Sense of smell

AREA SETUP

Print a variety of posters and use them to decorate the walls of your daycare. (Open thematic poster-Sense of smell)

Educa-theme-Sense of smell

(Open educa-theme-Sense of smell) Print and laminate the different elements representing the theme. Use them to present the theme to your group (and their parents) while decorating your daycare.

Educa-decorate-Sense of smell

(Open educa-decorate-Sense of smell) Print, laminate, and cut out the illustrations. Use them to decorate your walls and set the mood for the theme.

Who do these noses belong to?

This game represents a fun way to introduce your theme to the parents of the children in your group. Photograph each child, but only his nose. Print the pictures and use them to create a poster. Have children decorate their poster as they wish. Write Who do these noses belong to? at the top of your poster. Hang it near your daycare entrance so parents can play along. Will they recognize their child’s nose?

Scented wall

Hang a banner on a wall and glue several Ziploc bags containing various fragrant items (pepper, spices, cotton balls dipped in perfume, etc.) on it. Invite children to draw a heart next to the scents they like and an “X” next to the scents they aren’t very fond of.

5 senses mobile

Create a special 5 senses mobile and hang it above your changing table. You can use different lengths of string to hang a small bell, a hand outline cut out of felt, a plastic nose, and other colourful items that children are sure to be attracted to.

CIRCLE TIME

Animated discussion-Sense of smell

(Open word flashcards-Sense of smell) Print and laminate the word flashcards. Use them to spark a conversation with your group. Ask children questions about their nose and sense of smell.

Point to or name the flashcard

(Open giant word flashcards-Sense of smell) Print, laminate, and display the word flashcards on a wall, close to your circle time area or on a large cardboard that can easily be moved around. Children take turns identifying a word.

Poni discovers and presents-Sense of smell

(Open Poni discovers and presents-Sense of smell) Print the cards. Laminate and cut them out. Use your Poni puppet (or another puppet children are familiar with) to present them to your group.

Flipogram-Sense of smell

(Open picture game-Sense of smell) Print and laminate the pictures in the format you prefer. Use a hole-punch to make a hole in the upper right and left corner of each picture. Stack the pictures and insert a ring through each set of holes. The flipogram is easy to manipulate. Simply show children how they can lift a picture and flip it under the stack. Name each item with your group. Use the flipogram to encourage children to talk during circle time and to ask them questions about the theme.

Associating scents

You will need a container filled with different types of herbs. Use it to spark a discussion with your group. Show children the different types of herbs and name each one. Ask children questions about the herbs, encourage them to touch and smell them, and let them integrate them in a variety of games.

PICTURE GAME

The pictures may be used as a memory game or to spark a conversation with the group.  Use them to decorate the daycare or a specific thematic corner. (Open picture game-Sense of smell) Print, laminate, and store in a “Ziploc” bag or in your thematic bins.

Memory game

(Open picture game-Sense of smell) Print the pictures twice and use them for a memory game.

ACTIVITY SHEETS

(Open activity sheets-Sense of smell) Print and follow instructions.

Ways to use your activity sheets

Stick two crayons together, end to end. Have children complete part of an activity sheet with one end, rotate the crayon, and use the other color to complete the second portion of the activity sheet.

Different positions

Stick activity sheets on walls, on the floor, or under tables. Ask children to stand, sit, or lie down to complete the activities.

Writing activities

(Open writing activities-N like nose) Print for each child or laminate for use with a dry-erase marker.

Creating your own activity binder

Laminate several activity sheets and writing activities and arrange them in a binder along with dry-erase markers. Leave the binder in your writing area and let children complete the pages as they wish. At the end of the day, simply wipe off their work so the activity binder can be reused.

Educa-nuudles-Sense of smell

(Open educa-nuudles-Sense of smell) Print for each child. Have children color the sheet and use Magic Nuudles to give it a three-dimensional look. Variation: You don’t have Magic Nuudles? Have children fill the spaces designed for Magic Nuudles with bingo markers or stickers. To order Magic Nuudles.

LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES

The flashcards may be used during circle time to spark a conversation with the group or in your reading and writing area. They may also be used to identify your thematic bins. (Open word flashcards-Sense of smell) (Open giant word flashcards-Sense of smell) nose, perfume, scent, aroma, gas mask, bouquet, nostril, stench, muzzle, pepper, nose clip, smoke

Let’s chat

(Open word flashcards-Sense of smell) (Open giant word flashcards-Sense of smell) Print and laminate the word flashcards. Have each child pick a word and present it to the group (ex. nostril). Ask them questions to see what they know about the theme.

Reinvented scrabble

(Open word flashcards-Sense of smell) (Open giant word flashcards-Sense of smell) Print many copies of the word flashcards and encourage children to use scrabble tiles to write the words. Manipulating the small tiles represents a great fine motor skill exercise. At the same time, children will notice which letters make up the different words.

