Ocean Sound Adventure

Learning Focus

WALT: We Are Learning To listen carefully to ocean sounds and create a sound map by matching sounds to pictures.

Success Criteria

• I can listen to different ocean sounds (waves, whales, fish).
• I can choose pictures that match what I hear.
• I can explore sounds quietly and take turns listening and sharing.
• I can express what I hear using words or gestures.

Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Preschool / Years 0–1 in Science, focusing on exploring natural world in ways that suit sensory learners, especially:

• Science Learning Area – Explore the natural world using senses (waves, whale calls, fish sounds) (Science > Living World > Nature of Science)
• Key Competencies:
  • Managing self by taking turns and focusing attention
  • Participating and contributing by sharing observations and ideas
  • Using language, symbols, and texts to communicate experience through matching pictures and sound mapping
• Teaching Principles: Inclusion, engagement of sensory learners through play and sensory experiences, scaffolded learning with visual and auditory supports .

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Lesson Outline (30 minutes)

Time	Activity	Details	Supports/Adaptations
0-5 mins	Welcome & Introduction	Gather students in a quiet space. Introduce lesson: "Today, we will go on an Ocean Sounds Safari to listen to special ocean sounds and make our own sound map." Use simple sentences and visuals.	Visual schedule with pictures; repeat instructions clearly; use calm tone; keep calm lighting to ease sensory overload.
5-10 mins	Listening Experience	Play pre-recorded sounds: ocean waves, whale calls, fish bubbling, seagulls, boat sounds. Use headphones or speaker at a gentle volume. Pause after each sound for discussion.	Use headphones for sensitive ears; keep volume low but clear; allow students choice to participate actively or observe quietly; use picture cards for sounds.
10-20 mins	Create Sound Map Activity	Provide students with a large paper or laminated board showing ocean with labelled locations (e.g., near shore, deep water). Provide matching pictures of ocean creatures and sounds (stickers or cards). Assist students to place pictures where they think the sounds come from.	Use tactile pictures for sensory feedback (raised textures); one-on-one support for students who need it; options for pointing instead of placing; speech-to-text or drawing to express ideas.
20-25 mins	Sharing & Turn-taking	Students explain their choices briefly or use gestures. Celebrate each child’s contribution. Use sentence stems: "I heard __, so I put __ there."	Sentence stems on cards; non-verbal communication accepted; praise effort; gently scaffold if needed.
25-30 mins	Wrap-up & Reflection	Summarise what was heard and learned. Sing a short ocean-themed song with simple actions to consolidate learning and soothe sensory processing.	Use sign language for key words; visual cue cards; allow quiet reflection time if needed.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Students with Sensory Sensitivities:
  • Provide noise-cancelling headphones or quiet space.
  • Visual schedules and clear, repeated instructions.
  • Use real ocean items (shells, water tubs) as sensory anchors.
• For Students with Communication Challenges:
  • Use picture exchange cards or symbol-supported communication (PECS).
  • Allow drawing or pointing instead of verbal explanation.
  • Provide sentence stems or role-play opportunities.
• For Advanced Learners:
  • Encourage describing differences in sounds using new vocabulary (louder, softer, high, low).
  • Explore creating own ocean sounds using instruments or apps.
  • Start simple sound classification (natural vs human-made ocean sounds).

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Assessment Approach

• Use informal observational assessment to note:
  • Student engagement with auditory stimuli.
  • Ability to make connections between sounds and pictures.
  • Communication (verbal or non-verbal) about the sounds.
• Document progress through teacher notes and photos of sound maps.
• Use reflective questions: "What sound did you like best?" or "Where did the whale sound go?" for comprehension.

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Resources Needed

• Audio player with a collection of ocean sounds (waves, whales, fish, seagulls, boat)
• Headphones (optional)
• Large ocean habitat mat or laminated scene for sound map
• Picture/symbol cards of ocean animals and sounds (tactile if possible)
• Visual schedule and sentence stem cards
• Quiet, sensory-friendly classroom space

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This lesson plan integrates multisensory learning to support autistic and sensory learners, following the principles and competencies in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh to foster curiosity and inclusion in early science learning about the ocean environment .