Ocean Experience Showcase

Year Level

Preschool (Ages 4-5)

Duration

30 minutes

Class Size

10 students

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Share and communicate our favourite activities from the "Adventures in Ocean Habitat" unit.
Develop early presentation and communication skills by expressing ideas using words, pictures, and gestures.
Listen to and respect each other's presentations.
Recall and reinforce what we have learned about ocean habitats.

Learning Objectives (Aligned to New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

This final lesson in the unit supports the following early childhood science and key competencies areas, based on the New Zealand Curriculum guidelines:

Science Understanding (Nature of Science | Living world):
Explore and communicate about living things in the environment, focusing on ocean habitats and creatures.
Key Competencies:
Using language, symbols, and texts – Encourage children to express their ideas verbally and non-verbally.
Relating to others – Foster respectful listening and engagement with peers.
Managing self – Develop confidence in speaking and taking turns.
Participating and contributing – Celebrate learning by sharing with others.

Success Criteria

Students will:

Choose and share their favourite ocean-related activity from the unit.
Use simple words, pictures, or actions to explain their choice.
Listen quietly and show encouragement while others present.
Recognise at least one new ocean fact or idea from their classmates.

Materials

Ocean-themed props or artefacts (shells, pictures, toy sea animals)
Soft mat or comfortable chairs arranged in a circle
Visual aids such as picture cards or symbols
Communication supports such as sentence starters or social story visuals (for autistic and sensory learners)
A timer or gentle bell to help manage presentation turns

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation & Support
0-5 min	Introduction and Circle Time	Teacher welcomes students and explains today's ‘Ocean Experience Showcase’. Briefly recap the unit with a simple story or visual reminder.	Use sensory-friendly cues and visuals. Provide a clear, calm intro to reduce anxiety. Use visual schedule of the lesson.
5-20 min	Student Presentations	Each child takes a turn to share their favourite activity or ocean fact. They can use words, drawings, or show a prop/object related to their choice. Teacher supports with sentence starters if needed (e.g. "My favourite animal is...").	For students with limited verbal ability, allow alternative modes: pointing to pictures, showing objects, using gestures, or assisted communication devices. Provide extra processing time. Use peer modelling for guidance.
20-25 min	Group Reflection	After all presentations, engage the group in a simple reflection. Ask questions like “What did you like hearing about today?” and “What new ocean thing did you learn from your friends?”	Use clear, direct questions. Support responses with prompts or visuals. Encourage even the quiet learners through gentle invitation and praise.
25-30 min	Celebration and Closing	Celebrate all students’ efforts with positive reinforcement. Sing a simple ocean-themed song together or do a sensory calming activity related to the ocean sounds (e.g., listening to wave sounds).	Use multisensory activities for calming and positive closure. Reinforce sense of achievement and belonging.

Differentiation Strategies

For Autistic Students and Sensory Learners:
- Provide a quiet, low-stimulation space nearby if overwhelmed.
- Use visual schedules and clear cues for transitions.
- Allow use of familiar sensory tools (e.g., fidget toys).
- Support communication using AAC devices or picture cards.
- Allow choice of presentation format tailored to each child’s comfort and ability.
For Students with Emerging Language:
- Use visuals and props to support expression.
- Provide sentence starters and simple language models.
Peer Support:
- Pair students to provide gentle prompts or assistance if helpful.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Encourage students to add a simple drawing or a short sentence about why they like their favourite ocean creature or activity.
Help confident speakers to answer simple questions from their peers after presenting.
Use digital tools (e.g., recording their presentation on a tablet) for revisiting and sharing presentations later.

Assessment Opportunities

Formative Observation:
Teacher observes each child's ability to communicate ideas and engage with peers. Monitor comfort with turn-taking, vocabulary use, and listening.
Peer Feedback:
Encourage simple positive comments from classmates ("I liked when you talked about...").
Self-Reflection:
Use a simple "happy face" or thumbs up/thumbs down to gauge how the child felt about sharing.

Curriculum References

Science Learning Area (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh):
Engage with the living world strand through exploring ocean habitats and expressing understanding through communication .
Key Competencies (Relating to others, Using language, symbols, and texts):
Supporting communication and social interaction skills essential for participation in social learning contexts .
Inclusive Practices:
Universal design for learning strategies to accommodate diverse needs, focusing on multiple means of engagement and expression .

Teacher's Note

This lesson places a gentle focus on communication and social confidence rather than scientific complexity, recognising the sensory and communication needs of preschool autistic learners. Visual supports, sensory considerations, and a respectful, encouraging environment underpin successful participation and meaningful reflection on the ocean habitat unit journey.