Materials List:
– Plastic containers with lids
– Scented oils, wax melts, or spices (e.g. peppermint, cloves, cinnamon, pine)
– Scissors or hole punch
– Glue (optional)

Preschool Learning Objectives:
– Develop awareness and understanding of the sense of smell
– Identify and differentiate between various scents
– Explore holiday scents associated with the winter season

Teacher Instructions:
1. Prepare the plastic containers by washing and drying them thoroughly.
2. Fill each container with a different holiday scent such as peppermint, cloves, cinnamon, and pine. If using oils or wax melts, ensure they are secure and will not spill.
3. Seal the containers tightly to prevent leaks. You may also use glue to secure the lids for added safety.
4. Use scissors or a hole punch to create small holes in the lids of the containers for children to smell the scents.
5. Place the aroma canisters in a sensory area or on a table for children to explore.
6. Encourage children to smell each canister and identify the scents. Prompt discussions about their favorite scents and associations with the holiday season.

Teacher Tips for Differentiated Instruction:
– For children with sensory sensitivities, consider using milder scents or diluting them with water to lessen the intensity.
– Allow children to choose which canisters they would like to smell first, allowing for autonomy and self-directed learning.
– For children who are more advanced, challenge them to identify scents without looking at the labels on the containers.

Assessment:
– Observe children as they smell each canister and listen to their descriptions of the scents. Take note of their ability to differentiate between the various scents and their engagement with the activity.
– Assess children’s vocabulary development by listening to the descriptive words they use to talk about the scents (e.g. “spicy,” “sweet,” “refreshing”).