The past two weeks have been an exciting dive into the wonders of the ocean. With our central idea, “People share the world with other living things,” guiding us, we’ve been learning about the incredible creatures that call the ocean home and how we can care for their habitats. Here’s a recap of our learning journey!
We began by creating our very own jellyfish! The children used paper plates, colorful pip cleaners, and lots of creativity to make these beautiful crafts. This activity encouraged fine motor skills as they tried their best to fit the pipe cleaners inside the holes. And it also sparked conversations about how jellyfish move.
One of the highlights of the past two weeks was our sensory bin filled with blue jelly to represent the ocean. In the jelly were toy ocean animals, which the children loved trying to pick up with their tools. This hands-on activity allowed the children to connect with the textures and visuals of the ocean while reinforcing their knowledge of different marine creatures. It was also a great way to develop sensory processing and problem-solving skills.
We spent time teaching the children the names of various ocean animals, including fish, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and more. The children were fascinated as we discussed the unique features that help these animals swim, such as fins and tails. Through pictures, videos, and interactive storytelling, the children developed a deeper understanding of how animals adapt to their environment.
In our outdoor play, we introduced a series of fun “catching the fish” games. The children used nets to catch “fish” and worked in teams to try to catch the most fish. These activities promoted physical development, coordination, and teamwork.
Throughout these activities, the children gained an appreciation for the diversity of life in the ocean. As we explored the ocean together, the children also practiced important skills like observation, communication, and empathy for living things. These experiences nurture not only their cognitive growth but also their compassion for the world around them.
We're so proud of our caring little Cloud class kids. Well done! ❤️