Word association-Sense of smell

(Open word flashcards-Sense of smell) (Open giant word flashcards-Sense of smell) Print two copies of several different word flashcards. On a large piece of cardboard, stick one copy of each flashcard vertically to create a word column. Cut the second copy of each word flashcard so you have the word on one side and the illustration on the other side. Attach Velcro behind each part as well as to the right of the uncut flashcards (on the cardboard). Arrange the cut flashcards on the table and encourage children to look at your flashcard board to identify a matching word and illustration. When they succeed, they may stick them next to the corresponding flashcard, on your board. This exercise will help children associate words with pictures.

Word clothesline

(Open word flashcards-Sense of smell) (Open giant word flashcards-Sense of smell) Print two copies of several word flashcards. Hang one copy of each word on an indoor clothesline with colourful clothespins. Arrange the copies in a pile on a table. Let children take turns picking a word and finding the matching word on the clothesline. When they find a match, they can place the flashcard on top of the one that was already hanging on the clothesline. Help younger children manipulate the clothespins if necessary.

Word race

(Open word flashcards-Sense of smell) (Open giant word flashcards-Sense of smell) Print several word flashcards and hide them throughout your daycare or yard. Divide your group into two teams. When you give them the signal, children must search for the flashcards for a pre-determined period, for example three minutes. When the time is up, children must be able to “read” their flashcards to earn a point for their team. If they are unable to find the correct word, the other team can earn the point if they succeed.

ROUTINES AND TRANSITIONS

Scented hands

After washing children’s hands with a sweet-smelling soap, deposit a dollop of moisturizing lotion on their hands. Encourage them to smell the lotion as they rub their hands together.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND MOTOR SKILLS

I have 10 noses

(Open miniature noses) Print and laminate. Hide 10 nose illustrations throughout your daycare. Set a basket on the floor, in the centre of the room. Children search for the noses and deposit each one they find in the basket before going to back to search for more.

Exploring food with your nose

At lunch or snack time, make a point of smelling the foods you serve with your group. As you hand them their plate, smell their food. Older children will spontaneously imitate you. With younger children, you can wave a spoonful of food under their nose to encourage them to smell it.

Scented pockets

For each pocket you wish to create, you will have to sew two square pieces of fabric together. Once this is done, fill each pocket with a different scented item: potpourri, herbs, tiny soaps, etc. Sew two seams for added safety. Let children manipulate the scented pockets so they discover the different scents. Children will have fun tossing the pockets in a container, setting them on their head and walking around the daycare, and using them for a variety of games and activities.

Game-5 senses wheel

(Open game-5 senses wheel) Print, laminate, and cut out the arrow. Make a small hole in the centre of the wheel and insert a fastener to hold the arrow in place. To solidify your wheel, you could stick it on a paper plate. Use the wheel to play with children’s five senses. Children take turns spinning the arrow. Depending on where the arrow stops, they will have to find a “hearing”, “sight”, “touch”, “taste”, or “smell” card and set it on their playing card. If the arrow lands on the same sense a second time, children must skip their turn. The first child who completes his card wins.

Nose game

(Open game-sticky nose) Print and laminate. Display the game on a wall, at children’s eye level. Give each child a laminated nose with adhesive putty on the back. Blindfold children and invite them to try to stick the nose as close to the correct spot as possible. The child who is the closest wins.

COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES

Educa-symmetry-Sense of smell

(Open educa-symmetry-Sense of smell) Print. Children must color the picture at the bottom of the page to make it look exactly like the picture at the top of the page.

Things my nose can smell

Draw a large nose on a piece of paper. Provide many old magazines. Have children cut pictures of things they can smell with their nose out of magazines and stick them on the large nose. This activity can be repeated with a mouth, an ear, an eye, and a hand to explore the other senses.

I use my nose to smell things

Encourage children to notice their nose and invite them to observe the noses of the other children in your group. Explain how their nose is required for breathing and smelling. Invite them to look at their nose in the mirror. Using a makeup pencil, draw a dot on the tip of each child’s nose. Ask them to breathe in and out through their nose in an exaggerated fashion. Finally, cut several pictures of noses out of old magazines and use them for a thematic collage.

Noses and colors

(Open noses and colors) Print and laminate. Set the colourful noses in front of the children in your group. Children take turns picking a food item and associating it with the nose of the corresponding color.

Scent memory game

For this activity, you will need several opaque plastic containers. Fill each one with a different scented item, making sure you add each item to two different containers. You can use cotton balls for liquids and simply pour a few drops on them before inserting them in the containers. Children take turns smelling two containers. If both containers smell the same, they keep them. If the scents are different, they must put them back in the centre of the table. The child who has the most pairs at the end wins.

Scent game

(Open game-scents) Print and laminate the illustrations. Stick the nose on a cardboard box. Cut slits near the nostrils so children can insert the illustrations. Children take turns picking a card, naming the item, and stating whether it smells good or not. If the illustrated item smells good, they insert it in the box. If the illustrated item does not smell good, have them set it aside.

