Smelling Bottles Sensory

Lesson Plan:

Activity:

Lesson plan developed by Aurora Tollestrup, BS Ed

Age Group:

Objectives:

Child will:

experience a new sensory activity

CDA Competency Standard:

II.4.3a

Activities and materials encourage children to develop their senses
- a) Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch experiences are encouraged through a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities

Materials:

Empty spice bottles
Cotton Balls
Essential oils of lavender, peppermint, orange

*Note: Choose your essential oils wisely. Some are not ideal for infants.

Procedure:

Prepare the materials by placing 5 drops of each essential oil onto separate cotton balls and putting them into the spice jars, securing the lids.
Invite infant to hold and smell the bottles to experience new scents.

Assessment:

Observe and record the infant’s reaction to new smells. Did he or she seem to enjoy any smells in particular, or dislike any of them?

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Science for Infants

Infants are natural scientists! Yes, you read that correctly. Most people consider science to be an advanced study set which requires higher methods of analyzing, observing and recording. While these things are necessary for scientific study, the very basis of scientific study is in exploration, curiosity and discovery. Infants are constantly exploring, observing, and discovering the world around them! Science is in the very nature of an infant’s development, and is easily supported by encouraging their discoveries and curiosities each and every day.

Infants are exposed to science when they are playing peek-a-boo, rolling a ball, feeling a new sensory experience, and reaching for a toy or toes. These experiences include learning about object permanence, cause and effect, the five senses, and spatial awareness, respectively. These seemingly common infantile experiences are actually scientific research in progress.

Have you ever helped an infant roll a ball across the floor? Did you support their reactions to the ball’s movement? Did you further their play by rolling the ball a new way, or urging them to crawl or walk to the ball? Caregivers and educators interact with infants in these ways almost constantly. They support the infant in a simplified scientific process, whether they are aware of it or not.