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Olfactory Sense

The Sense of Smell: The Subtle Art of Breathing in the World

At Montessori Store, we reveal the sense of smell as a discreet yet powerful gateway to memory, emotion and knowledge of the world. Our collection of Montessori olfactory materials invites the child on a sensory journey where every breath becomes a discovery, every fragrance a story, and every scent a silent lesson.

Smell: Memory and Emotion in a Single Breath

Maria Montessori recognised in the sense of smell a sense both primitive and sophisticated, directly linked to memory and to feeling. Our materials turn this natural sensitivity into a tool for learning, concentration and understanding of the living world.

The 3 Dimensions of Montessori Olfactory Development

1. Olfactory discrimination

  • Recognising and distinguishing scents
  • Linking a scent to its source
  • Differential olfactory memory

2. Natural classification

  • Plant, animal and mineral scents
  • Edible and non-edible scents
  • Pleasant and unpleasant scents (with discernment)

3. Sensory culture

  • Scents and seasons
  • Scents and cultures
  • Scents and traditions

Our Selection of Montessori Olfactory Materials

For basic discrimination

  • Smelling bottles: 6 pairs of identical bottles - matching by scent alone
  • Contrasting bottles: very distinct scents for beginners (lemon/vanilla, mint/cinnamon)
  • Scented fabrics: naturally perfumed cloths (lavender, rosemary, sandalwood)

For thematic exploration

  • Spice collection: 12 common spices to recognise and classify
  • Aromatic herbs: basil, thyme, chives - fresh or dried
  • Natural essences: pure extracts of flowers, citrus fruits and resins
  • Seasonal scents: roasted chestnuts, fir, orange blossom...

Combined olfactory-visual materials

  • Olfactory nomenclature cards: image + scent sample
  • Scent lotto: an image/scent matching game
  • Olfactory memory game: identical pairs to find by smell

For advanced sensorial education

  • Intensity grading: the same scent at different concentrations
  • Scent blends: recognising the individual components
  • Scent and memory: linking scent/memory/emotion
  • Fragrances and cultures: incense, spices, traditional herbs

The Benefits of Montessori Olfactory Materials

Subtle concentration: the sense of smell calls for fine, calm attention
Enriched memory: olfactory memories are among the most enduring
Sensory vocabulary: learning to name what we smell
A bond with nature: recognising plants, seasons and natural elements
Education of discernment: distinguishing, classifying and appreciating with nuance

Technical Features of Our Materials

Olfactory authenticity:

  • Natural, non-synthetic scents
  • Optimal storage to preserve the fragrances
  • Tinted glass bottles to protect against UV light
  • Airtight stoppers to maintain the integrity of the scents

Safety and hygiene:

  • Inert materials that do not alter the scents
  • Controlled ventilation system
  • Easy-to-clean containers
  • No small, hazardous parts

Pedagogical progression:

  • Isolating one olfactory quality at a time
  • Strong contrast first, then subtle nuances
  • Gradual association with the other senses
  • A link with the environment and culture

Usage Guide by Age

2-3 years: Present 2 strongly contrasting scents, with full attention
3-4 years: Introduce identical pairs and familiar scents
4-5 years: Offer thematic series and matching games
5-6 years: Explore nuances, blends and olfactory traditions

Expert tip: "Present scents in a well-aired space, between two activities. Invite the child to clear their nose by breathing in fresh air between two scents to avoid olfactory interference."

Offer your child a bouquet of invisible discoveries.
Explore our unique collection of Montessori olfactory materials and watch their sensitivity, their memory and their subtle connection to the world around them blossom.

To breathe is already to know.