Texture of Sea

Year Level

Preschool (New Entrants in NZ)

Duration

30 minutes

Class Size

10 students

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Explore and identify different textures found in ocean habitats.
• Use sensory experiences to describe how these textures feel.
• Use precise vocabulary related to textures and ocean environment.

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Curriculum Links

Science Curriculum Level 1 (The New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

• Living World: Recognise that living things have basic needs, including a habitat that provides food and shelter.
• Nature of Science: Explore the natural world using senses, developing curiosity and understanding.
• Develop confidence to explore objects and materials in their environment through sensory and descriptive language.
• Understand and use sensory attributes to describe objects.

Key Competencies

• Managing Self: Engaging confidently in sensory activities.
• Relating to Others: Sharing observations with peers using descriptive language.
• Thinking: Observing, exploring, and describing using senses.

Learning Goals

• Develop sensory awareness using touch related to natural objects.
• Use descriptive language to communicate feelings about textures.
• Begin to identify differences and similarities between natural materials.

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Success Criteria

• I can touch and explore different ocean materials.
• I can describe how things feel using words such as "rough," "smooth," or "slimy."
• I can listen to my friends and share my ideas about textures.
• I can choose my favourite texture safely.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Connection to Prior Learning (5 minutes)

• Briefly revisit previous lessons about ocean habitats.
• Show pictures or a short video snippet of the ocean floor, emphasising sand, seaweed, and shells.
• Introduce vocabulary: "sand," "seaweed," "shell," "rough," "smooth," "soft," "slimy."
• Highlight the sensory focus: "We will use our hands to explore the textures of the sea."

2. Sensory Exploration Activity (15 minutes)

• Set up 3 sensory bins, each containing one type of ocean material:
  • Sand (dry and slightly damp for sensory variety)
  • Seaweed (realistic artificial or dried safe seaweed)
  • Shells (various sizes and smooth/rough surfaces)
• In small groups or pairs, students rotate through the bins.
• Sensory prompts for teacher guidance:
  • "What does it feel like?"
  • "Is it soft, rough, bumpy, or smooth?"
  • "Does it remind you of something else?"
• Encourage students to use descriptive language drawn from the lesson.

3. Descriptive Sharing Circle (5 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle.
• Invite each child to share one word describing how a texture felt.
• Use visual aids: pictures or word cards showing texture words.
• Teacher models using sentence stems like "The sand feels...", "I think the shells are..."

4. Creative Reflection (5 minutes)

• Students create a simple "Texture of the Sea" poster with stamps or handprints on textured paper to represent what they felt.
• Options for advanced learners: Draw or stick pictures and label textures.
• For students with sensory sensitivity, provide stress balls or smooth tactile items as calming tools.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Need	Strategy
Autistic/Sensory learners	Provide a quiet corner with noise-cancelling headphones; use clear, calm language; allow choice in participating; use visual schedules.
Limited verbal skills	Use picture cards and gestures to describe textures; encourage non-verbal response (pointing, sorting).
Advanced learners	Encourage use of extended descriptive language; explore comparative textures (e.g., compare two shells).
Dyslexia-friendly support	Use dyslexia-friendly font on word cards; use symbols and pictures alongside text; keep instructions simple and clear.

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Assessment (Ongoing/Formative)

• Observe students’ ability to engage safely with sensory bins.
• Note use of descriptive vocabulary either verbal or non-verbal.
• Listen for curiosity and engagement during sharing time.
• Use a simple checklist: Did the student describe at least one texture? Did they participate in discussion?

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Resources Needed

• Sand (safe, clean)
• Real or artificial seaweed (safe and non-toxic)
• Variety of sea shells
• Sensory bins/trays (3)
• Visual vocabulary cards with texture words and pictures
• Poster paper, paint or stamps for creative reflection
• Calm sensory objects for support (e.g., stress balls)
• Visual schedule for routine and expectations

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Teaching Tips

• Maintain a calm, predictable session structure, encouraging exploration at the student's own pace.
• Use clear language and pause to let students process and respond.
• Model touch first for hesitant learners.
• Reinforce positive engagement and validate all responses.
• Connect activities with te reo Māori where possible: e.g. "one", "rua" (two), or texture words like "māeneene" for smooth.

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Extension Ideas

• Introduce magnifying glasses to explore finer textures and details on shells.
• Seed a simple planting activity by comparing seaweed textures with plant leaves.
• Create a "Texture Wall" in the class for ongoing tactile exploration and vocabulary growth.

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This lesson plan aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh emphasis on sensory, inclusive learning and the science understanding of habitats for young children, especially designed with diverse learning needs in mind including autistic and sensory learners. It invites active exploration, descriptive language use, and creative reflection, all within a manageable 30-minute session for preschool students .