**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.
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**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")