Starting with the the world around them and what they see and hear is a good place to begin with preschool students in teaching sensory experiences. Something as simple as opening and closing eyes stirs an awareness of how important is sight. Covering the eyes of a student and leading him to a different spot in the room is a simple game to play.
Listening to such sounds as soft music, birds chirping or loud traffic not only allows the students opportunities to listen to various sounds but it also develops their vocabulary as they explain what it is they are hearing. Students will also learn more about the world around them as they learn about such sounds as firetrucks, animals, wind, rain, storms or musical instruments.
Children touch objects, pets, nature and experience using their sense of touch not only with their hands but also with their feet. Exploring textures in everyday surroundings is easily done by creating learning activities. Try a paint project using hand prints and foot prints. The children will love the feeling of paint on their hands and especially on their feet. Experiment with sand, gravel, shaving cream or even Jello.
As often as we breathe we use our sense of smell. Children can learn how the sense of smell works by doing activities such as the guessing game. With eyes closed or covered, allow the children to smell various scents such as pizza, flowers, lotions and chocolate and have them guess the smells. They'll welcome the challenge and have a great time all the while learning and exploring one of their most fun senses. If carefully selected you will have a classroom full of giggles if you throw in one or two stinky things. Spoiled milk or garlic cloves work well.
Activities centered on the sense of taste are fun and eventful. Always check with parents regarding allergies before doing these activities. The guessing game is a lot of fun and it is harder if you ask the child to pinch her nose because the sense of smell may give away the food or drink before she can taste it. An easy way to expand this learning activities is to go beyond the "what" and discuss such descriptive words as sweet, sour or salty. Cooking is an activity that engages not only the sense of taste, but all five senses.