Smell bags

This activity is an exciting way for children over the age of three to investigate different smells and explore objects using their senses.

You will need:

• Organza bags
• Potpourri
• Dried herbs
• Spices

Activity:

Fill the organza bags with an assortment of scented Potpourri, different dried herbs and spices, as well as full dried herb leaves and spices such as cinnamon sticks. You may wish to make small labels with the names of the herbs and spices on, make a hole in one end and thread the labels onto the string of the organza bag before tying the bags closed.

The children can select the bags to smell and talk about, what the objects smell like, if the children like or dislike the smell for example. If you are completing this activity with older children you could also talk about where these herbs and spices come from. If you have your own herb garden you could also pick the herbs with the children to dry before putting into the bags, so the children can see first-hand where the herbs come from.

Areas of learning covered:

• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Language Literacy and Communication

Personal and Social development

Nice list of painting activities

http://www.learning4kids.net/list-of-paint-play-activities/