five senses lesson plans for preschool

Five Senses Fun: Preschool Lesson Plans

By Anthony LewisMarch 24, 2026

Engaging young preschoolers in learning activities can be a delightful task, especially when these activities stimulate their natural curiosity and help them understand the world around them. One effective way to achieve this is by creating lesson plans that cater to their five senses. By incorporating sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing into your teaching strategies, you can make learning a fun and interactive experience for your little ones.

The following are some creative and engaging five senses lesson plans suitable for preschoolers, ensuring a well-rounded development and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Sensory Exploration Stations

A sensory station is an excellent way to help preschoolers explore and understand their world using all five senses. Set up different stations around the classroom or activity area, each focusing on a different sense.

a hand is pointing at the 5 sensess chart for children to learn how to use it

Toddler Classroom, Senses Preschool, 5 Senses Preschool, Social Emotional Activities, Toddler Learning Activities, Baby Learning Activities, Five Senses Preschool, 5 Senses Activities, Sensory Activities

Here's how you can set up these stations for your little learners:

Sight Station: Color Matching

Create a color-matching activity using items like pompoms, blocks, or Easter eggs. Preschoolers will have fun pairing like colors and improving their visual discrimination skills.

Tot School- The 5 Senses Lesson Plan - Alicia Marie

an image of a poster on the wall that says mr potato head's five sensees

5 Senses Theme Tot School & Preschool Plans

To enhance this activity, encourage children to describe the colors they see and discuss the differences and similarities between shades.

Sound Station: Musical Instruments

Introduce your preschoolers to a variety of musical instruments, letting them explore the sounds they make. This activity stimulates their auditory curiosity and fosters an appreciation for music.

Provide a selection of instruments such as drums, tambourines, maracas, and rain sticks. Encourage children to experiment with different tempos and rhythms, creating their own unique compositions.

5 Senses Activity with Mr. Potato Head + Free Printable - A Little Pinch of Perfect

a close up of a clock on a table with toys

Scratch and Sniff Five Senses Name Activity

Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are another engaging and educational activity for preschoolers. These bins contain various materials that children can explore using their hands, promoting fine motor skills and sensory development.

Create different sensory bins to cater to each sense:

Touch Bin: Textures

Fill a bin with various textured materials like sand, water beads, cotton balls, or even uncooked rice. Provide tools for scooping and pouring, such as spoons, funnels, and small cups.

Encourage preschoolers to describe the textures they feel and compare the similarities and differences between them. This activity helps improve their tactile perception and language skills.

Smell Bin: Fragrances

Create a bin filled with fragrant materials like spices, potpourri, or scented playdough. As children explore the bin, discuss the different smells they detect and where they might have encountered those scents before.

To make this activity more engaging, you can create "smell bags" by placing small amounts of fragrant materials into Ziploc bags. Children can then smell the bags and guess the contents.

Including five senses activities in your preschool lesson plans offers a holistic approach to learning, catering to the unique needs and interests of each child. By exploring their world through sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing, preschoolers develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and creativity. Encourage your little ones to ask questions, experiment, and make discoveries, fostering a lifelong love for learning.