Earlier blog posts this month have included ways to develop children’s intelligence and kindergarten readiness in multiple areas. Because humans experience the world through their senses, it’s important to encourage sensory development for brain growth, too. Noses aren’t the only part of the body used for smelling, so are brains. Exploring the sense of smell therefore is an activity for kindergarten readiness and brain development.
Did you know that babies can smell even before they are born? To explore the sense of smell, there’s lots of things to use in your cupboard or your fridge. Just take them out and have your child sniff. Some suggestions are oranges, lemons, bananas, cinnamon, curry, pizza spices, mint, pickles, vinegar, coffee, chocolate, jam, hand and dish soap, fresh towels and more. When making play dough add a smell such as cinnamon or mint. (Some recipes use a package of kool-aid for both color and smell.)
You can sprinkle a few spices onto an aluminum pie plate or big piece of paper for your child to sniff and enjoy. Or try painting with a few spices –not the hot ones– like this child: see Jessie’s post at PlayCreateExplore blog
To have more fun, choose a few samples and put a small amount in a little cup. Cover the cup with tin foil, poke a few holes in and have your child try to guess what it is. Together you might want to cook up some smells. Baked apples with cinnamon and brown sugar will fill the whole house with a wonderful aroma! Or pizza or fresh bread!
Is there a smell that you particularly remember? As soon as I saw this picture of lilacs I could almost smell them. Share some smell memories with your child. Which ones do they like and not like? Can you help your child make some brain connections by smelling?