Nn is for Nose
Integrating learning into the home environment.
— September 10, 2024
The beauty of homeschool is that learning and lessons can occur during normal everyday routines. As a homeschooling parent we know exactly what our children are studying in their lessons. As a result we can create learning opportunities in the evenings that complement their daily lessons.
Nn is for Nose is a prime example of seamlessly integrating lessons into everyday or weekly routines. Using our five senses on a family walk or during the next family movie night. Cooking up something with a lot of spices, take the time to smell the roses…or should I say cumin, coriander, paprika, thyme. There’s even a game to test you and your child’s sense of smell. Free printable included!
Books about the 5 senses, poems about noses, coloring pages for the letter “Nn,” activity supplies, and more are available at the button below. Check it out!
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A sample preschool schedule for Nn is for Nose.
Monday highlight: Train wall display, and nose themed books and poems.
Mondays are the day we introduce the new letter and theme. The theme is introduced through books and the new letter using the Train Wall Display. There is a train, caterpillar, or squirrel with acorns available.
Whimsical books and poetry such as Walt Disney’s Pinocchio Little Golden Book or Be Glad Your Nose Is On Your Face poem by Jack Prelutsky are fun ways to emphasize the theme. As well as singing Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. We read and performed these today.
After the morning basket my 3 year old, Mick, colored in the new letter “Nn” on his train car. He then hung the train car next to last week’s letter “Mm.” This is an excellent time for review! Sing the alphabet, pointing to each letter in turn.
Mick wanted to continue the singing and so we sang Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes again.
Tuesday highlight: Portrait pasting activity: eyes, ears, nose, mouth.
Morning basket was similar to Monday. We read the same books and sang the body parts song. Then we reviewed all the letters Mick has learned using a wooden alphabet puzzle. He then was given the first coloring page of the letter “Nn” to occupy him while I cut out the activity pieces for today.
Once complete, the boys gathered around the table for a cut and paste activity. This free printable is for creating a portrait of how a face looks. The proportions of a face are difficult to achieve, if there is no pre-instruction. That is what makes this a fun activity for young children. The face can end up having a Picasso feel to it. Read more and access the free printable here.
Wednesday highlight: Explore nature with all of your senses.
Morning basket began by reading Look, Listen, Taste, Touch, Smell by Pamela Nettleton. This book is a technical book on the 5 senses for kids. A perfect pick to pair with today’s activity.
Instead of going for a regular walk take your child on a five senses guided tour of nature. Immediately after the morning basket we went for a walk and explored nature based on sight, touch, taste, smell, and hear. We normally take a walk so this senses activity integrated seamlessly into our everyday routine.
In the afternoon I had Mick practice sorting again based on a free printable he has used before from Jj is for Jellyfish. He sorted the jellyfish based on size and color.
Thursday highlight: What is that smell?
I kept the morning basket short because the activity planned for today is a little more involved. Although it takes more time to set up and to complete, it is one that the boys have a lot of fun participating in. They colored one of the coloring pages available that reinforces the letter “Nn,” while I set up the activity.
Common household items are gathered together and your child is to test their sense of smell by attempting to match the scent of something with its card. For example the coffee card would be matched with the mystery scent of coffee beans. The free printable is included. To read more about the activity, check it out here.
Friday highlight: Popcorn movie night -use all 5 senses
The last day of the week our homeschooling is usually just attending Nature Group. We participated in our local Nature Group in the morning and went about our normal Friday afternoon. But we continued Letter of the Week that evening.
While we popped the popcorn I guided my sons through another tour of the five senses. Once we had seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted we all sat down and enjoyed a movie together, what better movie then Walt Disney’s Pinocchio.
Creative activities for 3-5 year old’s
From taking your child on guided tours of the five senses to finding more ways to integrate their learning into everyday activities, your child will benefit from this week of learning. Be sure to check out the free printables and book suggestions at Nn is for Nose. If you try these activities or if any look of interest to you, let me know in the comments.
Nn is for Nose is a part of Letter of the Week. Reimagined for home learning, Letter of the Week includes activity ideas, book suggestions, coloring pages, and free printables, all around a common theme. Check it out at the button below.
A glance at a preschool schedule at home.
Recent posts on the homeschool blog.
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