Embracing the Five Senses During Seasonal Transitions

Fall invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and engage with the changing world around us in a more mindful way. As the warm days of summer give way to the crisp air of autumn, the landscape transforms into a vibrant display of earthy tones and golden hues. This shift in the seasons is an ideal time for us all to explore and connect with our environment through the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. 

Let’s take a walk through the five senses so we can be present to and fully appreciate the beauty of change.

We’re offering a Sights and Sounds Activity Sheet as a free giveaway for teachers and caregivers. This activity sheet provides activities designed specifically for the senses, helping to guide children through a sensory exploration of their environment. It’s a fun and engaging way to practice mindfulness with your students or children, making the seasonal transition even more enriching.

Engaging the Five Senses

Sight: One of the most captivating aspects of fall in the NorthEast is the explosion of color. The trees become a patchwork quilt of reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. It seems like each leaf competes for the title of the most brilliant. The sugar maples, with their flaming red and orange leaves, stand out against the deep green pines, creating a contrast that can stop you in your tracks.

Beyond the trees, fall reveals subtler beauties. On a recent walk through a field, I noticed the soft pinks of Joe-Pye weed standing tall, the goldenrod adding bursts of sunshine-yellow to the landscape, and the deep purple spikes of blue vervain contrasting with the green grass. The cattails, growing in the swampy areas nearby, swayed gently in the breeze, their brown, velvety heads standing tall like sentinels of the marsh. Encouraging others (especially children) to observe these changes with their eyes helps them develop an appreciation for the natural world and the nuances of seasonal transitions.

Sound: Autumn brings a distinct soundtrack that can be both invigorating and calming. The rustling of leaves underfoot creates a crisp, satisfying crunch with every step. In summer, the wind is a gentle caress, but it becomes more insistent in the fall, sweeping through the trees and causing the leaves to dance and swirl in the air.

Encourage children to listen for the honking of Canada geese as they make their way south in perfect V formation. The geese, with their tireless journey, remind us to follow our own natural rhythms. These sounds are perfect for engaging children in active listening, helping them to tune into the environment and notice the rich variety of auditory experiences that come with the change in seasons.

We cannot pass up the opportunity to share some beautiful Mary Oliver, from her poem “Wild Geese,” “You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” We invite you to allow yourself to love the sensations it loves as the seasons change.

Smell: The scent of fall is perhaps its most evocative quality. The unmistakable smell of leaves as they begin to decay—a rich, earthy aroma—fills the air and signals the beginning of the end of the growing season. The scent of wood smoke drifting from chimneys evokes images of cozy evenings spent indoors, wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink in hand.

Take children on a walk and encourage them to close their eyes and simply breathe in the scents around them. Ask them to describe what they smell and how it makes them feel. This exercise not only sharpens their sense of smell but also teaches them to associate certain scents with specific memories or emotions, deepening their connection to the season.

Taste: Fall is also a season rich in flavors. The taste of freshly picked apples, the warmth of a pumpkin pie, or the sweetness of roasted corn can be experiences that anchor us in the present moment. When sharing these seasonal foods with children, encourage them to savor each bite slowly, noticing the different flavors and textures. This practice of mindful eating can be a simple yet powerful way to connect with the season and appreciate the abundance that fall brings.

Touch: The tactile experiences of fall are diverse and engaging. Encourage children to touch the rough bark of a tree, the smooth surface of a fallen leaf, or the soft fuzz of a cattail. These experiences help ground us in the present moment and foster a connection to the natural world. The coolness of the air, the texture of a wool sweater, or the warmth of a cup of hot cider can also provide moments of tactile awareness that enhance our experience of the season.

A Practice for Teachers and Caregivers: The Five Senses Nature Walk

To help children fully engage with the changing season, I recommend a simple yet profound activity: a Five Senses Nature Walk. This practice is designed to encourage children to slow down, observe, and appreciate their surroundings using all five senses.

Step 1: Prepare for the Walk Explain to the children that they will be going on a nature walk where they will focus on using their senses to explore the environment. Ask them to pay close attention to what they see, hear, smell, taste (if appropriate), and touch during the walk.

Step 2: Begin the Walk Take the children outside, whether it’s a schoolyard, a park, or a nearby field. As you walk, pause periodically to ask them questions that guide their sensory exploration:

• Sight: What colors do you see? Can you find something that is red, yellow, or orange?
• Sound: What sounds do you hear? Can you identify the source of the sound?
• Smell: What scents are in the air? Does it remind you of anything?
• Taste: If it’s safe, let them taste a crisp apple or another seasonal treat. What flavors do you notice?
• Touch: What textures do you feel? Is the bark of the tree rough or smooth?

Step 3: Reflect on the Experience After the walk, gather the children in a circle and ask them to share their observations. What was their favorite sense to use? Did they notice anything new or surprising? This reflection helps solidify the experience and encourages children to continue using their senses in everyday life.

Foster joy in every season

By taking time to notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the season, we not only enrich our own experience but also teach the next generation to find joy in the simple, yet profound, act of being present.

So, as the leaves change and the air cools, I encourage you to fully embrace the sensory delights of fall. It’s a season to savor, one that reminds us of the beauty in change and the importance of staying connected to the world around us.

Thank you so much for reading.