Why would developing our senses be important? Well our senses are the way that we explore the world and basically make sense of what is going on around us. Teaching children about the 5 senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste) is important to help them to stimulate their brains and to better understand their bodies. It is also great for building their self esteem because through activities relating to the senses, they are discovering new and exciting things about themselves.
A great way to have them engage in all their senses is to bring them to the Port Moody Farmers Market! You can ask them questions like what kinds of sounds do they hear? Maybe the musician of the week or vendors making their sales. Then ask what they see, like the assortment of fruits and vegetables we have to offer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s a great way to engage in all the senses!
Here are some other activities that you can try with your children to help them engage in their 5 senses:
Sight: Playing I Spy with your kids is a fun and easy game to play with them to have them become more aware of the things around them.
Smell: The blindfold test is a great way to help kids activate their sense of smell. Take familiar items like cocoa powder and lemons and have them figure out what it is only by smelling it.
Touch: A great way to have them engage in this sense is by getting a box and hiding a mystery object within it. Cut a hole so they can stick their hands into the cardboard to use their sense of touch to discover what it is. This is exactly what we’ll be doing for this Sunday’s activity at the POP Club!
Hearing: Take kids to a park and have them point out all the things that they hear. Is it a bird, or a plane, or maybe the laughter of other children? Have them describe all the things that they hear.
Taste: The blindfold test can also be used here to help kids differentiate between different tastes. Have them try different foods and answer questions like is it salty or is it sweet?
Join us this Sunday for a fun activity that will help POP kids engage in their sense of touch by using their hands to figure out what vegetable is hidden in the mystery box! They will not only be using their hands, but also their critical thinking skills in order to make sense of what they are feeling.
Hope to see you there!
If you haven’t yet registered for the program this season, make sure you visit the POP tent to get started!
Learn more about the program here: POP Kids Club