Fabric Boxes are Montessori Sensorial materials that help children compare textures by touch.
A box contains pairs of matching fabric squares. The fabrics may differ by fiber, weave, or surface, with examples such as cotton, wool, silk, rayon, burlap, or fleece. Classroom sets vary, and the samples can be rotated over time.
A Montessori guide can arrange the fabric squares in two groups and demonstrate how to feel one square, then search the other group for its match. The work may be done without looking so that touch carries the comparison. After matching the pairs, the child can check them visually.
The activity gives the child practice noticing small tactile differences. As the materials become familiar, the guide may also introduce the names of the fabrics and add more subtle pairs.
The guide chooses the number and type of samples based on the child’s experience with the material.
