After bath time, Jonah and his dad, Mr. Ramirez, explore a basket of textured toys.  Jonah’s little fingers squeeze a squishy sponge, then pat the bumpy side of a board book.  Mr. Ramirez names each texture—“soft,” “rough,” “smooth”—and Jonah giggles, reaching out for more.  Their simple game turns bath time into a world of discovery. 

Aims: 
Build tactile mapping and print awareness through sensory-rich books. 

Goals: 

• Encourage exploration of textures. 

• Support naming and describing sensations 

Objectives: 

• Touch and explore different textures. 

• Attend to rhymes and stories. 

Transformation: 
Links tactile play with language and early book-handling skills 

Foundation: 
Previous visual and auditory exploration 

What Happens Next: 
Encourages independence in book exploration 

Skill Progression: 

• Touching and patting pages 

• Describing textures 

• Listening attentively to stories 

Activities List: 

• Read touch-and-feel books together and name each texture. 

• Encourage page-turning and imitation of words or sounds. 

• Explore textured household objects (sponges, washcloths) 

Materials: 
Touch-and-feel books, textured household items 

Differentiation: 

• Gradually introduce new textures for sensitive children. 

• Provide a variety of sensory experiences. 

Integration: 
Explore textures during laundry, cooking, or cleaning. 

Parent Simulation Tip: 
Let your baby lead—notice which textures they return to, and name their favorites 

Interactive Activities: 

• Individual: Touch-and-feel storytime 

• Group: Sibling “texture hunt” around the house 

Activity Pack: Please print the accompanying activity pack for this lesson.