aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	No subject
What topic	Autumn sensory story
What length (min)	30
What age group	Preschool / Nursery
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences

Autumn Sensory Story Lesson Plan

Duration: 30 minutes
Target Group: Preschool / Nursery

Learning Objectives

• To engage children with the theme of autumn through sensory experiences.
• To develop listening skills and attention to detail.
• To encourage imaginative thinking and storytelling.

Materials Needed

• Sensory Resources:

  • Leaves (real, dried, or paper)
  • Pine cones
  • Acorns (real or artificial)
  • Soft fabric for clouds
  • Small pumpkins or gourds
  • Scented candles (pumpkin spice scent or similar) - avoid lighting
  • Sound track of rustling leaves or wind

• Visual Aids:

  • Pictures of autumn scenes (e.g., leaves changing colours)
  • A storyboard to help narrate the story

• Space Setup:

  • A comfortable seating area with cushions or mats for children to sit.
  • A table for placing sensory items.

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin by gathering the children in a circle and introducing the theme of autumn.
• Use visual aids to show pictures of autumn scenes.
• Ask open-ended questions such as:
  • "What do you see in the pictures?"
  • "What colours do you notice in autumn?"
• Explain that today’s lesson will be a sensory story all about autumn.

Sensory Storytime (15 minutes)

1. Setting the Scene:

   • Start by describing an autumn day using vivid imagery.
   • "Imagine it's a crisp morning in autumn. The leaves are beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow."

2. Incorporating Sensory Elements:

   • Touch: Pass around the leaves and pine cones, allowing children to feel the textures.
   • Sound: Play the sound track of rustling leaves in the background as you narrate.
   • Smell: Gently pass around scented candles (unlit) or a cinnamon stick for them to smell.
   • Sight: Show pictures and allow children to point out their favourite colours.

3. Story Progression:

   • Narrate a simple story about an adventure through the woods in autumn.
   • Use the sensory resources to enhance the narrative (e.g., pretend to throw leaves in the air).

Interactive Engagement (5 minutes)

• Invite children to share their own experiences or feelings about autumn.
• Encourage them to describe any autumn items they have seen or touched (e.g., "What do acorns look like?").

Art Activity (5 minutes)

• Transition to a quick autumn-themed art activity:
  • Using the leaves, children can create leaf rubbings by placing a leaf under a piece of paper and rubbing with crayons.
  • Alternatively, provide paper and crayons for children to draw their favourite autumn scene.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Gather the children back in a circle to share their art.
• Recap the sensory experiences from the story—ask questions like:
  • "What was your favourite part of the story?"
  • "Which sensory item did you enjoy the most?"
• Close the lesson by acknowledging their participation and encouraging them to look out for changes in nature as autumn progresses.

Assessment

• Observe children's engagement and participation throughout the story and sensory activities.
• Note their ability to recall elements of the story and share personal experiences during discussions.

Additional Notes

• Ensure all sensory materials are age-appropriate and safe for use.
• Adapt the story and activities as necessary to support differing abilities and interests among children.

By following this lesson plan, preschool and nursery educators can create a rich and immersive autumn experience that captivates children's imaginations while promoting sensory exploration and early storytelling skills.