For curious babies, toddlers and preschoolers, even a simple walk around the local community can be a big adventure! There's just so much to see, hear, smell and touch! That's why Sense-a-Story donated dozens of dinky high-visibility vests to Countesswells Nursery in Aberdeen. This will enable the children to get out and about in their local community as part of the nursery curriculum. Whether they explore the streets nearby, pop to the shops to buy snack, or visit the local park, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage their senses.
Here's how little ones use sight, sound, smell and touch to discover the world around them during a walk in the local community….
• Sight: The local neighbourhood is full of fascinating sights for curious young eyes. Toddlers and preschoolers might notice a rainbow in the sky, people passing by, delightful displays in shop windows, or various types of insects. They might stop to admire familiar landmarks like the bright red postbox, street signs, or the different buildings that make up their community, all adding to their sense of place.
• Hearing: In their local community, children are surrounded by a symphony of sounds! Cars and buses driving along, the green man beeping as they cross the road, and a dog barking all provide them with a sense of the bustling activity around them and help them tune in to the rhythm of daily life. The birds chirping in the trees, the crunch of gravel underfoot, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the snapping of a stick, and the splash of a puddle offer a peaceful backdrop that helps them connect with their environment.
• Smell: Children's noses are sensitive to the smells of their local area. They may notice the scent of the damp grass after the rain, or flowers blooming in nearby gardens, or the enticing smell from the local restaurants and cafes. These smells give children clues about where they are and what's happening around them.
• Touch: Little ones love to feel the world with their hands. Whilst on a walk, they might run their hands over the rough bark of a tree, feel the leaves that have fallen to the ground, or pick up smooth, cool stones to examine. This tactile exploration helps them understand different materials, textures and temperatures, enhancing their connection to nature.
With eyes wide open, ears tuned in, noses at the ready, and hands eager to explore, children learn about their surroundings through everything they see, hear, smell and touch. This can help them feel connected to the place where they live and play. These everyday adventures can be an important part of their development, encouraging curiosity and exploration in the world just beyond their front door.
