Infant Smells Lesson Plans

This lesson plan focuses on enhancing sensory development in infants by exploring a variety of scents. Designed for infants aged 6-12 months, the session lasts 30-45 minutes and includes engaging activities that promote interaction and sensory awareness.

The plan begins with an introduction that highlights the importance of smell in sensory development. Participants then rotate through sensory exploration stations featuring safe, scented items such as vanilla, lemon zest, and lavender. Caregivers guide infants as they smell and, when appropriate, touch or taste the scents, encouraging reactions and observations.

An interactive scent guessing game follows, allowing infants to experience scents blindfolded or with closed eyes, fostering engagement and expression. This is complemented by a creative collage activity where infants can explore scents through art materials, combining visual and olfactory experiences.

The session concludes with a group discussion where caregivers share their infants' scent preferences and reactions. The lesson is designed to encourage ongoing sensory exploration at home while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Caregivers are reminded to monitor for any potential allergens.