Talk About It: Scents Around the World
Updated: Oct 9
The big idea: Families all over the world cook with different smells, and every kitchen has its own special scents.
Our noses can take us on a trip! People around the world use spices and herbs that smell wonderful: cinnamon, ginger, cumin, basil, vanilla and many more. The smells in your kitchen might remind you of family, holidays and favorite meals.
Questions to ask
"What does our kitchen smell like when we cook your favorite meal?"
"Does this smell sweet, spicy or fresh?"
"Where have you smelled this before?"
"What smell reminds you of Grandma's (or another family member's) house?"
"Which smell is your favorite?"
Show it in one minute
Open three or four spices or herbs from your kitchen, like cinnamon, cumin, ginger and basil. Let your child smell each one (waft it, don't sniff deeply). Talk about the foods you use them in, and which families or places cook with them. For example, cinnamon is in many baked treats, and cumin is used in lots of Mexican, Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.
Keep it going
Next time you cook, invite your child to smell the spices before they go in. Talk about a family food tradition, like a special holiday dish, and what it smells like.
Want to learn more?
Play a Scent Memory Game, from PBS KIDS for Parents
"Lyla in the Loop" Celebrates Family Food Traditions, from PBS KIDS for Parents
How to Teach Children About Cultural Awareness and Diversity, from PBS KIDS for Parents
A quick safety note: Hold spices for your child to smell rather than letting them sniff straight from the jar, and keep powders away from eyes and noses.
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More for this week: see all our Five Senses activities, Letter D activities and Number 4 activities.
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