Sensory Exploration Stations

Nicole Walsh

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Sensory Exploration Stations

Promote sensory awareness

This lesson involves setting up different sensory stations where students can engage their senses through focused activities like listening, touching, and smelling. This lesson is important as it helps 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, calmness, and ability to process sensory information.

Audience

Grades K-3 Students

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Promote sensory awareness

Materials

Station setup materials (e.g., objects with different textures, scented items, sound recordings), Printable Station Cards, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of sensory exploration.
Explain that they will be visiting different stations to explore their senses of touch, smell, and hearing.
Discuss the importance of being mindful and aware of their surroundings.

Step 2

Station Exploration

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups and assign each group to a starting station.
Allow students to spend 5 minutes at each station, engaging with the materials and activities provided.
Encourage students to focus on their senses and describe what they feel, hear, or smell.

Step 3

Closure

5 minutes

Bring students back together and discuss their experiences at each station.
Ask students to share what they found most interesting or surprising.
Reinforce the importance of sensory awareness and mindfulness in everyday life.

Worksheet

Printable Station Cards

These cards are for labeling each sensory station with its focus (e.g., Touch, Smell, Hear).

Touch Station

Smell Station

Hear Station

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to guide a discussion about the sensory exploration experience.

What was your favorite station and why?

Encourage students to think about which sense they enjoyed exploring the most and what specific aspect of the station they liked.

How did focusing on your senses make you feel?

Guide students to reflect on their emotional response to the sensory activities and any feelings of calmness or excitement.

Can you think of other ways to use your senses to be mindful?

Help students brainstorm other activities or situations where they can practice sensory awareness and mindfulness.