When children have a sparkle in their eye as they are discovering something, maybe not even for the first time, you know that you are doing something right! Providing opportunities for the 5 senses activities for preschoolers can help your child develop an awareness of their surroundings and self. Below are 5 things my kids and I did outside that took minimal effort on my part but provided hours of self-guided entertainment.

The 5 Senses Activities for Preschoolers

A Worm Hunt Exploring The Sense Of Touch

Our raspberry patch needed to be weeded. Using the 5 senses activities for preschoolers, I made the most out of this unpleasant job. I pulled the weeds and my kids looked for the worms lurking just below the moist grassy cover.

Just to add an extra educational element, I brought out a ruler and we counted and measured our worms. My son’s joy of worm hunting with me will be a small moment in time that I hope I never forget! 

A Puddle Band Exploring The Sense Of Sound 

If you love the sound of children’s laughter, you have to try this senses activity! It takes 2 minutes to make a puddle and you can use rain boots or bare feet to enjoy this task. My kids “jumped” right in once I gave them the all-clear.  You should have seen the water droplets fly. 

After they had gotten their initial wiggles out, I asked them if they could hear the sounds they were making. I then requested they make me a little sound followed by a big one. I gave them a series of sequences to act out. Then they had me guess what sound they were splashing out. Soon that evolved to what songs they were playing.  I should have known they would be (splashing out) “Baby Shark” and “Let it go” from the Frozen soundtrack frequents at my house.

Cloud Watching The Sense of Sight

Spread out a blanket or just lay in the grass and invite your little one to join you. Point out a few shapes you see in the clouds and then let your preschooler give it a try. Imagination starts to take hold and the gift of descriptive language is given to your child…time well spent.    

A Smell Map Using The Olfactory Senses

 All you need for this is a brown paper sack cut open, some glue, and a marker. Take your preschooler outside and sniff around. Sample interesting smells and attach it to your map. Your child can label the items found or write a descriptive word about the smell.

Harvesting The Garden The Sense of Taste

As the gardening season is just starting at our house, we have been enjoying our early radishes and rhubarb smoothies in the morning. The 5 senses activities for preschoolers help us take a moment and really reflect on the task of harvesting. Then I get to listen to the sounds of satisfaction ring in my ears as my kids enjoy their tasty garden treats. What things can you find around your house that might inspire the sense of taste from the outdoors? 

I hope that you can enjoy one or more of the 5 senses activities for preschoolers with your child. Taking the time to enjoy nature together is something you will never regret doing! Your preschooler can learn so much from being in the outdoors. I know that when I make the outdoors a priority for myself I feel better too! 

Kyanne graduated from Utah State University and worked with youth of all ages as a 4-H coordinator before taking a leave from her professional career to start a family of her own. She has four darling, creative, and outgoing young children ages 5, 4, 2, and 6 months. She enjoys teaching her children, crafting – they make just about anything together, and adventuring in the outdoors of Idaho with her family. 

 

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