The Five Senses in Boxes

Materials 

1. five cardboard or plastic shoeboxes
2. books on the five senses
3. objects representing each of the senses

Instructions

1. Label each box with one of the senses. Fill each box with materials that represent the sense. For example:
   * Sound bell, headphones or earplugs to muffle sound, music box, and rattles
   * Touch piece of fur, sandpaper, smooth rock, and rubber band
   * Smell sachets, scratch-and-sniff stickers, and plastic film cans with cotton balls soaked in different scent oils
   * Sight binoculars, magnifying glasses, and color paddles
   * Taste photos of favorite foods, or actual foods for tasting
   Safety Note: If you choose to add real foods to the taste box, check for any food allergies and monitor use closely.
2. Put a book about each sense in each box. Use class-made books, if available.
3. Introduce each box separately at circle time, and then put it in the science or sensory center for the children to explore independently. Keep these boxes on the science shelf all year.
4. Change the contents of the boxes occasionally. Change them according to classroom theme, if desired.