Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to engage in sensory activities while exploring language arts and reading concepts.

Materials and Prep

• Sensory materials such as sand, water, rice, or playdough
• Various objects or toys related to language arts and reading (e.g., alphabet blocks, picture books, letter magnets)
• A large tray or container to hold the sensory materials

Before starting the lesson, make sure you have a clear space to work in and gather all the materials listed above.

Activities

1. Create a Sensory Alphabet Hunt

Fill the large tray or container with one of the sensory materials (e.g., sand). Hide alphabet letters or objects related to language arts and reading within the sensory material. Encourage your child to explore the sensory material with their hands, searching for the hidden letters or objects. As they find each item, ask them to identify the letter or describe the object.

2. Sensory Storytelling

Select a favorite picture book or story. As you read the story aloud, provide your child with a sensory material to explore, such as playdough. Encourage them to mold the playdough to represent different characters or objects from the story. Discuss the story elements and ask questions to engage their understanding of the plot, characters, and setting.

3. Letter Sensory Tray

Fill the large tray or container with a different sensory material (e.g., rice). Scatter letter magnets or alphabet blocks within the sensory material. Encourage your child to dig through the material, finding and identifying the letters. As they find each letter, ask them to say its name, make its sound, or think of words that start with that letter.

Preschool Grade Talking Points

• "Today, we are going to have fun while learning about language arts and reading!"
• "We will use our senses, like touch and sight, to explore different materials."
• "During the Sensory Alphabet Hunt, we will search for hidden letters or objects in the sand. Can you find the letter 'A'? What does it look like?"
• "In Sensory Storytelling, we will listen to a story while playing with playdough. Can you mold the playdough to look like the main character in the story?"
• "For the Letter Sensory Tray activity, we will find letters hidden in rice. Can you find the letter 'B'? What sound does it make?"
• "Remember, learning can be fun and engaging, especially when we involve our senses!"