Sensory-based activities are the ultimate way to bring playful learning explorations to preschoolers. Using all 5 senses in learning activities promotes problem-solving skills and investigation. In this fun activity, preschoolers will sort items based on the corresponding sense the items belong to. Preschoolers can then be challenged to go on a 5 senses scavenger hunt. Find everything you need to explore all 5 senses in preschool with hands-on sensory sorting activities.
Exploring All 5 Senses in Preschool: Sensory Sorting Activities and Books!
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- Muffin tin
- 5 senses free printable – print here—–>5 Senses Sensory Sorting Free Printable for Preschoolers
- Laminator or laminating sheets (optional, for durability and to re-use)
- Various items that can be sorted (list of suggestions below)
- 5 trays or cookie sheets (note: dollar stores carry inexpensive cookie sheets for playful learning activities with preschoolers).
- Print the 5 senses sorting signs. You may choose to laminate them for durability.
- Cut them out and secure them to the sorting pans/trays as seen in the images below.
Once the sorting pans/trays are labeled, set them in the Science center and create an invitation to play. Invitations to play are eye-catching arrangements of learning materials that draw young learners into an activity based on curiosity and with little adult encouragement. The trays can be purchased cheaply at the dollar store and can help to keep smaller activity pieces together. You may also want to stand up some books from the list below that focus on the 5 senses. For a touch of whimsy, you could even add a Mr. Potato Head with just parts that correspond to the five senses.
When children use their five senses in learning activities, they are encouraged to investigate and explore. Not only do these activities encourage brain development and problem-solving skills, they also prompt children to use scientific thinking, which can be demonstrated in this five senses sorting activity.
There are two parts to this activity; the first can be completed independently and the second can be done as a group activity or independently as well.
The independent learning activity can be done after attaching the five small senses labels to cups of the muffin tin. In a bowl or basket, put several items that could be sorted. These items can include, but are not limited to the following: sandpaper, rock or pebble, jingle bell, marshmallow, crisp leaf, small fresh flower, bubble wrap, sugar cube, fabric swatches, etc. Children can then be encouraged to sort each item under which sense they perceive the item with. (Disclaimer: Please ensure that sorting items are age appropriate. Provide proper supervision with items that may be considered choking hazards.)
The second portion of this sensory activity is in the form of a scavenger hunt. Place the cookie sheets/trays out along a table with the “I Can See/Hear/Taste/Smell/Touch” printables posted on the wall/table above them. Challenge children to search the room for one item for each of the five trays. Once done, discuss how each item on the tray relates to that particular sense.
It is important to note that for both of these activities, while adults may have a set answer for where each item “belongs”, the minds of children work in wonderfully creative ways. Where one child may sort the sandpaper under touch because of how it feels, another may file it under sound due to what happens when the paper is scratched. If you see an item and do not understand why a child has classified it under a particular sense, as thoughtful questions to gain insight into the child’s line of thinking.
Preschool Books About the 5 Senses
You may want to supplement these learning activities with literature. Here are several books on the five senses for kids:
Extension Activities for Learning about the 5 Senses in Preschool
Eager to help your little learners explore more about the senses? Try one of these fun extension activities below:
- Take a listening walk or I-spy walk through the neighborhood and see what sounds/items children can see and hear. Try the free printable to locate various items on your walk here.
- Have a taste test of various types of flavors: salty, sweet, sour, mildly spicy, etc. (To record various foods your preschoolers try, see here).
- Make your own I-spy book like these ones.
- Create a “blind box” for children to feel a secret item and guess what it is as seen here.
- Have a smelling test to see if children can name the item they’re smelling.
- Let children flip through magazines and circle eyes, ears, mouths, noses, and/or hands.
- Make egg shakers like this to keep rhythm with.
For even MORE playful learning with ALL 5 Senses, see our 5 Senses Thematic Unit here on the blog. The theme contains literacy, science, math, songs/fingerplays, arts/crafts, and small/large group dramatic play ideas for the 5 Senses.
The Preschool Toolbox is pleased to have Andie Jaye as a valued contributor. Andie is a former preschool teacher turned stay-at-home mom of 3 kiddos. Her blog, Crayon Freckles, focuses on creative learning and play ideas, as well as parenting topics. Andie strives to be honest in her approach and experiences in parenting to let other moms know that they are not alone in their struggle. In her free time, she writes children’s books in hopes of publishing someday. You can follow Andie on Pinterest or on Twitter.