2026–27 · Main lesson · Winter 2027
Compare Natural Textures and Choose a Handling Method
Adult extension of: Natural Texture Preference
January 11–15, 2027 · planned
Compare safe natural surfaces using looking, a tool or optional touch. Create a handling preference note that can guide material choices and assistance during practical garden work.
Curriculum skill focus: Tactile discrimination, sensory tolerance, choice-making, self-advocacy
01 · Learning
Objectives
- Describe two samples using texture terms while separating observation from preference.
- Choose and direct a suitable exploration method for each material.
- Communicate a handling boundary or adjustment that supports participation in a garden task.
02 · Preparation
Materials
A large smooth stone; intact screened bark without splinters; a clean identified soft leaf or clearly labeled fabric substitute; covered containers; a tray; suitable large tongs; texture and preference cards; usual AAC.
03 · Practice
Adult project
- 1
Review the materials while they remain covered and choose look, tool, touch, observe or no. Identify a practical context such as choosing a pot surface or handling plant debris, and agree on how to stop before any sample is presented.
- 2
Examine the first screened sample using the selected method. Describe a visible or felt feature such as smooth, ridged, soft or firm, and label whether the description came from seeing, using a tool or direct touch.
- 3
Choose whether to examine a second sample. Keep the exploration method the same if you want a clearer comparison, or change it deliberately and note that change; no one moves your hand onto a surface.
- 4
Group or label the samples by an observed property, then separately mark preferred, not preferred or uncertain. Discuss how two people can agree that bark is rough while choosing different handling methods.
- 5
Apply the comparison to the practical context: select a tool, covered container, different material or help request. Try one small handling action only if chosen, or direct a partner through it.
- 6
Save a brief note naming the material, how you explored it and what you would choose next time. Return samples to their containers, clean the work area and wash hands after handling; the note can be changed later.
Evidence & interpretation
What the investigation shows
Texture describes surface properties; liking or disliking that surface is a separate personal response. Observation and a communicated refusal are meaningful participation, and increased tolerance of unwanted touch is not the goal.
Practical connection
Why this work matters
Useful for selecting garden materials, requesting tools or gloves when appropriate, and communicating boundaries during shared work.
Participation by choice
Individual access options
- Use clear photographs or closed containers for a fully no-touch route, and describe visible surface features without claiming a tactile result.
- Choose tongs, a consenting partner’s handling assistance or a seated tray within comfortable reach instead of direct contact.
- Use your preferred texture words, symbols, gaze or AAC with one sample at a time and adequate response time; declining a sample remains successful communication.
Review & transfer
Reflect on the work
- What did you observe about the surface, and what was your personal response?
- Which handling method or boundary would help with a real task?