Lesson Plan

Sensory Safari Outline

Students will identify and describe sensory inputs using key vocabulary and apply self-regulation techniques by engaging in sensory stations, reflecting in journals, and practicing mindful breathing.

This lesson builds sensory awareness and emotion vocabulary, empowering 3rd graders to recognize how senses affect feelings and to use self-regulation strategies, fostering emotional literacy and classroom readiness.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to the Five Senses

10 minutes

Step 2

Sensory Stations Rotation

15 minutes

Step 3

Vocabulary Building Discussion

7 minutes

Step 4

My Calming Corner Reflections

8 minutes

Step 5

Mindful Breathing Moment

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Feelings & Senses Explorer

Welcome students! Today we will explore how each sense works and how they can make us feel different emotions. Encourage participation and excitement.

What Are the Five Senses?

Briefly introduce each sense by pointing to your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and hands. Ask students to name each sense.

Sense of Sight

Show a bright picture (sun, rainbow). Ask: How does bright light make you feel? Use this to connect sight and emotions.

Sense of Hearing

Play a short clip of loud vs. soft sounds. After each, ask: What did you notice? How did it feel?

Sense of Smell

Pass around small scented jars (e.g., cinnamon, lemon). Invite students to sniff and share their feelings.

Sense of Taste

Show pictures of sweet and sour foods or offer safe tastings if appropriate. Ask: Which taste made you feel happy?

Sense of Touch

Let students touch different textures (e.g., soft fabric, cold metal). Ask: How would you describe how that feels?

Connecting Senses & Feelings

Guide students to think about what they sensed and relate it to an emotion word (e.g., “The rough rock made me feel uneasy.”).

Discussion Time!

Invite volunteers to share their favorite station and the feeling it brought up. Use sentence starters if needed.