We use our 5 senses every day! Discover how to set up a fun and simple Guess The Object game for early childhood learning and play that uses the sense of touch. 5 senses activities are delightful for introducing preschoolers to the simple practice of observing the world around them!
What are the 5 Senses?
If you are going to explore the 5 senses, you need to know what they are first! The 5 senses include touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell. These concepts are super easy to explore with junior scientists because we use our 5 senses every day in many ways.
The senses are how we explore and learn about the world around us. Textures and colors ignite our senses of touch and sight.
New foods and tasty goodies explore our sense of taste, even if they aren’t so tasty. Smells like peppermint or cinnamon bring back memories or make us feel more in tune with the season or holiday.
The wind rustling the leaves, the waves breaking on the shore, our footsteps walking along a wooded path, or the call of a bird overhead are fantastic opportunities for listening to our senses!
Take a look at our sensory science list to read more about combining science and sensory play as well engaging the 5 senses.
Observation and the 5 Senses
Observation in science begins with using our senses to gather information about the world around us. It involves using science process skills, paying close attention to details, making careful notes or drawings, and using tools to help us make better observations.
Making observations is an essential skill in science because it leads to collecting data and gathering evidence to support or refute hypotheses down the track. Learn more about using the scientific method with kids.
Observing is also a good way for us to explore and learn about the natural world. Young children learn when they make observations in new situations, especially with science sensory experiences.
Let’s take a closer look at how kids can practice making observations using their 5 senses:
Sight
Observing through sight involves looking closely at objects and noting their color, shape, size, and patterns. For example; start a seed jar or grow crystals!
Hearing
Observing through hearing involves listening to sounds around them and identifying their source. Kids can listen to bird songs, the rustling of leaves, or the sound of raindrops. For example; try a water xylophone!
Touch
Observe through touch to explore the texture, temperature, and hardness of objects. Kids can touch different types of materials such as sand, water, feathers, or bark. See our guess the object game below!
Taste
Observing through taste involves exploring the flavors of different foods or substances. They can describe the tastes as sweet, sour, bitter, or salty. Try fizzy lemonade or a Candy Taste Test!
Smell
Observing through smell involves detecting and describe odors. Kids can explore different scents in their environment, such as flowers, fruits, or spices. For example; paint with spice paint!
Free Printable 5 Senses Coloring Pages Pack
Have fun coloring the 5 senses and learning a little bit of the biology involved with these free printable 5 senses coloring sheets.
5 Senses Guess The Object Activity
Use the sense of touch to work out what each mystery item is! Follow it up with a simple drawing activity that uses the sense of sight!
Supplies:
- Printable 5 Senses worksheet
- 6 Paper Bags
- 6 Different items
TIP: Vary the size and texture of your items. For example, we used cotton balls, small ball, paper clips, a toy car, apple, and stuffed animal.
Instructions:
STEP 1. Label 6 paper bags with numbers 1 to 6.
STEP 2. Fill each bag with a different object.
STEP 3. Instruct kids to reach inside the bag and touch the item without looking. Discuss what they think it is.
STEP 4. Once everyone has had a turn to touch the item, open the bag and draw what was in the bag.
Extend The Learning With 5 Senses Activities
Check out our complete list of 5 Senses activities or choose from one below…
- Set up a simple 5 senses science center.
- Pop rocks make a great 5 senses activity.
- Explore fall 5 senses activities.
- Learn about the 5 senses with these simple google slides.
- Describe an apple using the 5 senses.
- 5 Senses Coloring Pages
Printable Preschool 5 Senses Pack
Get ready to explore this year with our growing Preschool STEM Bundle! Or grab the individual Preschool 5 Senses Pack.
What’s Included:
There are 4 fun preschool themes to get you started. This is an ” I can explore” series!
Each unit contains approximately 15 activities, with instructions and templates as needed. Hands-on activities are provided to keep it fun and exciting. This includes sensory bins, experiments, games, and more! Easy supplies keep it low cost and book suggestions add the learning time.
