Scent & Memory Exploration
Children smell a variety of plant-based items such as herbs, flowers, and citrus. As they explore different scents, they begin to make connections between what they smell and familiar experiences like food, cooking, and nature.
Materials
Small containers or cups
Scented plant items (herbs, citrus peels, flowers, spices)
Cotton balls or fabric (optional, to hold scent)
Instructions
Place a few scented plant items in small containers for children to explore.
Invite children to smell each item one at a time.
Encourage children to describe what they notice about each scent.
Talk about where the scent might be used, such as in food, cooking, or nature.
Invite children to share which scent they like or remember.
Learning Benefits
Strengthens sensory exploration through smell
Builds connections between senses and memory
Encourages descriptive language and communication
Introduces plants used in everyday life
Supports awareness of preferences
Infant & Toddler Adaptations
Offer one or two gentle scents and allow children to smell with support. Watch for cues and model simple words like “smells good,” “soft,” or “strong,” keeping the experience calm and brief.