10 Scent Based Sensory Learning Activities

10 Sensory Smell Ideas: Scent Based Sensory Learning for Pupils with Special Educational Needs

Scent-based sensory learning is a key element within the broader context of multi-sensory education, particularly for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). This article will analyse the existing research on scent-based sensory learning, its potential applications, benefits, and challenges specifically for SEN pupils. To use official language leveraging the olfactory sense, teachers and researchers are exploring innovative ways to enhance learning experiences and outcomes for students who may struggle with traditional educational methods. Unofficially, adding smeels to your sensory play can be really motivating and fun. We have provided a PDF with 10 Scent based sensory learning lesson plans further down.

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Understanding Scent-Based Sensory Learning

Scent-based sensory learning involves the use of olfactory stimuli to enhance the educational experience. This approach leverages the sense of smell to engage learners, potentially improving memory retention, attention, and emotional responses. The concept is rooted in the broader framework of sensory learning, which aims to stimulate multiple senses to support learning and development.

The olfactory system’s close connection to the brain’s limbic system, which is involved in emotion and memory, makes scents powerful triggers for memory recall. This neurological link forms the basis for the potential benefits of scent-based learning.

Existing Research on Sensory Learning Techniques for SEN Pupils

While research specifically focused on scent-based learning for SEN pupils is limited, there is a substantial body of work on sensory learning techniques in general that can inform our understanding:

1. Multi-Sensory Environments: Research indicates that when autistic children have control over sensory equipment in multi-sensory environments, they show increased attention and reduced repetitive behaviours.

2. Multi-Sensory Instruction Techniques: These techniques, which engage multiple senses including sight, sound, touch, and movement, have been shown to improve memory and learning outcomes, particularly for students with learning disabilities.

3. Sensory Rooms: A study found that students were 56% more engaged in classroom activities following sensory room interventions, highlighting the potential of sensory-based approaches.

4. Impact on Autistic Students: Research has highlighted the significant impact of sensory experiences on the learning and school life of autistic pupils, suggesting that sensory-based interventions can inform teaching strategies to better support these students.

5. Effectiveness for Learning Disabilities: Studies suggest that multi-sensory strategies are more effective for learners with learning disabilities, providing a more engaging and supportive learning environment.

Potential Applications of Scent-Based Learning for SEN Pupils

Scent-based learning offers a unique and imaginative approach to supporting SEN pupils. By carefully introducing scents into the classroom, teachers can create a multisensory environment that caters to the needs of their students.

Promising Applications:

• Boosting Memory and Recall: Scents can act as powerful memory triggers, aiding recall for students who struggle with traditional methods. For example, associating peppermint with math concepts or lavender with a reading lesson can make learning more accessible and memorable.
• Creating Multisensory Learning Experiences: Scent enhances visual and auditory experiences, creating immersive learning opportunities. Using citrus scents to energise a science lesson or rosemary to promote focus during group work can make learning more dynamic and engaging for students with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences.
• Supporting Emotional and Cognitive Engagement: Scents can influence mood and focus. Calming scents like chamomile or vanilla can create a safe and welcoming environment for students who experience anxiety, while energising, zingy, aromas can boost engagement and motivation.

Scents: Beyond the Classroom:

Scent-based learning is not just an add-on; it’s a way to personalize the learning environment and honor each student’s unique sensory profile. It can also:

• Bridge Cultural Awareness: Exploring scents from different cultures can broaden students’ understanding and appreciation of diversity.
• Support Emotional Regulation: Certain scents can help students manage stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being.
• Enhance Memory: The power of scent to trigger memories can be harnessed to improve retention and recall.

As more educators explore the potential of scent-based learning, the possibilities for creating richer, more inclusive classrooms continue to expand.

Potential Benefits of Scent-Based Learning for SEN Pupils

Scent-based learning can spark something new and refreshing in classrooms with SEN pupils. It can create immersive sensory experiences through fragrance. By using the subtle power of smell, teachers can open up memorable and effective ways for pupils to learn and connect with material. Scents can act like quiet reminders, reinforcing memory and understanding in pupils who struggle with typical recall methods. Imagine a classroom where the scent of lavender helps pupils remember vocabulary or where a hint of peppermint reinforces a math concept. It’s a small change, but it makes learning stick.

And for those pupils who find it hard to focus, scent is a secret tool for attention. Unlike a visual or verbal prompt, a specific smell can gently draw focus back, keeping engagement steady without interruption. For some, it might be just the thing that keeps them tuned in.

The benefits go beyond focus. Many pupils come into the classroom carrying stress or anxiety, and scents like chamomile or rose can have a calming effect that helps regulate emotions. The right scent can help create a space where pupils feel more balanced and less overwhelmed, which can be especially useful in a busy classroom setting.

