Using Our Senses

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This is a fun, simple ‘mindfulness’ activity that you and your child can practice at different points throughout the day. The purpose of this activity is to bring our awareness into the present by appreciating the world around us in the moment. You can use this strategy if you notice your child worrying, getting ‘stuck’ on something, or just as a fun way to explore the world.

Right now, with the routine changes associated with the COVID-19 precautions, this can be a confusing time to be a toddler. There are so many questions going through their heads that they may not have the ability to articulate with their words. Why are my parents home? Why aren’t we going to the store? When will I go back to preschool or see my home visitors again? Who needs to buy that much toilet paper? (That one may be going through the adults’ heads)

With toddlers, worrying looks different from how adults tend to worry. It can sound like your child asking when a certain adult will return or reminding themselves that they will return (which is a great strategy, but it also means they are not enjoying the present moment). Toddlers often express themselves through their behavior and may exhibit challenging behavior or regression when feeling worry or stress over routine changes. They may struggle with routines they previously had no problem with, or they may become upset over ‘nothing at all’. A toddler might  be particularly clingy, may complain of not feeling well, or ask for things they haven't asked for in a long time or that they don't typically ask for (blankie, binky, bottle). There are many different strategies that can and should be used in these moments in addition to this 5 senses activity. This activity can be another tool in your ever-evolving strategy toolbox.

Humans have 5 senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. When we focus on things that stimulate our senses, it has the power to ground us into the here and now. For this activity, you can start off by explaining the different senses to your toddler. This is not essential to the practice but can be used as an additional learning opportunity. You can practice this activity while playing in the house, during bath time, outside on a walk, engaging in sensory play, etc.

The following are some questions you can ask or observations you can make about the different senses. Get creative and explore alongside your child!

Sight

Use your eyes to look around.

What do you see?

Name all the blue things, green things, etc.

What animals do you see?

What do the clouds look like today?

Is it bright or dark out?

Smell

Use your nose to smell around you.

What do you smell?

Do you smell food, grass, ocean water, etc.?

Are the smells pleasant or yucky?

Taste

Use your mouth and tongue to taste.

What does this (food item currently eating) taste like?

Is it sweet? Spicy? Salty? (Flavor)

Is it smooth? Mushy? Crunchy? (Texture)

Without food: What does the inside of your mouth taste like right now? Can you taste anything? Do you feel your teeth?

Hearing

Use your ears to hear around you.

What noises do you hear?

Outside: Do you hear birds chirping? Can you hear water flowing? Are people talking?

Inside: Can you hear the fridge humming? Do you hear your sibling? Do you hear any clicking or beeping sounds?

Is it loud or quiet?

Touch

Use your whole body and hands to touch.

What can you feel?

Is it soft? Bumpy? Smooth? Cold? Wet?

What is your body touching right now? Are your feet touching the ground? Are your legs touching the floor?

Have fun!

-Miss Lauren