Have the child arrange the shades in order as shown.
The Multiple Benefits of the Montessori Color Tablets:
Within the Montessori Sensorial Curriculum, the Montessori Color Tablets
serve multiple purposes:
1. Sensory Exploration: The Color Box Tablets provide children with a
tactile and visual sensory experience as they explore the various colors
and shades. This hands-on exploration helps refine their visual
discrimination skills and enhances their sensitivity to color variations.
2. Color Recognition: By working with the Color Box Tablets, children
learn to distinguish and identify different colors. They develop the ability
to name each color accurately and describe its attributes, such as hue,
intensity, and shade.
3. Grading and Matching: The Color Box Tablets offer opportunities for
grading and matching activities. In grading activities, children arrange the
tablets in a graduated sequence based on variations in hue or intensity.
 This helps them understand the concept of gradation and develop a sense
of order. In matching activities, children pair tablets of the same color or
shades, further honing their visual discrimination skills.
4. Preparation for Language and Math: Through the exploration of colors
and shades, children lay the groundwork for language and math concepts.
They expand their vocabulary as they learn color names and attributes,
and they develop a basic understanding of concepts such as light and
dark, more and less, and size gradation.
5. Preparation for Art and Design: Engaging with the Color Box Tablets
sparks children’s creativity and lays the foundation for artistic expression.
As they become familiar with different colors and shades, children may
incorporate this knowledge into their artwork and design activities,
fostering self-expression and aesthetic appreciation.
6. Enhances Mood and Emotion: Colours can influence emotions and
moods. Bright colours might make babies child cheerful and stimulated,
while softer colours might be calming.
7. Boosts Creativity: As babies recognise colours, they can be more
expressive during activities like finger painting or scribbling, laying the
foundation for creativity.
8. Improves Communication Skills: Even before babies can speak, they
might express preferences or dislikes based on colour.
The Color Tablets also contribute significantly to the development of children’s
fine motor skills. Here’s how:
1. Handling and Manipulation: Children engage in activities that involve
picking up, holding, and manipulating the Color Tablets. These actions
require precise finger movements, grip strength, and hand-eye
coordination, all of which contribute to the refinement of fine motor
skills.
2. Placement and Arrangement: When working with the Color Tablets,
children often arrange them in specific patterns, sequences, or pairings.
This process involves precise movements as they place each tablet in its
designated position. By practicing these placement and arrangement
tasks, children further develop their manual dexterity and spatial
awareness.
3. Pincer Grip Development: Many Color Tablet activities require children
to use their thumb and forefinger in a pincer grip to pick up and
 manipulate the tablets. This pincer grip is essential for various fine motor
tasks, such as writing, drawing, and using utensils. Through repeated
practice with the Color Tablets, children strengthen their pincer grip and
refine their finger movements.
4. Control of Movement: As children engage with the Color Tablets, they
learn to control their hand movements with precision and accuracy. They
must carefully place each tablet in its designated position, requiring a
steady hand and controlled motions. This process helps children develop
greater control over their fine motor movements, leading to increased
coordination and accuracy.
5. One to one co-ordination
6. Stimulates Cognitive Development: Recognising and distinguishing
between colours can boost a baby’s memory and attention span. Their
cognitive skills also improve as they learn to associate colours with
objects.