Something that has worked well with many grade levels for many different topics are "mystery bags" where student grab items and then we talk about what they pull out. For children with more sensory needs, putting items in a sensory bin has the same effect. It has helped get students excited as it has a mystery and game element. It also helps them have a more firm understanding of the vocabulary that will be in the lesson. By having these items out, it allows for many repeated exposures to the vocabulary as well. At the end of a lesson I've been surprised at how every age level wants to "play" with the items!
