Mystery Bag (Stereognostic Bag)

The mystery bag develops the stereognostic sense—the ability to perceive three-dimensional form through touch alone, creating mental images without vision.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Sensorial
• Learning area: Stereognostic Sense
• Level: Ages 3-5

Objectives

• Identify objects by touch alone
• Develop stereognostic sense
• Build mental images from tactile information
• Strengthen vocabulary and description skills

Materials

• Cloth bag that cannot be seen through
• Familiar objects: ball, cube, cylinder, spoon, key, etc.
• Set of matching objects visible on table

Instructions

1. Place identical objects on table and in bag. 2. Child reaches into bag without looking. 3. Feels one object, describes it. 4. Names or matches to visible object. 5. Removes object to verify. 6. Continue with other objects.

Educator tip

Start with very different objects, progress to similar shapes. Encourage descriptive language while feeling.

Assessment

Child correctly identifies objects in bag by touch and describes their properties.

More from Sensorial

• Geometric Solids
• Baric Tablets (Weight)
• Knobbed Cylinders
• Knobless Cylinders
• Geometric Cabinet
• Constructive Triangles
• Thermic Tablets
• Baric Tablets