Teaching the five senses is one of my favorite science units because it’s naturally hands-on, easy to connect to real life, and engaging for even the youngest learners. If you’re looking for a complete week of five senses activities, these simple lesson plans cover sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste with read alouds, experiments, and cross-curricular connections.
Each day introduces a sense with a predictable chart, mentor text, and a hands-on activity that blends science with language development.
Monday: Sense of Sight
First, introduce the sense of sight with a predictable chart: I use my (body part) to (verb) (noun).
Next, read Our Eyes Can See by Jodi Lyn Wheeler-Toppen (or a similar book).
Then, use the Sight Snaps activity. Learners draw objects they notice in the classroom, attach the “photos” to yarn, and wear them like a camera necklace.
Finally, share as a group and talk about how sight helps us stay safe and learn new things.
Tuesday: Sense of Touch
First, start with the predictable chart.
Next, read Our Skin Can Touch by Jodi Lyn Wheeler-Toppen.
Then, use Touch Bags. Place different objects inside paper bags. Learners reach inside without looking and describe how each one feels… soft, rough, bumpy, or smooth.
Finally, guess the objects together and discuss how touch helps us understand the world.
Wednesday: Sense of Sound
First, begin with the predictable chart.
Next, read Our Ears Can Hear by Jodi Lyn Wheeler-Toppen.
Then, create Sound Shakers with paper plates filled with rice, beans, coins, or beads. Learners shake each one, listen closely, and describe the sounds. Use words like loud, quiet, or rattling.
Finally, connect the lesson to how sound keeps us safe and helps us respond to our environment.
Thursday: Sense of Smell
First, complete the predictable chart.
Next, read Our Nose Can Smell by Jodi Lyn Wheeler-Toppen.
Then, try Smell Jars. Fill small containers with items such as coffee, orange, mustard, pepper, and pickle juice. Learners sniff each jar, describe the smell, and guess what’s inside.
Finally, talk about how smell helps us notice, remember, and enjoy the world around us.
Friday: Sense of Taste
First, use the predictable chart.
Next, read Our Mouths Can Taste by Jodi Lyn Wheeler-Toppen.
Then, set up a simple taste test. Give learners small samples of foods that are sweet (sugar cube), salty (pretzel), sour (lime), and bitter (unsweetened chocolate). Learners taste each sample, describe it, and sort it by flavor.
Finally, wrap up with a discussion about how taste keeps us safe and helps us enjoy food.
Read Aloud Options for the Five Senses
Looking for more mentor texts? Some of my favorites include: Using Your Senses, I Hear a Pickle, Let’s Explore the Five Senses, The Listening Walk, and All of Me Is Nature. These books make perfect extensions during your literacy block and support the idea of writing for science and science for writing.
Extend Your Five Senses Activities
This week of lesson plans is ready to use as-is, but if you want more support, check out my Five Senses Unit. It includes:
- Printable recording sheets for each sense
- Hands-on crafts and visuals
- Teacher guides to make prep quick and easy
For even more science support, my Intro to Science Bundle combines What Is Science and Five Senses into one resource that gives learners a strong foundation for exploring the world around them.
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Try These Five Senses Activities in Your Classroom
With just a few books, simple supplies, and these daily activities, you can create an engaging, cross-curricular week of science that learners will love. Add in the Five Senses Unit for printables, recording pages, and teacher-friendly guides to make your planning even easier.
