Ocean Sounds Safari

Year Level: Preschool (New Zealand)

Duration: 30 minutes

Class Size: 10 students

Unit: Adventures in Ocean Habitat (Lesson 2 of 8)

WALT (We Are Learning To):

Listen carefully and identify different sounds from the ocean, such as waves, whales, and fish.
Match these ocean sounds to pictures, creating a 'sound map' to help us learn about the ocean habitat.

Learning Objectives (Aligned with New Zealand Curriculum Refresh - Science & English Integration for Early Years):

Science Learning Area (Understanding the Living World: Nature of Science; Level 1)

Explore and describe natural features and phenomena in the local environment and wider world.
Begin to notice and explore the senses to understand the environment.

English Learning Area (Oral Language, Year 0-1)

Develop listening skills to identify sounds and respond appropriately.
Use visual supports to match and describe sounds and pictures.
Engage in narrative storytelling by linking sounds and images.

Key Competencies

Thinking: Observing, sorting, and connecting sensory information.
Using Language, Symbols, and Text: Interpreting sounds and images.
Managing Self: Focusing attention in a shared activity.
Relating to Others: Sharing ideas in a group setting.

Success Criteria:

Students will:

Recognise and name at least three different ocean sounds played during the lesson.
Successfully match sound cards to corresponding ocean animal or environment pictures on the 'sound map'.
Show engagement by participating in listening and group discussion activities.

Resources Needed:

Audio recordings of ocean sounds: waves crashing, whale songs, fish bubbling, seagulls, and other ocean-related sounds.
Laminated picture cards of ocean animals and ocean scenes matching the sounds.
Large poster board or butcher paper for the 'sound map'
Colourful markers and stickers
Headphones for optional individual listening
Soft seating areas or mats for sensory comfort

Lesson Activities:

Time	Activity	Description	Teaching Considerations & Differentiation
0-5 mins	Welcome & Sensory Warm-up	Gather students in a circle on mats. Use soft fabric or tactile objects representing water or seaweed to engage sensory learners. Briefly introduce the ocean habitat.	Provide clear visual schedule with symbols of activity sequence. Use calm, gentle voice and allow extra processing time. Use gestures and facial expression for sensory learners.
5-10 mins	Ocean Sounds Listening Safari	Play recordings of different ocean sounds one at a time. After each sound, ask students to name or describe what they hear. Use picture cards to visually represent each sound.	Use headphones for those sensitive to sound volume. Pause between sounds to allow processing. Use modelling — say the sound name and point to corresponding card. Invite students to imitate sounds if comfortable.
10-20 mins	Create the Ocean Sound Map	Spread out a large sheet or board with pre-drawn sections representing ocean elements. Students take turns placing picture cards where they think the sound belongs, creating a ‘sound map.’ Use visual cues and physical movement to help engagement.	For non-verbal or minimally verbal learners, provide picture exchange communication symbols (PECS). Allow use of hand-over-hand assistance if needed. Encourage peer support. Use clear, repetitive instructions.
20-25 mins	Group Reflection and Story Sharing	Gather back into circle. Using the ‘sound map,’ recount the sounds and pictures, encouraging students to share thoughts or favourite sounds. Use simple, repetitive sentences.	Scaffold language with sentence starters (e.g., “I hear the ___,” “The ___ sound is here.”). For dyslexic learners, use bold, clear fonts on cards and provide tactile letters if possible.
25-30 mins	Sensory Cool-down & Goodbye Song	End with a quiet, calming sensory activity such as a gentle ocean wave hand motion or a soft song about the ocean. Offer cuddly toys or weighted lap pads if available.	Offer choice to participate or observe. Use visual timer to prepare transition.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

Sensory Sensitivities: Use headphones; control volume; have quiet breakout area.
Communication Needs: Use PECS cards; gestures; model language with simple sentences.
Attention & Engagement: Use short, clear instructions; frequent breaks; incorporate movement.
Visual Supports: Clear, colourful images with high contrast; tactile picture cards.
Dyslexia Friendly: Use dyslexia-friendly fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic), simple words on cards.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners:

Encourage drawing or painting their own ocean sound map with additional ocean animals or sounds they imagine.
Introduce simple musical instruments (e.g., shakers, drums) to mimic ocean sounds.
Research and orally present an interesting ocean animal, with teacher support.

Assessment and Reflection:

Formative Assessment:
Observe student ability to identify sounds and match them to pictures during group activity. Note attention span and participation.
Informal Observation:
Listen for verbal or non-verbal responses during sound identification and story sharing.
Teacher Reflection:
Was the sensory environment supportive? Did students engage with the 'sound map'? Were learning objectives met according to success criteria? Adjust subsequent lessons accordingly.

Curriculum Links Summary:

Curriculum Area	Specific Learning Focus
Science Level 1 (Exploration of natural world)	Discovering the ocean environment through sensory observation (sound exploration).
English (Oral Language) Years 0–1	Developing listening, describing, and matching skills using visual and auditory cues.
Key Competencies	Thinking, Using language and symbols, Managing self, Relating to others.

This lesson embraces the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh’s emphasis on knowledge-rich content and active sensory engagement suited for diverse learners including autistic students, aligning with principles of belonging, identity, and well-being .

If you would like, I can also provide downloadable templates for sound maps and pictorial cards designed for this lesson.

Teaching Instructions