A guide for using our resources

Children will identify the five senses and explain how animals use them.

Vocabulary: chipmunk, explore, investigate, raccoon, senses

Science Focus: five senses, form and function

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• This simple picture book introduces young children to the five senses in language they can understand.
• Pair it with the issue to make connections between how animals use their senses and how children use theirs.

• Have a five senses scavenger hunt during circle time! You can call on kids individually or in pairs. Have kids look around and point to things that match these descriptions: 

Find something that sounds loud.

Find something that sounds quiet.

Find something that feels soft.

Find something that feels rough.

Find something that looks dark.

Find something that looks bright.

Find something that smells good.

Find something that smells stinky.

• If applicable, you can also ask kids to find something that tastes sweet or salty.

• When you investigate something, you try to fi nd out more about it. Invite kids to act out the word.
• Have kids think of something they are curious about and act out how they would investigate it!

Skill: observation and recording

Materials: Backyard Investigation skill sheet, pencils

• Take an observational walk around the neighborhood or in the outdoor area. On the skill sheet, have children circle the things they see. (No matter where you live, children are guaranteed to see at least a few!)
• Back inside, have children complete the skill sheet by drawing and labeling one animal they saw. Remind children that animals can be any size—creepy crawlies are critters too!