Teaching five senses activities is one of my favorite science units because it’s naturally hands-on and connects to everything learners experience each day. When it comes to the sense of sight, The Looking Book by P.K. Hallinan is a perfect read aloud to get learners observing their world with fresh eyes.
Pairing this book with a simple writing extension creates a lesson that blends science and literacy seamlessly. Learners practice careful observation, record their thinking, and use writing as a tool for science.
Why Use Read Alouds in Science?
Read alouds aren’t just for story time. They make powerful mentor texts for writing and science lessons. A book like The Looking Book:
- Models curiosity and close observation
- Provides language learners can echo in their own writing
- Bridges the gap between reading and scientific thinking
When learners see characters noticing details and describing what they observe, they’re more likely to do the same in their own work.
Writing for Science and Science for Writing
One of the best parts of this activity is how it blends subject areas.
- Writing for science — learners use drawing and writing to record their observations. This strengthens note-taking and documentation skills.
- Science for writing — science gives learners a real purpose for writing, making it meaningful and motivating.
Instead of isolated writing practice, learners are recording what they truly notice. And instead of a disconnected science worksheet, they’re creating something personal and reflective.
How to Use Looking Book with Your Learners
- Read the Book
Start with The Looking Book by P.K. Hallinan. Pause to discuss the illustrations and encourage learners to share what they see. - Go Outside and Look
Take your learners outdoors for a short observation walk. Invite them to look closely at their surroundings… trees, sky, buildings, animals, and even small details like cracks in the sidewalk or blades of grass. - Document in a Looking Book
Learners create their own Looking Book to capture what they see through pictures, labels, or simple sentences. This free printable is available in the MJCS Shop so you can download and use it right away.
Extend Your Science Block with these Five Senses Activities
The Looking Book activity is a wonderful extension, but it fits even better when you’re teaching the five senses during science block. My Five Senses Unit includes:
- Hands-on activities for all five senses
- Recording sheets that support writing in science
- Crafts and visuals to help concepts stick
- Teacher guides to make prep simple
Together, these lessons make it easy to connect science and literacy while keeping learners engaged.
For even more support, check out my Intro to Science Bundle. It combines What Is Science and Five Senses to give you everything you need to launch science with your learners.
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Try It in Your Classroom
Next time you’re planning five senses activities, use The Looking Book as your mentor text. Read the story, take learners outside to “look,” and then let them document their observations in their own Looking Books.
It’s a simple, engaging way to build observation skills, encourage writing, and connect reading, science, and literacy all in one lesson.
Download your free Looking Book printable below and pair it with the full Five Senses Unit for a complete, ready-to-go science block.
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