Engaging all of our Senses at Gan!

Learning is Multi- Sensory

Studies have shown that we rely heavily on our senses to process information. Engaging more than one sense can dramatically heighten the processing of a new concept or experience. 

Using multiple senses allows more cognitive connections and associations to be made with a concept. This means it is more easily accessible to our students as there are more ways the information can be triggered and retrieved.

Every person has different learning styles, so to successfully reach all of our students, we create as many sensory experiences as possible.

Sensory Center

During circle time we spoke about the fact Hashem gave us different senses to help us discover the world around us.

Touch: Inside balloons we placed different small items. The children had to match what they thought was inside to the correct picture. (Rice, flour, salt, marbles and barley)

Smell: Empty spice containers was a fun way for the children to use their nose and smell all kinds of different aromas. Motty said about the Oregano "It smells like sauce".

Hearing: Each small container contained  different items that produced a different sound. Since the bottles were covered, the children had to rely on their ears to hear the differences.

Sight: We placed different liquids and visual effects into clear bottles. Some children found this so calming and relaxing to watch.

All these fun sensory activities are left in our Sensory center for children to revisit them and explore!

 

Cornstarch Sensory table

Cornstarch and water create such a fun experience. While touching it with force it feels solid however when its lifted up it melts and liquefies.

Each child experiences this differently and we love observing their reactions.

Rozie "It feels like cheese pasta"

Mimi was unsure at first, then felt really proud when she got her hands in :)

Group art

There is nothing like sticking your hands in paint and creating a master piece together with friends!

Friends

Placing aluminum foil on the table  creates a different effect and experience.

What does our bearded dragon feel like?
Our class loves when we take out our pets to be fed and say hello.

Sensory Garden!
This year our garden (Thank you Mrs Doyle) has been divided to engage our different senses.

Touch- Different interesting plant textures. Max felt this spiral plant "It doesn't feel real"

Taste: Levi enjoying the mint that is growing.
There are other plants in the process of growing that will be fun to watch grow and taste!

Sight: Vibrant color plants got the children talking about the different beautiful colors they saw.
Dovi "This looks like a watermelon!" (was a fig)

smell: Yehudis found peppermint. Devorah Leah smelling the Lavender and Menachem discovering the rosemary!

Hearing:  These plants will grow quite big and create a sound when the wind blows through them!

We observed Levi Yitzchak listening the plant and said it was singing. Sweet moments.

Learning about responsibility and taking care of our garden.

Gross motor skills fun!