Level 1
Choose no scent/try/stop in 2/3 turns.
2026–27 • Labs & wellness
Scent Memory & Choice
Offer optional, low-intensity comparison of two screened familiar natural scents, with a no-scent pathway of equal value. Memory and feeling labels are invitations only.
Classroom lesson: Scent Memory & ChoiceToday I can…
choose a scent or no scent
Words to know
Words for this lesson
HERBSCENTSAMEDIFFERENTFARTHER
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Choose
Choose SCENT, PICTURE or NO SCENT.
- 2
Preview
Watch the adult show a closed scent container.
- 3
Try gently
If you want, notice a faint scent at your comfortable distance.
- 4
Compare
Choose FAMILIAR, NEW, LIKE or NOT FOR ME.
- 5
Finish
Choose STOP. The adult closes and removes the scent.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
NO SCENTTRYFARTHERLIKENOT FOR MESTOP
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Two identified screened fresh herbs in adult-controlled closed jars; matching pictures; empty NO SCENT option; AAC. If screening is unclear, pictures only.
Safety first
No oils, sprays, powders or tasting. Screen allergy/asthma/migraine plans; avoid peer exposure. Stop/remove for discomfort.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Individual learning objectives
Choose Level 1, 2 or 3 individually in either House group. A House is not an ability level. Watching, directing and communicating a boundary are valid participation.
Level 2
Compare two chosen samples or pictures.
Level 3
State a preference and an adjustment.
Skill focus: Olfactory discrimination, memory, preference communication, sensory regulation
30-minute teaching sequence
Introduce · 5 min
Scent Memory & Choice Word: Scent. Show herb pictures and NO SCENT. Smelling is optional. Familiar/new or feeling words are optional, with no correct personal response.
I do · 10 min
After screening and active opt-in, adult briefly opens one mild fresh-herb container at a comfortable distance, then closes it. Model FARTHER and STOP. Default to picture-only if anyone needs scent-free space.
We do · 10 min
Learners choose no scent, pictures or a screened brief sample. Allow fresh-air pauses; never require both samples. Match pictures or communicate same/different, familiar/new or a preference without demanding a memory story.
Exit choice · 5 min
L1: "No scent, try, or finished?" L2: "Same or different? Which choice?" L3: "Farther, change, or stop? Why?"
Science note: Scents can seem familiar, new, strong or weak, and preferences vary. A scent does not have a guaranteed calming effect; a student does not need to remember or explain an experience.
Curriculum connection: CCSS SL.K.1, SL.K.3 (adapted).
Prepare for this learner
No scent release if short-staffed. Follow respiratory/sensory plans and honor refusal; no forced smelling. AAC/gaze/choice responses and wait time. Choose levels independently of House.
Lower-staffing option: Use plant images and sealed containers only, with no scent release. Students practice choice, memory matching and self-advocacy from seats.
Record the response, access method, opportunities and support used. Record observed, declined or not assessed separately; a communicated refusal is not a failure of participation.
Word lesson plan
Editable classroom source plan. Source files may retain earlier titles. Use the individual level choices and safety guidance above when preparing the session.
Access supports
Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.
Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.
Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.
Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.