Exploring Taste

Overview

This 40-minute lesson is designed for Year 2 students (ages 6-7) and focuses on exploring the sense of taste through poetry. It is the 7th lesson in the "Senses in Poetry" unit, supporting pupils to use sensory language and descriptive vocabulary in their writing. The lesson is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England (Year 2 English: Spoken Language and Writing).

National Curriculum Links

English - Spoken Language

Listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers
Ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
Use relevant strategies to build their vocabulary

English - Writing

Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar
Write sentences by composing ideas orally before writing
Discuss their writing with the teacher and other pupils

Spoken Language and Writing KS1 Programme of Study

Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates
Use expanded noun phrases to describe and specify
Use senses in their descriptive writing

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

Identify and name different tastes and foods using appropriate vocabulary.
Describe taste experiences using concrete, sensory language.
Express their personal preferences clearly and justify their choices orally and in writing.
Build vocabulary related to taste and feelings.

Resources

Selection of safe, simple foods representing the five basic tastes (e.g. lemon slice - sour, carrot sticks - sweet, salted cracker - salty, boiled potato - bland, dark chocolate - bitter)
Paper plates and napkins
"Taste Word Bank" chart with adjectives (e.g., sour, sweet, salty, bitter, tangy, delicious, yucky)
Whiteboards and dry-wipe pens
Small poetry template illustrated for sensory writing

Lesson Structure

Starter (5 minutes)

Sensory Warm-up Chat: Gather students in a circle and ask them to name different tastes they know.
Introduce the key vocabulary with the “Taste Word Bank” on the board.
Briefly discuss what taste is and the tongue’s role (simple explanation).

Introduction (5 minutes)

Explain that today they will do a tasting activity to help them write a short poem about tastes.
Show them the different foods and name each taste clearly.
Emphasise the use of descriptive language—how strong/smooth/sour/sweet each taste might be.

Main Activity (20 minutes)

Taste Testing: Students are given small samples of each food, one at a time.
After each tasting, ask guided questions:
- What do you taste?
- How does it make you feel? Use the word bank.
- Do you like it or dislike it? Why?
Pupils discuss with a partner first (speaking and listening focus), then write a short descriptive sentence or phrase on their whiteboard or in their workbook using sensory vocabulary.
Teacher circulates, supports vocabulary use, and encourages expansion of descriptions (e.g., “It is tangy like a sour lemon!” rather than just “It is sour.”).

Plenary (10 minutes)

Select 4-5 pupils to share their favourite taste description aloud.
Model turning one description into a simple two-line sensory poem (e.g., “Sour lemon, puckering bite,
Makes my tongue dance with delight!”).
Invite pupils to create their own two-line poem about their favourite taste using the vocabulary from the lesson. They can illustrate it if time permits.

Assessment

Formative assessment through observation of pupil participation, vocabulary use, and descriptive ability during partner discussions and written phrases.
Check whiteboard/writing for evidence of:
- Use of taste adjectives
- Complete sentences or clear phrases describing taste
- Expression of personal preference with reasons
Use plenary sharing as a verbal check of understanding the connection between taste and descriptive language.

Differentiation

Support: Provide sentence starters (e.g., “The taste is…” or “I like/don't like it because…”) and modelling examples.
Challenge: Encourage more complex similes or metaphors for describing taste (e.g., “It is as sweet as honey dripping from a hive”).
Provide visual prompts and the “Taste Word Bank” for all learners to access.

Extension Ideas

Create a class “Taste Poem” book compiling all pupils’ poems.
Explore cultural foods to extend discussion on different taste preferences.
Link to science by discussing the tongue map and how taste buds work in a following lesson.

Reflection for Teachers

Did pupils use descriptive language confidently?
Were they engaged and curious about different tastes?
What vocabulary did children find most useful or challenging?
How effectively did the tasting experience inspire their writing?

This lesson combines sensory experience, speaking and listening, and creative writing in line with the National Curriculum's aim to develop enjoyment and proficiency in language. Incorporating real taste testing grounds learning in concrete experience, deepening vocabulary and helping children to write vivid, sensory poetry.

Teaching Instructions