Sensory Lesson Plans

Bubble Lesson Plans

Summer Lesson Plans

ABC Bubble Sensory Bin

Lesson Plan:  ​

ABC Bubble Sensory Bin

Age Group:

Toddler
Preschool

Objectives:

• ​to introduce the letter “B” 
• practice fine motor skills

​CDA Competency Standard:

​II.4.3a

• Activities and materials encourage children to develop their senses.

​​​a) Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch experiences are encouraged through a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities

II.6.1a

• Materials promote early literacy.

a) Literacy/storytelling/bookmaking materials are provided

Materials:

• Plastic bin
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon Dawn Dish Soap
• Mixer
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Foam letter shapes (specifically the letter “B”)
• Other objects starting with the letter “B” (optional)​

Procedure:

1. Introduction

• Gather the children and introduce the concept of sensory play and the letter “B.”
• Explain that they will explore foam bubbles while learning about the letter “B.”

2. Creating Foam Bubbles

• In a mixing bowl, add ¼ cup water, 1 tablespoon of Dawn Dish Soap, and a few drops of food coloring (choose a color).
• Blend the mixture on high using a mixer for 2 minutes.
• Repeat the process with different colors to create a rainbow of foam bubbles.

3. Setting Up the Sensory Bin

• Gently pour the foam bubbles into the plastic sensory bin.
• Add foam letter shapes (specifically the letter “B”) to the foam bubbles.
• Optionally, include other objects that start with the letter “B” (e.g., balls, buttons, bears).

4. Exploring and Playing
    Encourage the children to:

• Feel the texture of the foam bubbles.
• Search for the foam letter “B” shapes.
• Discover other “B” objects hidden in the bubbles.
• Engage in open-ended play and sensory exploration.

5. Letter Learning and Questions
    As the children play, ask questions like:

• “What letter are we learning about today?”
• “What sound does the letter ‘B’ make?”
• “What words start with the letter ‘B’?”
• “B is for what? Bubbles!”

6. Conclusion

• Recap the activity and celebrate their sensory exploration.
• Discuss the letter “B” and its significance in the sensory bin.

Assessment:

• Observe and record the recognition of the starting "B" sound of the objects in the bin. Did they notice that bin starts with the "B" sound?
• Notice and record the fine motor skills used while interacting with items in the bin. Where they able to grasp items even though slippery?

Extension Activities:

• Try other sensory bins with different letters of the alphabet.
• Explore more objects that start with the letter “B” in the classroom or at home.

Note:  Please provide appropriate supervision to the children in your care when completing all activities. You will need to decide what types of activities are safe for the children in your care.  Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when providing art and sensory experiences for children.  Toddlers require special caution, only use non-toxic materials, and do not allow toddlers to put things in their mouths that are a choking hazard. ​

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Bubble Theme Snack Idea

Cooking with children is a wonderful way to develop their math skills and teach them how to follow directions. It also provides an opportunity for engaging conversations. While preparing these fun snacks, ask many questions to encourage dialogue. Be sure to ask specific bubble-themed questions to tie the activity back to your theme!

Recipe: Root Beer Floats

A root beer float is a classic treat that creates a fizzy reaction, much like bubbles! Here’s how to make one:

Ingredients:

•  Root beer soda
•  Vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream

Procedure:

1. Have the children help fill their cup halfway with root beer soda. This is a great time to talk about measurements and halves.

2. Next, let them assist in scooping one scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream into their soda. Discuss how the scoop of ice cream represents a large “bubble” in the soda.

3. Watch the fizzy reaction when the ice cream meets the soda. It’s just like when you blow bubbles in the water!

4. Finally, let them taste the fizz. Enjoy the bubbly, creamy goodness of a root beer float!

Note: Please check with families first, as some children may not be allowed to have soda. You can substitute the root beer with a healthier option like sparkling water if needed.
Remember, the goal is to make learning fun and interactive. The specific activities can be adjusted based on the age and skill level of the children. Enjoy your bubble-themed cooking lesson!