Objective

By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to explore and engage with a sensory bin related to Earth Science, enhancing their sensory and cognitive skills.

Materials and Prep

• A large plastic container or tray
• A variety of sensory materials such as sand, rocks, shells, leaves, and small toy animals
• A small shovel or scoop
• A magnifying glass (optional)
• A towel or mat to contain any mess

Before starting the lesson, ensure that the sensory materials are clean and safe for the toddler to handle. Set up the sensory bin in a designated area where the toddler can freely explore without any hazards.

Activities

• Introduce the sensory bin to the toddler, explaining that it is a special container filled with different materials for them to touch and explore.
• Encourage the toddler to use their hands to feel the different textures of the materials in the bin. Talk about how some items feel rough, smooth, bumpy, or soft.
• Invite the toddler to use the small shovel or scoop to dig and uncover hidden objects within the sensory bin. This activity promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• If available, provide a magnifying glass for the toddler to examine the details of the objects they find. Encourage them to describe what they see.
• Encourage the toddler to sort the objects based on their characteristics. For example, they can separate rocks from shells or sort items by color.
• Engage in conversation with the toddler about the sensory bin, asking open-ended questions like, "What does the sand feel like?" or "Can you find any objects that are the same color?"

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "Today, we are going to explore a sensory bin filled with different things from nature."
• "Let's use our hands to touch and feel the different materials in the bin. Some may feel rough, while others may feel smooth."
• "Can you find any hidden treasures in the sensory bin? Use the shovel or scoop to dig and see what you can find."
• "If you have a magnifying glass, you can use it to look at the objects up close. What do you notice?"
• "Let's sort the objects based on their characteristics. We can put rocks in one pile and shells in another."
• "What does the sand feel like? Is it soft or rough? Can you find any objects that are the same color?"