Smelling
First step nonfiction Series
What’s inside...
An introduction to the sense of smell and the different things that you can smell. This book is a basic introduction to the triangle. An introduction to triangles and some of the many things that have a triangle shape.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of your favorite smells? Can you describe them?
Why do you think smelling is an important sense? How does it help us every day?
Can you think of a time when a smell reminded you of something?
How do you think animals use their sense of smell differently than humans?
If you could create a new scent, what would it be like, and what would you name it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use descriptive language when talking about smells they like or dislike.
Relate the discussion to personal experiences, such as smells from the kitchen or scents from nature, to make the conversation more meaningful.
Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the sense of smell.
Consider doing a 'smell hunt' around the house or outside, to actively engage with the book's theme.
Use the book as a starting point to discuss safety related to the sense of smell, such as identifying smoke or spoiled food.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploration of the senses
Explanation: The book introduces young readers to the sense of smell, explaining how it functions and its importance in everyday life.
Real-World Application: Children can become more aware of their surroundings by identifying and categorizing different scents they encounter daily, enhancing their sensory development.
Example Lesson: Importance of hygiene
Explanation: Through discussing smells, the book subtly encourages the importance of cleanliness to maintain pleasant scents around.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to associate good smells with cleanliness, encouraging them to adopt hygienic practices like bathing and washing hands regularly.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book promotes curiosity by exploring various sources of smells and their characteristics.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in explorative learning, asking questions and seeking answers about the natural world and everyday objects.
Example Lesson: Safety awareness
Explanation: Understanding and identifying different smells can also teach children about safety, such as recognizing the smell of smoke or spoiled food.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to avoid dangerous situations or alert an adult, enhancing their safety and well-being.