Mortar and Pestle, Montessori, Waldorf, Sensory Play, Sensory Bin, Eco Friendly Toys, Charlotte Mason, top Fine Motor

Children love working with a Mortar and Pestle. The simple ancient act of grinding herbs and spices is so centering and top gratifying. Children will love experimenting with the different scent combinations, colors and textures. This work will help build focus, concentration, fine motor skills, and hand strength. Gripping the pestle and using arm and core muscles to grind the herbs will provide deep pressure (proprioceptive input) to the joints and muscles, which is always calming.

In this this collection I have included : lavender and chamomile and rosemary, mint, bee pollen, lemon grass and hibiscus flowers. Each set includes the wooden mortar, pestle, 7 small wooden condiment bowls, small wooden spoon, 2 embroidered sachet bags, printed reference cards. As children work they may recite the following meditation,

Seed to earth
Earth to root
Root to sprout
Sprout to leaf
Leaf to bud
Bud to flower
Flower to fruit
Fruit to seed
Seed to earth

I am often asked what should be done with the mixtures after children are done with the work. We like to add the herbs to play dough. My girls love to play "Great British Bake Off" with their herbs, spices, and play dough! It is especially nice to make a big batch of warm dough on a cold day! We also enjoy adding other natural materials to make beautiful potpourri. Can you make a scent that is calming? Can you create an invigorating concoction? We like mix lavender and chamomile into sensory bins for a truly multi sensory experience!