SC Science Standard: Five Senses 👀👂👃👅🖐️

This South Carolina standard states that children will be able to describe how humans use their senses to learn about the environment. Our senses are used to collect and analyze information. There are five senses, and each one has a specific part of the body (a sensory organ) responsible for it. Singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" is a simple yet fun way to introduce sensory body parts. Families can also take a sensory stroll. While out and about ask children to describe what they see, hear, touch or smell. 

Here are some interesting facts about the senses:

1. The eyes are the sensory organs that see. They notice an object's shape, color, size or movement.
2. The nose is the sensory organ that smells odors. Did you know that the nose plays a big part in how we taste food too?
3. The ears are the sensory organs that collect sound. The outside of the ear collects the sound, while the inside of the ear helps with hearing.
4. The tongue is the sensory organ responsible for taste. The tongue has over 100 small taste buds that tell if something is sweet, salty, sour or bitter.
5. Skin is the sensory organ responsible for touch. Touching can tell the shape, texture and hardness of an object. Skin covers and protects everything inside the body. It also helps keep the body at the right temperature.

How will I know if my child has met this kindergarten standard?

• My child can identify the five senses and sensory organ that is associated with each sense.
  • Ex: "This sweater makes my skin feel itchy."
• My child compares objects using different senses.
  • Ex: "It looks like sugar but it doesn't taste sweet."
• My child investigates new or unfamiliar environments with their senses.
  • Ex: "I don't like this place. It smells weird in here."
• My child asks questions about what they observe with their senses.
  • Ex: "Where is that loud noise coming from?"

Activities

Children love learning through exploration. Keep your child engaged while learning with these activities: 

Recipes for Play on Hoopla, also has plenty of activities and ideas that inspire exploration.

A Note on Diversity

It is important to know that not everyone has the same level of senses. Some children may experience things strongly or not even at all. They may be overly sensitive to noise, lighting, smells, and new movement. Or they may feel their senses are muted and need extra support. Children with sensory challenges have what is called sensory processing disorder (SPD). Families should be mindful of the effects of SPD and adjust activity levels as needed. To learn more about sensory processing disorder, find resources from the STAR Institute or the National Center for Learning Disabilities. 

Multimedia

Start your lesson with the following resources: Generation Genius includes a full lesson plan with vocabulary, discussion questions and assessments. Smile and Learn uses stories, songs and games in YouTube videos for an educational tool on a variety of topics. 

Ready for more?
Visit the SC Education Standards page

Books to Read

The titles below will help you and your child discuss the five senses. Want us to pull books for you? Contact us at 803-799-9084 and request to have books sent to your nearest Richland Library location.