Boost your child’s sensory development with DIY Smelling Jars: A Montessori Sensorial Activity for Homeschooling Kids—a simple, hands-on way to enhance focus, vocabulary, and olfactory exploration at home.
Engage a child’s sense of smell with this easy DIY Montessori Smelling Jars Sensorial activity. Perfect for kids ages 2–6 for your homeschool this hands-on sensorial work builds concentration, vocabulary, and memory.
Ever notice how one scent can take you back in time?
The smell of cinnamon might remind you of baking with Grandma. A whiff of lavender? Instant calm. For young children, these scent-triggered memories are more than just sweet moments—they’re powerful brain-builders.
That’s why Montessori included olfactory (smell) activities in her Sensorial curriculum. And today, I’m sharing one of our absolute favorites: DIY Smelling Jars.
This simple homeschool activity will:
- Stimulate your child’s sense of smell
- Build sensory discrimination skills
- Encourage language development
- Promote focus and concentration
Let’s dive in!
What Are Montessori Smelling Jars?
Smelling jars are part of the Montessori Sensorial materials designed to isolate and refine your child’s sense of smell.
Children use matching pairs of jars filled with various scents to explore similarities and differences—and eventually, match them!
This hands-on activity not only strengthens olfactory memory but also supports early scientific thinking, vocabulary building, and independence.
Watch a How To Video Tutorial on YouTube
DIY Smelling Jars: What You’ll Need
- 6 to 10 small containers or spice jars with lids (opaque or clear)
- Cotton balls or fabric squares
- Essential oils or aromatic kitchen items (see scent list below)
- Labels or color stickers (optional)
Scent Ideas:
- Vanilla
- Lemon peel
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Coffee beans
- Lavender
- Mint leaves
- Vinegar
- Banana extract
How to Make Your Smelling Jars
First, prepare pairs: Choose 3–5 scents and make 2 identical jars of each (so your child can match them).
Then, add the scent: Place a few drops of essential oil or a small piece of the item on a cotton ball or fabric square, then tuck it into the jar.
Next, seal and shake: Make sure the jars are closed tightly so they don’t spill but still allow scent through.
Optional: Use colored stickers or labels to track pairs (on the bottom only!) if your child is new to the activity.
Presenting the Activity the Montessori Way
- Invite your child to a quiet space and explain this is a game for their nose!
- Demonstrate how to hold a jar and gently inhale.
- Smell one jar, then find its match.
- Encourage your child to close their eyes to sharpen focus.
- Once paired, you can name the scents and talk about them: Is this spicy? Sweet? Familiar?
Why This Sensorial Work Matters
Between ages 0–6, your child’s brain is like a sponge. Montessori called this the Absorbent Mind. During this time, sensory-rich experiences help build stronger neural pathways and support:
- Language acquisition
- Emotional regulation
- Memory and concentration
- A love for exploration and discovery
Bonus Learning Extensions:
- Sort by category: Sweet vs. Spicy
- Rank by intensity: Strongest to mildest
- Introduce scent-related vocabulary: pungent, delicate, earthy, citrusy
Keep It Fresh
Scents fade over time, especially natural ones. Replace cotton balls every 1–2 weeks for best results.
Also, observe your child! If they’re overwhelmed, reduce the number of jars or try simpler scents.
Final Thoughts: Smelling Is Learning
DIY Smelling Jars aren’t just fun—they’re foundational. They build attention, sensory awareness, and joy in the learning process. Plus, they’re easy to set up using what you already have in your kitchen!
So go ahead—open the jars, open their minds.
Montessori magic is in the details.
And this one? It smells like curiosity.
For More Montessori DIY Ideas:
Click here for DIY Montessori Sound Cylinders.
Click here for Easter Egg Sound Cylinders Jars Sensory DIY Montessori.
Click here for Matching Soaps DIY.
Want more hands-on ideas like this?
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