Textures Sensory Table: Describe How It Feels

Level 1 focuses on concrete, hands-on learning.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large sensory table or bin

Various soft materials: cotton balls, yarn scraps, feathers, pom poms

Various firm materials: wooden blocks, smooth stones, plastic toy figures (representing family members)

Various rough materials: sandpaper squares, dried leaves, corks

Various smooth materials: silk scarves, plasticine, small plastic containers

Small scoops and bowls for scooping and pouring

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to verbally describe the textures of different materials using simple adjectives (e.g., soft, hard, bumpy, smooth).

Children will be able to identify and sort materials based on their tactile properties.

Children will demonstrate an understanding of their senses by exploring and discussing tactile sensations.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children around the sensory table. "Today, we're going to explore different ways things feel, just like how different people in our families feel unique too!"

2. Introduce the materials one by one. "This is a cotton ball. I'm going to touch it. It feels soft, like a cozy blanket my mommy has." Allow children to touch and describe it.

3. Present a wooden block. "How does this block feel? Is it soft like the cotton ball?" Guide children to use words like "hard" or "smooth."

4. Offer the sandpaper. "Feel this. Does it feel tickly or rough? Like the bark on a tree outside our house?"

5. Allow children to freely explore the materials in the sensory table with the scoops and bowls. Encourage them to touch, scoop, and pour.

6. Pose questions: "What does this feel like in your hands? Does putting it in the bowl make it feel different?"

7. Invite children to sort the materials into groups based on how they feel. "Can you put all the soft things here, and all the rough things there?"

8. Connect to family: "Does this feel like something your grandma might wear? Does this feel like a toy your brother likes to play with?"

Educator Tip

Ensure a variety of textures, including some that are calming and others that are more stimulating. Supervise closely to prevent children from putting materials in their mouths. Encourage children to share their sensory discoveries with a family member later in the day, perhaps by describing their favourite texture.

Assessment

Observe and note the descriptive words children use when talking about the textures. Listen for their ability to categorize items by tactile properties. You can also collect photos of children engaged in the activity or samples of their sorting efforts as evidence of their learning.

Educator tip

Model descriptive language; ensure safe materials.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Teacher checklist: engagement, vocabulary use.

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