Cutting Herbs Sensory Activity

Did you know that thyme is a major food source for animals in the Sahara Desert? Honestly, I had no idea. I love when I learn right along with my kids. We continue to learn about the Sahara desert, specifically about the plants of the Sahara. It seems like a big topic, but I just loved this hands on cutting herbs sensory activity that relates to plants that grow in the desert.

Cutting Herbs Sensory Activity

This sensory STEAM Station activity is from the week of lessons from the Sahara Desert in the Desert Discovery theme from Experience Preschool.

I picked up four different kinds of herbs from the grocery store: marjoram, dill, thyme and rosemary.

Learning about plants that grow in the desert seems pretty boring but we’ve had the best time on this topic! Everyone enjoyed this simple activity cutting herbs. We also learned about olive trees and did some desert plant sensory play.

You need a tray, some herbs and a pair of scissors. I put a sprig of each herb on the tray.

I set up this center for two children at a time. They love to have a turn sitting here and doing something new.

While they were working, I talked to them about plants that grow in the desert. Not all of these herbs grow there, but I showed them the thyme that does.

They discovered that some parts were easier to cut than others. Some of the plants were kind of “woody”. Can you imagine being an animal and eating that?