Five Sense Cards is a hands-on resource designed to help young learners identify and understand the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Through bright and engaging illustrations, students will explore how each sense helps us interpret and respond to the world around us. These cards are ideal for developing early science skills while building essential vocabulary and observational language.

Perfect for Foundation and Year 1 classrooms, this flexible resource can be used in multiple ways, including matching, sorting, display and sensory games. The clear labels and illustrations make it accessible for emerging readers and visual learners, helping students to connect the senses with real-life experiences. Whether used in group rotations, science centres or whole-class activities, these cards support an inquiry-based approach to learning about the human body and how it functions.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell
• ✅ Understand how each sense helps us explore and respond to our environment
• ✅ Use sensory vocabulary to describe observations and experiences
• ✅ Categorise and sort objects based on the sense used to observe them
• ✅ Make real-world connections between body parts and sensory functions

What’s Included:

• Five full-colour sense cards featuring sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell
• Bright illustrations with easy-to-read labels for each sense
• Black and white version for student customisation or home connection
• Flexible format suitable for display, games or small group work

Materials Needed:

• Printed sense cards (colour or black and white)
• Scissors, laminate sheets or cardboard backing for durability (optional)
• Classroom sensory items or real-life objects (optional)

How to Use:

• Introduce each of the five senses using the cards as visual and verbal prompts
• Link the senses to students’ real-world experiences through discussion and hands-on items
• Sort classroom objects or picture cards according to which sense is used to experience them
• Use the cards during science investigations, sensory play stations or guided learning groups
• Encourage students to describe sensations and observations using the vocabulary on the cards

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Hide the cards around the classroom to create a senses scavenger hunt
• 💡 Use the cards as a reference for students writing descriptive sentences or mini stories
• 💡 Invite students to bring in or draw items and match them to the corresponding sense card
• 💡 Incorporate into cross-curricular lessons involving health, English or visual arts

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their experience by colouring in and decorating the black and white cards
• 💛 Select classroom items with strong sensory characteristics for sorting activities (e.g. loud shaker, soft teddy)
• 💛 Send home a mini set of cards so families can explore the five senses together at home

Five Sense Cards is a fun and versatile resource that brings the five senses to life in your classroom. With opportunities for sorting, matching, discussion and creative play, these cards help students develop a foundational understanding of the senses while building confidence in observation, vocabulary and science communication.