Application of Olfactory Stimuli in a Children's House Montessori Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of olfactory stimuli using aromatherapy in an early childhood Montessori classroom. This study explores the effectiveness of essential oil in a collective setting with younger students. Also, this research seeks to evaluate the usefulness of aromatherapy as a tool of the Prepared Environment or materials for a Montessori classroom. The 26 students between three to six years old from a Children’s House were observed for 45 minutes during morning work cycle and the data was collected in both control condition (non-essential oil) and lemon essential oil condition days. Lemon essential oil was distributed by two diffusers in the classroom during the research periods. The data was collected collectively and independently. Four quantitative and one qualitative instruments were used for data collection. In conclusion, the lemon essential oil condition lowered productivity and stimulated students during the study period. However, this result indicated that aromatherapy intervention impacted the student’s productivity. With further careful consideration, aromatherapy can be an effective tool for the Prepared Environment and positive intervention if it is the right kind of essential oil.