Add@Me Learning Methods (EN)


Title: Recognizing different smells
Summary: This very simple activity allow participants to use their smell and to pay attention at it without being influenced by their sight.
Objectives: Enhable participants to recognize herbs and different aromas by using their smell
Materials / Equipment needed: Blindfolds for participants Pots / jars with different herbs / smells (prepared in advance)
Group size: Any size
Duration: 20 minutes
Step-by-step instructions:

The visually impaired facilitator explains the game and says that there will be 5 rounds. Participants are divided into teams. Each team chooses its name and a sound to perform (e.g. the sound of an animal). Then, each team chooses a member who will be blindfolded and who will play the first round for the team. The facilitator has previously prepared 5 different pots / jars each one containing a different herb / smell. It can be whatever you like e.g mint, basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, chilli, but also cofee, tea, cigarette, orange, lemon, cinnamon, vanilla. At the first round, the blindfolded competitors have to guess what they are smelling. But… they are allowed to say it loudly only if they have performed the sound of their team! The first who makes the sound, is the one who is allowed to answer! If the team answers before having made its sound, the team receives a point against.

For each round the team chooses a different member to play and the game goes on until the 5 pots / jars are over. The team who has answered the majority of correct answers (after having performed their sound) wins the game. The activity ends with a debriefing held by the facilitator using some questions for reflection e.g. the ones of the “Reflection / Evaluation questions” section.

Reflection and evaluation questions: Were you able to recognize the different smells? What did you find challenging? Do you use the smell sense in your daily life? When and how?
Possible risk factors: N/A
Variations: Appropriate for youngsters between 12 and 18 years old, however it can be played at any age
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