Association game-Scents

(Open association game-Scents) Print and laminate. Spread the illustrations out in front of your group. Set each of the illustrated foods in an opaque container. Invite children to smell each container and associate them with the correct illustration.

5 senses association game

(Open association game-5 senses) Print, laminate, and cut out the parts. Children must associate each picture to the correct sense (hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste).

MORAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Photo booth-Sense of smell

(Open photo booth-Sense of smell) Print the various accessories, cut them out, and glue a drinking straw behind each one. Purchase hats, scarves, plastic noses, glasses, etc. at your local dollar store. Create a décor using a large piece of cardboard or curtain. Invite children to pick the accessories they prefer and pose for you. You can take individual, group, or family photos. Print the pictures and display them on a wall for everyone to see.

Flower scents

Dip a few cotton balls in different perfumed oils. Set the cotton balls in margarine tubs and punch holes in the lids. Use adhesive tape to secure the lid on each tub. If you don’t have perfumed oils with flower scents, use scented tealight candles or soaps instead. Show children pictures of the corresponding flowers to turn this activity into a fun association game.

I am developing my sense of smell

Fill a container with lightweight scarves. Deposit a few drops of vanilla extract, a mother’s perfume, or an essential oil on each scarf. Let children manipulate the contents of your container.

Flower bouquet

Purchase a large bouquet of flowers. Try to find flowers with a very strong scent. Set your bouquet in a vase. From time to time during the day, pick a flower and invite each child to smell it.

EARLY SCIENCE/EXPLORATION/MANIPULATION

Smell this!

Collect several small plastic pill bottles and insert a cotton ball in each one. Add a few drops of a different liquid or tiny pieces of a different food item in each one (vinegar, vanilla, onion, chocolate, essences, orange or lemon juice, spices, etc.). On a piece of cardboard, stick a picture representing each element and list the contents of each bottle.

Tiny scented containers

To create small scented containers, simply use small clear plastic containers with lids. Place a cotton ball in each container and add a few drops of a different essential oil to each one or, if you prefer, use scented candles.

Fresh herbs

Growing fresh herbs or purchasing them at the store can be interesting. Children love manipulating herbs. Show them how they can rub them between their hands and smell them. The herbs can be used for a collage on a large piece of cardboard or adhesive paper.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Mandalas-Sense of smell

(Open mandalas-Sense of smell) Print for each child. Invite children to color the mandalas as they wish to help them relax. Provide scented markers for this activity.

Models-Sense of smell

(Open models-Sense of smell) Print the models and use them for your various projects and needs throughout the theme.

Puppets-Noses

(Open puppets-Noses) Print the puppet models on heavy cardboard. Have children cut them out and decorate them with different arts & crafts materials. Stick a Popsicle stick behind each one to complete your puppets.

Scented modeling dough fruit

Provide colourful modeling dough (or salt dough) children can use to represent different types of fruit. Set the fruit out to dry. For a fun twist, add Kool-Aid powder to your dough to create sweet scents.

Drawing my nose

(Open drawing my nose) Print for each child. Stand in front of a mirror with your group and encourage children to notice their facial features. Of course, invite them to pay special attention to their nose. Invite each child to draw their nose as accurately as possible.

Scented paint

(Open fruit painting) Print for each child. Mix Jell-O powder with a few drops of water to prepare a special type of paint children will love to use. Invite them to paint the fruit, associating each scent to the corresponding fruit.

Scented collage

Have fun sticking pictures or illustrations of a variety of fragrant food items or plants on a piece of cardboard or a piece of adhesive paper with your group. Add a few drops of a natural essence on each picture or illustration and encourage children to smell them. Lemon, orange, and lavender represent interesting choices.

Scented modeling dough or paint

Purchase non-toxic modeling dough or paint. You may also choose to prepare your own. You will find many recipes in the Creative recipes section of the educatall.com website. Let children use the modeling dough or paint freely.

COLORING PAGES

(Open coloring pages theme-Sense of smell) Print for each child.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE THE COLORING PAGES

Identical coloring pages-Sense of smell

Print the same coloring page for each child and an additional copy for your model. Color only certain parts of your picture. Present the model to your group and ask them to color their picture to make it look exactly like yours.

Coloring binder-Sense of smell

Print and laminate several coloring pages and arrange them in a binder with a few dry-erase markers. Leave everything on a table for children to explore.

Musical drawing-Sense of smell

Play musical drawing with your group. Give each child a coloring page. Have children sit around a table. When the music starts, they must pass the coloring pages around the table. Every time the music stops, they must color the picture in front of them until the music starts again.

Homemade puzzles-Sense of smell

Give each child a picture to color. When they are done, cut each picture into pieces to create unique puzzles.

SONGS & RHYMES-SENSE OF SMELL

(Open songs & rhymes-Sense of smell) Print.

By: Patricia Morrison - Sung to: Row, row, row your boat

Smell

Smell, smell, smell the flowers

Smell them with your nose

Lavender, gardenias, roses, and lilies

Treat your nose to these

Have fun!

The educatall team