SE 7.01Smelling Bottles
The child pairs bottles that smell the same.
Age 3–5Work 1 of 1 in Olfactory
Presentation
- 1
Place one set of bottles in a column on the left and the other on the right.
- 2
Open the first bottle on the left and hold it a hand-width below your nose; wave your other hand toward your face to bring the scent to you.
- 3
Close it, then smell the bottles on the right one at a time until you find the one that smells the same.
- 4
Place the pair together in the center.
- 5
Continue until all bottles are paired.
- 6
Name the scents in a three-period lesson.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Pair the bottles with eyes closed.
- Match each bottle to the real item (a cinnamon stick, a lemon peel).
- Smell items at snack or in the garden and name them.
Control of error
Matching colored marks on the bottom of each pair.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Smells by wafting, not by putting the nose into the bottle
- Pairs all bottles
- Names several scents
Guide note
Use food scents only; avoid strong essential oils. Check for allergies and asthma triggers. Refresh cotton balls weekly.