Learning about the 5 senses is a great thematic unit for preschoolers, especially at the beginning of the year. Young children are naturally curious about the world around them and often use their senses to explore and learn. When we set up 5 senses learning centers in our classroom, we give children the opportunity to play, learn and discover in a way that is exciting, hands-on and developmentally appropriate!
In our classroom, we learn about 1 of the 5 senses each day during circle time. After that opening mini-lesson, the students get to work on their centers. We always have dramatic play, blocks, and the art easel available. In addition to those, we like to set up a different exploring station each day of the 5 senses unit. These are a few of our very favorite ideas for each station:
Hearing
Water Xylophone | Learn Play Imagine
Sound Matching Game | Play to Learn Preschool
Musical Shakers and Rain Makers | Adventures of Adam
Making Music with the Glockenspiel | Gift of Curiosity
Smell
5 Senses Activity with Scratch and Sniff Names | Fun-a-Day
Scented Painting Activity| Play to Learn Preschool
Coffee Bean Playdough | My Nearest and Dearest
Painting with Seasoning and Spices | Learn with Play at Home
Touch
Sense of Touch Science Center | Play to Learn Preschool
Texture Tray Sensory Play for Preschool | No Time for Flashcards
Stretchy Oobleck | Play to Learn Preschool
Sense of Touch Mystery Bag | A Mom with a Lesson Plan
Sight
Rainbow Discovery Bottles | Play to Learn Preschool
Ice Cream Color Grading | Gift of Curiosity
Celery Absorbing Colored Water | Learn Play Imagine
Taste
Apple Taste Test | Play to Learn Preschool
Lemon Foods Taste Test Science Investigation | Fantastic Fun and Learning
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Sense of Taste | Adventures of Adam
Fun with Tasting Bottles | Gift of Curiosity
All 5 Senses!
Popcorn 5 Senses Activity | Play to Learn Preschool
5 Senses Interactive Bulletin Board | Play to Learn Preschool
5 Senses Activites Compilation | Play to Learn Preschool
Looking for Books? Check out PTL’s library list!
The Ultimate List of Books about the Five Senses
This “Centers and Circle Time Unit” is packed full of 5-Senses hands-on learning:
What are some of your favorite 5 senses activities? If you’re looking for even more ideas, be sure to follow this Pinterest board:
Follow Play to Learn Preschool’s board Science: 5 Senses on Pinterest.