Sensory Adventure Stations

Nicole Walsh

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Sensory Adventure Stations

Promote mindfulness and sensory awareness

This lesson involves setting up sensory exploration stations where students can engage their senses through activities like listening, touching, and smelling. This lesson is important as it helps young students develop mindfulness and sensory awareness, which are crucial for their emotional and cognitive development. By engaging in these activities, students can improve their focus, relaxation, and understanding of their sensory experiences.

Audience

Grades K-3 Students

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Promote mindfulness and sensory awareness

Materials

Station 1: Listening - Audio player with nature sounds, Station 2: Touching - Various textured objects, Station 3: Smelling - Scented jars or bags, Station 4: Visual - Colorful images or objects, Station 5: Tasting - Safe, small food samples, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

Briefly explain the concept of senses and how they help us understand the world.
Introduce the idea of mindfulness and how paying attention to our senses can help us feel calm and focused.

Step 2

Station Exploration

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups and assign each group to a station.
Allow students to spend 3 minutes at each station, engaging with the materials and activities.
Rotate groups through all stations, ensuring each student experiences all sensory activities.

Step 3

Group Discussion

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and discuss their experiences at each station.
Use the provided discussion questions to guide the conversation and encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings.

Step 4

Closure

2 minutes

Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of our senses.
Encourage students to practice sensory awareness in their daily lives to enhance their mindfulness.

Discussion

Sensory Exploration Discussion

A discussion to reflect on the sensory experiences and promote mindfulness.

What was your favorite station and why?

Encourage students to think about which sense they enjoyed exploring the most and why it stood out to them.

How did focusing on your senses make you feel?

Guide students to express any feelings of calmness, excitement, or curiosity they experienced during the activities.

Can you think of other times when you use your senses in your daily life?

Help students connect the lesson to real-life situations where they might use their senses mindfully.