In keeping with the EVS textbook theme of ‘My Body’, the five senses were introduced to the pre-primary children of Staford School through an activity “Explore your Senses” on Saturday, 18th April 2015.
For children to explore their senses, sense exploratory booths were created for each sense organ with different items arranged to help children exploring the five senses. The booths helped them hear, smell, touch, taste and see different and multiple items for each sense and discern the difference between them.
The children moved from booth to booth, conducted different activities that captured the essence of each sense and excited the curiosity in the young ones! The kids went to the touch booth to feel and experience textured objects by rubbing their hands over the surface of different objects like a rough scrub, soft cotton wool, hard stones, soft toys, ice cubes and warm water.
The taste booth was definitely the place where the kids looked forward to some yummy treats. Teachers had lined up snacks to taste. They discerned the tastes of sugar, salty biscuits to spicy black pepper and the not so flavored bitter gourd and sour lime juice. Every child came forward to try out the variety. Children were quick to understand that sour and bitter arouse unusual responses- that bitter is not a pleasant taste and soon some of them were a bit reluctant to taste the lime juice and bitter gourd extract, as they watched their friends respond. The Teachers explained how the different parts of the tongue help us to sense different tastes.
At the booth for sound, the children experienced listening to the sound of many different items, ranging from a conch to whistles and bells. Musical instruments provided tones and pitches of varying types. They enjoyed the sounds of various animals. One of the sound box activities required them identify and pair similar sounds, which enhanced their listening and observational skills.
The sight booth had various activities such as matching games and I spy. The teacher also explained that our eyes are part of our body that we use to see. Our eyes see the light and send message to our brains about what they see.
The smell booth had smelling bottles with good smells and bad smells. There were sweet smelling perfumes, rose water, fragrant roses, garlic and fruits and vegetables, and the children experienced and responded to these smells according to their spontaneous response.
All through the activity, children experienced the minute differences between various sensory materials through different fun activities. The kids were filled with so many amazing facts and sense of wonder about themselves and the world around them. This activity was aimed at making the child more aware and conscious of themselves and the world around them. It taught them to observe and enjoy and experience- life is beautiful!