One thing I love about Montessori is that it encourages the development of all five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch through hands on learning. This is simple, inexpensive, and offers endless opportunities to modify and build upon. Since this was Emery’s first exposure to the work, I let it be less structured and let her explore. We have always grown herbs in our garden, so she is used to seeing, tasting and hearing the words and working on plant identification!

I saved the tiny bottles from a juice drink I purchase from the grocery store and I knew they’d come in handy one day. I’m always saving jars, spice containers and bottles for things like this! I cut the stems from our garden and rubbed them a bit to enhance the aroma and put them in the jars. I also had one jar of lemon peel, lavender buds, and coffee beans. I simply let her smell them and we named them as she went along. Then after a few minutes of testing them, I removed a few and laid pictures of the remaining herbs. As she smelled one, I named it and she put it on the corresponding card.

Next I might try using 4 distinct smells and having her match to the corresponding card (found on Etsy), or using 4 pairs of matching smelling bottles (2 bottles of basil, 2 bottles of mint, 2 bottles of lemon, 2 bottles of vanilla, etc) and she will have to match the bottles. If doing this, make sure the bottles all look the same. You can also use cotton balls and essential oils (use oils at your own discretion)! 

Other scents I want to try with her are vanilla, cinnamon, garlic, onion, orange, lime, and pineapple. What would you have your little one try?

It sure was fun asking Emery what the smells made her think about and seeing which ones she wanted to keep smelling again and again! 

I hope you and your littles enjoy! 

Love,

Mama M