Ocean Sound Journey

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Explore the sounds of sea mammals and their habitats through music and sensory activities.
• Use simple language to name and describe sea mammals.
• Engage our senses in a calm and joyful music experience that includes visuals and sounds.
• Be inclusive and responsive to all learners, including neurodiverse peers.

Curriculum Links (Te Whāriki)

• Exploration / Mana Aotūroa: Children explore and develop knowledge about the world around them by interacting with sea mammal sounds and habitats.
• Communication / Mana Reo: Using basic language to name sea mammals and describe sounds, with visual and sensory supports aiding understanding.
• Contribution / Mana Tangata: Encouraging turn-taking, listening, and responding within the group, respecting diverse ways of communication.
• Belonging / Mana Whenua: Connecting children to the wider world through knowledge of sea mammals and their environments, acknowledging Aotearoa’s marine life.
• Well-being / Mana Atua: Supporting emotional and physical well-being through calming sounds and sensory engagement.

Success Criteria

• Children can recognise and name at least two sea mammals.
• Children show engagement by responding to sounds and visuals.
• Children participate comfortably with sensory musical activities regardless of developmental differences.

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Duration

5 minutes (adaptable with extensions)

Group Size

Class of 25 preschool students

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Resources

• Visual cards depicting sea mammals (e.g., dolphin, whale, seal)
• Audio recordings of sea mammal sounds (clicks, whistles, songs)
• Soft scarves or coloured fabric (for sensory touch)
• Calm instrumental ocean soundscape music
• Small hand drums or shakers (optional for advanced learners)

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Lesson Sequence

1. Welcome and Introduce (1 min)

• Show bright, clear pictures of sea mammals one by one.
• Name each mammal clearly and slowly, pausing for children to repeat ("This is a dolphin. Can you say dolphin?").
• Use dyslexia-friendly fonts if showing printed words, and point to pictures to support understanding.
• Emphasise the habitats briefly ("Dolphins and whales live in the ocean, which is their home.").

2. List and Listen (1.5 mins)

• Play the sound of one sea mammal at a time (e.g., whale song, dolphin clicks).
• Ask children to hold up the picture that matches the sound.
• Provide sensory input by gently waving soft scarves as ocean waves in time with calming ocean sounds in the background.
• Use clear, simple sentences to describe the sounds: "This sound is a whale singing. It is slow and deep."

3. Movement and Sound (1.5 mins)

• Invite children to mimic sea mammal movements (e.g., waving arms like flippers).
• Provide hand drums or shakers for children who want to add their own 'sea sounds' rhythm.
• Use short, sensory-rich language like "Splash! Swish! Swim!"

4. Calm Down and Reflect (1 min)

• Gather children sitting quietly, dim lights slightly.
• Play gentle ocean soundscape music.
• Encourage children to close eyes or look softly at the images.
• Use soothing voice: "We are listening to the ocean and our sea friends. What sound do you hear?"

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Differentiation & Inclusion Strategies

• Use multiple means of communication: visual cards, auditory recordings, and physical movement.
• For neurodiverse learners, offer quiet spaces with headphones playing sounds if needed.
• Use clear, short sentences and repeat key vocabulary.
• Model actions or sounds for those who may find verbal participation challenging.
• Allow advanced learners to explore hand drums/shakers for creative soundmaking.

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Extension Activity Ideas

• Create a "Sea Mammal Sound Book" with pictures and recordings.
• Invite families to share stories or knowledge about local marine animals.
• Use sand or water play trays with toy sea mammals for sensory exploration.

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This mini-lesson supports foundational communication skills, sensory development, and an appreciation for Aotearoa’s natural environment, as recommended in Te Whāriki's strands and principles. It is brief yet inclusive and rich with sensory and interactive elements to engage young learners thoughtfully.