Fantastic Fish Facts

Year Level: Preschool

Duration: 30 minutes

Class Size: 10 students

Unit: Adventures in Ocean Habitat (Lesson 4 of 8)

Learning Area: Science

Curriculum Reference: New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Early Learning - Science)

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Identify and name different types of fish found in the ocean.
• Sort fish pictures by size and colour.
• Work cooperatively in small groups to share ideas.

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Curriculum Links

Science Learning Area (Early Learning)

• Strand: The Living World - Nature of Science
• Level: Early Level (Preschool / Years 0-2 equivalent)
• Learning outcome: Explore and describe living things in their natural environment.
• Key Competency: Managing self, Participating and contributing, Thinking
• Learning objectives aligned:
  • Use senses and observations to explore living things.
  • Group and sort objects based on observable features (size, colour).
  • Show curiosity and ask questions about the natural world.

Principles

• Inclusion: Activities cater to diverse learning needs including sensory learners and students with autism.
• Community engagement: Encourages peer sharing and working collaboratively.

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Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

• Name at least two ocean fish (e.g., goldfish, clownfish, shark).
• Sort pictures of fish into groups based on size (small, medium, large).
• Sort pictures by colour groups (e.g., blue, orange, multicoloured).
• Work cooperatively in pairs or small groups to talk about their sorting.

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Resources

• Laminated pictures of various fish species (with different sizes and colours).
• Sorting mats or trays labelled “Size” and “Colour”.
• Large visual chart of ocean habitat with fish images for reference.
• Dyslexia-friendly label cards with simple words and pictures for fish names and sorting categories.
• Soft sensory toys in fish shapes (for sensory engagement).
• Visual schedule and clear step-by-step activity cards.

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation/Support
5 mins	Introduction & Engagement	Show the ocean habitat chart and point to different fish. Use a story or song about ocean fish to engage. Ask simple questions like "Can you find the big red fish?"	Use picture cards and realia. Use simple language, short sentences. Support with visual cues and gestures for autistic learners. Use sensory fish toys for engagement.
10 mins	Sorting fish by size	Give each student a handful of fish pictures. Model sorting fish by size onto mats/trays: small, medium, large. Allow students to explore sorting independently or in pairs.	Provide extra adult support for students needing more guidance. Use tactile sorting mats with different textures. For advanced learners encourage sorting by two criteria simultaneously (e.g., size & colour).
10 mins	Sorting fish by colour	Repeat similar process but sorting by colour groups (blue, orange, green, multicoloured). Encourage peer discussion: "Why did you put that fish here?"	For students with dyslexia, use dyslexia-friendly printed labels with pictures and large font. Use simple colour cards to assist. Provide multiple ways of expression (talk, pointing, sorting).
5 mins	Sharing & Reflection	In small groups, have students share their sorted groups. Use sentence starters for communication (e.g. "My fish is big", "This fish is blue"). Teacher reinforces vocabulary and praises cooperation.	Use visual prompts and communication boards if needed. Provide positive reinforcement and physical movement breaks.

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Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

• Provide multi-sensory supports (visual, tactile, auditory).
• Use clear visual schedules and instructions in simple language.
• Allow flexible participation — sitting or standing, using fidget toys or sensory tools if required.
• Use peer buddy system to support communication and interaction.
• Break tasks into small manageable steps with modelling.

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Extension Opportunities for Advanced Students

• Research or name more fish species from the ocean habitat.
• Create a simple drawing or craft of their favourite fish and describe it using colours and size adjectives.
• Explore sorting by an additional attribute (e.g., fish with spots vs stripes).
• Use comparative language (bigger, smaller, lighter, darker) to describe fish.

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Assessment

• Observation checklist during sorting activities: ability to correctly sort fish by size and colour.
• Anecdotal notes on students’ use of vocabulary relating to fish attributes.
• Participation in group sharing and ability to communicate their sorting decisions.
• Evidence of engagement in sensory activities and peer interactions.

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Tips for Teaching Autistic and Sensory Learners

• Provide clear, predictable routines and transitions.
• Use calming sensory breaks if students become overstimulated.
• Visual supports and minimal verbal instructions help maintain focus.
• Encourage choice and control over participation pace.
• Celebrate all attempts at communication and collaboration equally.

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This lesson plan is designed to nurture curiosity and early scientific thinking about ocean life, supporting sensory learners with multiple modes of engagement and providing clear scaffolding for sorting and categorisation skills, aligned closely with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for preschool science learning outcomes.

Thank you for your dedication to inclusive teaching — the ocean is a wonderful adventure for all young learners!

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If you would like, I can also prepare a printable visual schedule or dyslexia-friendly card templates to support this lesson. Just ask!