Baric Tablets - National Child Development Council

The Baric Tablets consist of two or three types of wooden tablets. These are all the same size and shape, but they are made of different types of wood, they have different densities and so, different weights.

MATERIALS
– Three sets of six wooden tablets, each polished or varnished.
Each set is a different wood, color, and weight.
Each box has seven tablets. The first box has tablets that weigh 12 grams. The second box has tablets that weigh 18 grams and the third box’s tablets weigh 34 grams. Some companies make tablets that weigh 20, 30 and 40 grams.
Light: 20 grams
Medium: 30 grams
Heavy: 40 grams

PRESENTATION
The first time this presentation is done, the child has his eyes open. The second time, his eyes will be closed.
– This work is supposed to be done on a mat.

– Invite the child who will be working with you to bring the boxes to the table or mat.

– The child is then instructed to put his hands out (as if receiving a gift), palms facing up.

– Place one light tablet on one hand and ask child to move his hand up and down, as to gauge the weight of the tablet.

– Place one heavy tablet on the other hand and ask the child to move his hand up and down gently.

By doing these activities child can diffreciate the weight.
These tablets can be used to build observation and concentration. Like many Montessori materials, this is also a predatory work that leads up to more complicated math activities later. This work is also a preparatory exercise for mathematics and understanding measurement later!

– Take the light tablet off and place another heavy tablet on that hand. If he realizes that they both weigh the same, then ask him to place them together on the table or mat.

– The child can try this again with two lighter tablets. If the child realizes that they are the same weight, then he can place them on the table or mat

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VOCABULARY

light, lighter, lightest.
medium, heavy, heavier, heaviest.

The Baric Tablets introduce and refine the concept of the baric sense. While blindfolded, the child endeavors to discern the weight of the tablets. Error is controlled by the color of the wooden tablets, the lightest color being the lightest weight to the darkest color being the heaviest weight.