Look and listen to the world around you as you learn about your senses!
READ: The Bear Went Over the Mountain by Iza Trapani
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
In this expanded version of the traditional song, a bear goes exploring near his home in the mountains, using all five senses throughout the four seasons.
Increase pre-literacy skills as you read together:
- This book is based on a song! Sing it to the tune of The Bear Went Over the Mountain. If needed, search for a recording online, play a portion of the recording then continue to sing the rest of the book.
- Pause periodically after reading a line and ask your little one to point to the items named in the line.
- Repeat rhyming words or phrases like "dragonfly" and "flitting by" and ask your little learner to say them.
SING: Senses Song
(My Darling Clementine)
EXPLORE: Senses Sorting
Materials
- 1-2 items for each sense – your child's favorite food or fruit for taste or their favorite toy for touch, for example
- 5 sheets of paper
- Pencil, crayons, or colored pencils
- Optional – 5 small boxes or plastic bins
Instructions
- On one sheet of paper, ask your little one to draw an eye or something that means sight to them. Repeat the process for the remaining senses. If needed, use The Bear Went Over the Mountainby Iza Trapani as a guide and ask your little learner questions like these:
- What does the bear use to see? How do we see?
- The bear heard crickets chirping and birdies cheeping. What can you hear right now? What do you use to hear?
- Label each picture with the corresponding sense: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell.
- If using boxes or bins, place the pictures next to each bin. Otherwise, place the pictures around your space.
- Take turns sorting all items chosen for senses exploration into each bin or space. Ask your little one to identify each item. Ask if the item is something we taste, smell, touch, see, or hear. Talk about how multiple senses can be used for items like apples.
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all early childhood programs and events offered this month.
For in person programs, registration is required. If space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
