How aromatherapy enhances learning and wellbeing in the classroom
By Zenab Ishtay, Aromatherapist & Cosmetologist Photos by Anastasia Casey
Integrating essential oils into early childhood experiences can be a transformative practice, fostering an environment of well-being and sensory enrichment.
The aromatic experience
When introducing essential oils to children, it’s crucial to consider their developing senses and the profound impact that aromatic experiences can have on their memory formation.
Unlike adults, whose olfactory associations are often deeply intertwined with a lifetime of memories, children are at the beginning of this sensory journey. Therefore, the introduction of essential oils must be approached with care, ensuring that the oils are child-friendly and used in a safe, diluted manner.
In daily routines
In a preschool setting, such as the one I visited in Amman, the use of essential oils can be woven into daily routines or specific activities. For instance, a calming lavender scent might be diffused during nap time to promote relaxation, or a bright citrus aroma could energise at morning circle time.
Essential oils and play
It’s also possible to incorporate essential oils into play, using scent-infused playdough or rice bins (large containers, typically filled with uncooked rice, that are used for sensory play and development) , which can aid in sensory development and cognitive processing.
The environment
Moreover, essential oils can play a part in teaching young children about the natural world. Educators can create connections between the scents and their plant origins, perhaps even growing some of the plants on-site for a hands-on learning experience.
This not only grounds the children’s understanding of where the oils come from, but also instills a sense of curiosity and respect for nature.
Playing it safe
However, it’s important to note that the use of essential oils with children should always be supervised by a knowledgeable clinical aromatherapist for their safe application.
The oils should be of high quality, preferably organic and properly diluted to prevent any adverse reactions. Additionally, it’s advisable to observe the children’s responses to the oils, as individual sensitivities can vary greatly.
During my visit to this pre-school I noticed that the children I worked with loved the aroma of the essential oils. Orange Essential oil was the one I choose to use with these children and teachers.
Orange essential oil
Orange essential oil is an antiseptic, so is perfect to use with children. It helps a lot with the respiratory system in case of flu, colds and runny noses. It helps if the children are bored or lacking in energy; it helps to increase energy and appetite.
As you can see from the photos, I used breathing exercises as a method to introduce the orange essential oil in the play circle.
As a safety measure, I first used one drop of diluted orange essential oil over a cotton pad for the children to smell the orange.
A holistic approach
I then used a few drops of the essential oil in a water diffuser to disperse the scent throughout the room, benefiting the teachers too.
This holistic approach may support cognitive functions and emotional well-being, contributing positively to the educational setting.
Once I gave each child a cotton pad with the orange essential oil, they started smelling it telling me that it “smelled like orange” .
In total, I worked with six children experiencing the smell of the orange essential oil: Noor, Asma, Layla, ‘Oun, Janeve and Sami. We did several activities including breathing exercises.
I received spontaneous feedback from the children during my session with them; they got excited over the smell and what it made them feel.
“I want to keep it with me and put it in my pocket so as not to lose it,” Sami tells me. Whilst Janeve says: “I want to expand the cotton so my orange becomes bigger!”
The children were laughing and having a good time smelling the orange essential oil.
Even the teachers, Miss Jojo and Miss Nour, were excited and happy to participate in this session with their students. I could see a sparkle in their eyes!
Uplifting the spirit
Yes, essential oils bring out a sense of happiness to people specially citric ones, which help to uplift the spirit and mood.
Integrating aromatherapy in the classroom can be a refreshing way to enhance the learning environment, enhancing concentration, happiness between children, reducing anxiety and giving them the aroma of nature, the refreshing sense of wellness.
