Learning about our 5 Senses

As part of our Five Senses unit, the kindergarteners explored what life might be like without one or more of their senses. We learned about two inspiring individuals who lived without some of their senses and still accomplished amazing things.

First, we read a biography about Ray Charles, who lost his sight as a child. We discovered how he learned to navigate the world using his other senses and how he became a talented musician, mastering the piano and other instruments on his way to becoming a music legend.

Next, we learned about Helen Keller, who was born without the ability to see or hear. Her early life was full of challenges, especially when it came to communication. With the help of her dedicated teacher, Anne Sullivan, Helen learned to communicate using sign language and braille. She went on to attend a special school, becoming a well-known author and speaker who inspired people all over the world.

Throughout the unit, we discussed which senses Ray Charles and Helen Keller lived without and how they adapted. To wrap up our learning, we read a fun and sensory-rich book called It’s Challah Time! As we followed the steps of baking challah, we talked about how each of our five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching—were used throughout the story.