Exploring with your senses lesson plan

Two boys look closely at the leaves on a tree

Age: Early years (age 0-5), KS1 (age 5-7)

Activities for: A forest visit

Curriculum links:

EYFS: Communication and language; Moving and handling; Understanding the world; Exploring through materials. 
Science: Year 1 - Plants; Animals including humans; Everyday materials; Seasonal changes. Year 2 - Living things and their habitats.


Forests provide endless learning opportunities, and are great for sensory exploration. Take your class for a visit to your local forest, and use all five senses to discover it.

This lesson plan includes:

  • Pre-visit activities
  • A need-to-bring checklist
  • Extensions of activities
  • Post-visit activities
  • Discussion pointers