Five Senses Lesson Plan: Sensory-Friendly Stations
A science lesson with five sensory stations where students match each one to the body part that senses it, with a look-only option at every station.
- Science
- Ages 5-8
- Group of 5
- 30 minutes
- Free printable PDF
Page 1 of 2. Page 2 is the data sheet.
What’s inside this plan
Objective: Students will explore five sensory stations and match each one to the body part that does the sensing, using picture cards.
The goal it serves: Given a sensory station and a choice of two picture cards, the student will match the body part used to the sense being explored in 4 of 5 opportunities.
- 4 min Warm-Up
- 6 min Direct Instruction & Modeling
- 9 min Guided Practice
- 8 min Independent Practice
- 3 min Closure
Supports on the table: Choice Board, Visual Schedule, Sensory Supports, Movement Breaks, First/Then Board. Differentiated three ways (more support, on level, more challenge), with accommodations and a per-student data sheet at an 80% accuracy target.
Frequently asked questions
- What makes this five senses lesson plan sensory friendly?
- Every station has a look-only option and a tool to touch with, so no student has to put a bare hand into anything. The smell jars stay weak, headphones sit at the hear station, and opting out is modeled by the teacher first so it reads as normal rather than as failing.
- Does this five senses lesson plan work for preschool?
- Yes. It is written for ages 5 to 8 at an emerging support level, which covers pre-K through early elementary. The more-support lane drops to three stations and hands the student the matching card, which is usually the right start for preschool.
- How do you run the taste station safely?
- Clear every item against the current allergy list before the lesson, every time, because rosters change mid-year. If any doubt remains, run four stations and let the taste card be matched from a picture instead.
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