Expose your toddler-aged students to a variety of new sensations and feelings to improve their understanding of touch. Use board books in class that implement different textures or have "lift-the-flap" features so children can touch the book while you read. Incorporate sand tables into classroom time so children can experience the cool touch of sand running through their fingers. Play outdoors in the grass with bare feet to explore dirt and other outdoor sensations. For inside activities, allow children to touch different parts of the classroom, such as a wood desk or carpeted floor, to experience different feelings. Point out the name for each item and the feeling. For example, you can state that the wooden desk is smooth and the blue carpet is soft.
Try new foods each day to introduce your toddlers to different tastes. Try a new snack or a familiar snack with a new twist. For example, instead of regular strawberries, sprinkle the berries with granola or a few dabs of chocolate. During lunch time, point out what each food is and talk with your children as they eat each new food. To make tasting into a learning game, place a small amount of a food or condiment on a spoon and allow children to try tasting each spoon. You can use ketchup, berries, salad dressing, noodles, soup or juice.
Take your toddlers on walks each day to expose them to new environments and new sights. Point out things you see on your walk and say the name of the item. For example, show your children what a rock is, point out a blue bird or take note of the newly bloomed flowers. Within your classroom, read children picture books to show them new things they might not have seen before.
Sing to your toddlers each day. If you are uncomfortable singing, play a CD of nursery rhymes or popular children's songs. To expose children to other new sounds, use noises when you play games. Imitate a car honking its horn or a firetruck's siren. Clap with the children. Speak to the children in a foreign language or play a CD of ocean noises. Explain to your toddler students what each noise is called.
Smell is one of the most powerful senses. A fresh aroma can delight and improve a mood almost instantly, while a foul odor can ruin your day. Expose your students to different smells on a regular basis. Wear a new perfume or use a room spray to liven up the scents of your classroom. Encourage your toddlers to smell their juice, sandwiches or other snacks within the classroom. Outdoors, remind students to smell the grass, flowers and dirt.