Lesson Plan for Toddler - Nature Study - Fruits Ii

**Lesson Plan: Nature Study - Fruits II** **Class:** Toddlers (Ages 3-4) **Length:** 40 minutes **Objective:** - To introduce toddlers to the variety of fruits. - To help toddlers identify and name common fruits. - To engage toddlers in sensory experiences related to fruits. **Materials Needed:** - Picture flashcards of various fruits (e.g., apple, banana, orange, strawberry, watermelon, grape) - Real fruits corresponding to the flashcards (cut into small, safe pieces for tasting) - A storybook about fruits (e.g., "Eating the Alphabet" by Lois Ehlert) - A felt board and felt fruit pieces (optional) - Small plates and napkins for tasting - Hand sanitizer or wipes **Lesson Overview:** 1. **Introduction (5 minutes)** - Welcome the children and gather them in a circle. - Briefly introduce the topic: "Today, we're going to learn more about fruits. Do you remember talking about fruits before? This time, we'll meet some new fruit friends!" 2. **Flashcard Activity (10 minutes)** - Show each fruit flashcard and ask the children to guess the fruit. - For each fruit, after they guess, show the real fruit and let the children hold and feel it. - Encourage the children to describe what they see and feel (colors, textures). 3. **Story Time (10 minutes)** - Read a fruit-themed storybook to the children. - Pause to ask questions about the fruits shown in the book. For example, "Can you find the apple on this page?" 4. **Sensory Tasting Activity (10 minutes)** - Allow the children to wash their hands with hand sanitizer or wipes. - Give each child a small plate with pieces of different fruits. - Encourage them to taste each fruit. Ask questions like, "Is it sweet or sour?" and "Which fruit do you like the most?" 5. **Fruit Felt Board (Optional) (5 minutes)** - Use fruit-shaped felt pieces and a felt board to reinforce fruit recognition. - Have the children come up one by one to place a fruit on the board after identifying it. 6. **Closing Circle (5 minutes)** - Gather the children back into a circle. - Review the fruits they learned about today. - Sing a simple fruit-related song, such as "Apples and Bananas." - Thank the children for participating and remind them of the fruits they tasted and learned about. **Evaluation:** - Observe the children’s ability to identify and name the fruits during the flashcard activity. - Listen to their responses during the story and sensory tasting activity. - Watch their participation and enthusiasm during the felt board and closing activities. **Extensions:** - Send a note home with each child suggesting they talk to their family about the fruits they learned. - Encourage parents to try a new fruit with their child at home and share their experiences in the next class. **Modifications:** - If a child has a known allergy, ensure to have alternative fruits or activities that do not include the allergen. --- **Song Example: "I Like to Eat, Eat, Eat Apples and Bananas"** "I like to eat, eat, eat, apples and bananas I like to eat, eat, eat, apples and bananas." (Change the vowels for fun, e.g., "eep, eep, eep, eeples and beneenees")