Textures Sensory Table: Describe How It Feels

Level 2 strengthens comprehension + application.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Large sensory table or bin

- Variety of "soft" materials: cotton balls, yarn, fabric scraps, pom-poms, felt pieces

- Variety of "hard" materials: smooth stones, wooden blocks, large buttons, cardboard tubes, plastic toys from home

- Small bowls or containers

- Magnifying glasses

- Picture cards of family members and homes

Learning Objectives

- Children will be able to verbally describe the tactile textures of various objects using descriptive words.

- Children will be able to sort objects based on their textured properties (e.g., soft vs. hard).

- Children will be able to make comparisons between the textures of familiar objects found in their homes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children around the sensory table. Show them the picture cards and say, "Today we're going to explore how things feel, just like we explore the different textures in our homes and with our families!"

2. Introduce the materials in the sensory table. "We have some things here that feel soft, like a cozy blanket on your bed, and some things that feel hard, like a table in your kitchen."

3. Invite children to explore the materials. Encourage them to pick up different items and describe how they feel using their words. "Does this feel bumpy like your dad's sweater, or smooth like mommy's favourite mug?"

4. Guide them to sort the materials into the small bowls. "Let's put all the soft things together here and all the hard things over here."

5. Introduce the magnifying glasses. "Look closely! Does the texture look different when we use our special magnifying glasses? How does it compare to the texture of your own hands at home?"

6. Ask questions to deepen their descriptions: "Is this crayon soft or hard? How does it feel compared to the family pet's fur? Does this stone feel warm like a hug from Grandma?"

7. As children sort and describe, display the family and home picture cards near the table as a reminder of familiar textures.

8. Conclude by asking children to share their favourite texture and why. "What was your favourite thing to feel today? Does anything at your house feel like that?"

Educator Tip

Ensure a variety of textures are available, including some that might be familiar from home, like soft toy animals or smooth building blocks. Supervise closely to prevent mouthing of small objects and remind children to use gentle hands when exploring. Encourage children to share personal connections to the textures, linking the sensory experience to their personal and family lives.

Assessment

Observe and listen to children's descriptions of textures. Note their use of descriptive vocabulary such as soft, hard, bumpy, smooth, fuzzy, and rough. Also, observe their ability to sort the materials into categories and their willingness to make connections between the sensory table items and familiar objects in their homes or related to their families.

Educator tip

Require complete thoughts; photograph work for portfolios.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Anecdotal notes + product check.

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