For pupils with sensory processing differences, scent-based learning offers a safe introduction to new sensory experiences. It allows them to engage with the world around them, building up tolerance and helping them feel more at ease. 

When combined with other sensory tools, scents can transform the classroom into a true multisensory environment, creating multiple pathways to understanding. What’s more, there’s room for real creativity here. With the variety of scents available, teachers can create personalised learning experiences that speak to each pupil’s unique needs. Scent-based learning isn’t just about adding another tool—it’s about using an unexpected approach to make learning richer, more engaging, and, ultimately, more accessible.

Challenges and Practical Tips for Implementing Scent-Based Learning for SEN Pupils

While scent-based learning offers unique potential for engaging SEN pupils, practical considerations are essential for successful classroom implementation. Here are some strategies for addressing common challenges:

1. Limited Research on Effectiveness

• Practical Tip: Begin with small-scale trials. Observe and record pupil responses to scent-based learning activities to gather data on engagement and impact. Document any noticeable changes in focus, mood, or understanding.
• Further Action: Join or consult professional networks (e.g., special education forums or SEN research groups) to stay informed on new studies or share findings with other educators.

2. Resource Intensity and Budget Constraints

• Practical Tip: Start with a limited range of widely available, budget-friendly scents such as lavender, peppermint, and lemon, which are known to have calming or focusing effects. Explore using essential oils, scented stickers, or low-cost diffusers.
• Further Action: Collaborate with other teachers to pool resources and seek grants or community support for additional funding for sensory materials.

3. Managing Sensory Overload

• Practical Tip: Introduce scents gradually and observe pupil reactions. Use subtle, mild scents initially and avoid strong or overwhelming aromas. Offer scent-based learning in short sessions and give pupils the option to opt out.
• Further Action: Consider creating individual sensory profiles for each pupil, noting their sensory preferences and tolerance levels. Use this as a guide when planning activities.

4. Addressing Allergies and Sensitivities

• Practical Tip: Always check for known allergies or sensitivities with caregivers before introducing any scent-based materials. Test each new scent in a small, controlled way, such as by using scented stickers or swabs on a piece of paper.
• Further Action: Maintain a list of scents that are safe for each pupil and keep allergy-friendly, hypoallergenic scents as alternatives.

5. Ensuring Consistency and Standardization

• Practical Tip: Develop a basic scent-based activity template that includes details like duration, scent type, and intended goal (e.g., focus or calm) – We have added one to our download further down this page. Share these templates with colleagues for consistency.
• Further Action: Create simple guides and checklists for using scents, including dos and don’ts, ideal times for scent exposure, and guidelines for dosage, to ensure safe and consistent use across classrooms.

6. Integrating with the Existing Curriculum

• Practical Tip: Use scents in ways that enhance existing curriculum activities rather than replacing them. For example, add a calming scent to quiet reading times or a refreshing scent during active learning activities.
• Further Action: Collaborate with curriculum coordinators to identify opportunities where scent-based learning might naturally fit, such as science lessons on the senses or calming exercises before tests.

7. Balancing Sensory Learning with Independence

• Practical Tip: Use scent-based learning strategically and intermittently, not as a constant feature. Alternate it with other multisensory methods, such as tactile or visual supports, to prevent overreliance on scent alone.
• Further Action: Encourage self-regulation by teaching pupils to recognize when they need a sensory break and when to refocus on other tasks. Include gradual “weaning” activities where pupils work without sensory prompts over time.

Download the PDF with 10 Scent-based lesson plans for free using the button below.

Conclusion

Scent-based sensory learning presents a promising avenue for enhancing the educational experiences of pupils with Special Educational Needs. While specific research on this approach for SEN pupils is limited, the broader body of work on sensory learning techniques suggests significant potential benefits, including improved memory retention, increased engagement, and enhanced emotional regulation.

However, the implementation of scent-based learning in SEN education faces several challenges, including resource constraints, potential health concerns, and the need for more targeted research. As the field evolves, it will be crucial to conduct rigorous studies specifically focused on the application of scent-based learning for different categories of SEN.

Teachers and researchers should collaborate to explore the full potential of scent-based sensory learning while addressing its challenges through action research or other projects. This may involve developing standardized protocols, creating safe and effective scent libraries for educational use, and integrating these techniques into comprehensive, multisensory learning strategies for SEN pupils.

References Used:

Angel, M., & Kapralos, B. (2021). An Overview of Olfactory Displays in Education and Training. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 5(10), 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/mti5100064

Wild, G. and Steeley, S. (2018). A Model for Classroom-Based Intervention for Children with Sensory Processing Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, [online] 33(3). Available at: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1196698.pdf

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