LITTLE RESEARCHERS OF NATURE: DISCOVERING COLORS, SMELLS, FLAVORS AND TEXTURES IN NURSERY I

Abstract

This article presents an experience report about the project "Little Researchers of Nature: Discovering Colors, Smells, Flavors and Textures", developed at a Municipal Center for Early Childhood Education (CMEI) in Palmas, Tocantins, in 2025. The project aimed to stimulate the sensory development of babies and young children through playful experiences involving colors, aromas, flavors and natural textures. Based on the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) and the theories of child development by Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky and Jean Ayres, the work proposed activities that promoted active exploration of the natural environment, strengthening essential neural connections in early childhood. The activities included fruit painting, aromatic clothesline, sensory carpet, natural food tasting and multisensory games. The results demonstrated significant expansion of children's curiosity, concentration and acceptance of new flavors, in addition to strengthening affective bonds between educators, babies and the natural environment. The experience highlighted the importance of sensory experiences for comprehensive development in early childhood education.