The Scented Laboratory is indeed not a literal Laboratory. However we've put together a good mix of information with a bit of science behind it to introduce our newest collection of fun scented tools and rewards.
Why buy scented tools and rewards.
Kids love them! There’s nothing better than showing off a new set of scented markers and letting everyone have a quick whiff.
In the classroom, scented rewards go totally above and beyond a typical reward in a little's mind. And, speaking of such, let’s get to the science behind just that. Yes, there is actual science as to why scented rewards are so super, duper cool for kids.
Did you know?
Your sense of smell is tied to the limbic system and directly connected to parts of the brain that are responsible for processing emotions, learning and memories.
How it works.
When we encounter smells, our olfactory receptor cells send a signal to a part of your brain called the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb runs from your nose to the base of your brain and has direct connections to your amygdala, the area of the brain responsible for processing emotion. Also connecting to your hippocampus, an area linked to memory and cognition.
Neuroscientists have suggested that this close physical connection between the regions of the brain linked to memory, emotion, and our sense of smell may explain why our brain learns to associate smells with certain emotional memories. Now, that’s a cool way to think about how we can leave lasting impressions on our kiddos.
Learning is, indeed, multi-sensory but why is our sense of smell so intertwined with it when we heavily rely on sight?
Odors are processed differently than our other sensory systems. All others are routed through a structure in the brain called the thalamus. The thalamus is a part of the brain that works in a higher-order brain process and is often referred to as the gatekeeper of sensory information except, of course, olfaction (smell.) Because scent skips the thalamus, smells can enter our brains and attach to memories without us consciously registering or processing them.
Fun Fact!
Research shows smell is the only sense that is active, even while we sleep.
What are some fun scented tools and rewards that are affordable and easy to incorporate into your classroom?
Scratch & sniff stickers have stood the test of time as a fun reward for kids and not just in the classroom. They can be used at home as part of a reward system for chores.
Scented markers and gel pens are great for older kids. Teens love doodling with them and it definitely eases the drag of homework, slightly. (Invision: winking emoji, lol.)
And for our favorite, Smelly Swirls. Essentially this is just scented lip balm but the powers are beyond magical. What teachers are saying about them:
“These are absolutely fantastic and they don’t fall off, get lost or stuck to the floor.”
“I really like that the reward goes away giving my students motivation to earn a new smelly swirl. They love choosing their scent and I even let them take control by applying it themselves.”
We’d love to hear your experiences. Can you recall a childhood memory just by the smell of something, maybe the salty ocean air or a bubblegum flavored snow cone?
