Five Senses: Classroom Ideas

Great Activities to Try in the Classroom:

1) Test My Senses Game:

Make sure children know the names of everyone in their class. (Demonstrate this game first with an adult.) Have a child sit on a chair and place a pillow case over his/her head. Select one child to stand before the child. Using touch alone can the child identify his/her friend? This same game can be played by having a child come and say "Hello ... Can you tell me my name?...

2) Tasting Table

Select different food items for tasting. Make sure there are items that are either sweet (i.e. strawberries), sour (i.e. lemon or pickles) or salty (i.e. pretzels or saltines). Be sure items are healthy and be conscious of allergies. Introduce the tasting table. Invite children to visit throughout the day. (Demonstrate what a small sample looks like.)

Questions: What is your favorite? Something sweet, sour or salty?

3) Feeling Bags

Take 3 pair of men's dark socks. In each sock place one familiar but different object. Have children, one at a time, reach inside and guess what the object is.

4) Smells Can Be Different

Take 8 empty film canisters and divide into pairs. In each canister place a couple of cotton balls. In each pair of canister, add a few drops of a different food extract (Note: vanilla, lemon, orange, anise, or others) Cover with lid and tape. Punch a couple of holes in the top. Ask the children to find the matching containers using their sense of smell.

5) Sounds Can Be Different

Take 8 empty film canisters and divide into 4 pairs. Each pair should be filled with something different and then taped shut. (Suggestions: pennies, rice, paper clips, popcorn, sand or salt, all work well). See if children can find the matching pairs by shaking and listening.