Studying Oceans

We started out the day by identifying animals that might live in the ocean (dolphin - yes!, gorilla - no!). I had used quite a few little plastic animals as examples and by the end they were all hoarding their favorites and trading the ones they didn't like so much. We discussed what an ocean is and where they are found on a map. Then we read "Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea" by Jan Peck. The kids were really surprised at the end when they found out the kid was just pretending to be in the ocean and he was really in his bathtub. Then we took a break and made these yummy treats.

These oceans were made out of blue jello jigglers, cut like waves, graham cracker "sand" and swedish fish. Talk about loading up on sugar! The kids loved them, though, and cleaned their plates.

Gavin and Maylie decided to put Swedish Fish on their heads and make funny faces. Too much sugar? After all that fun we sang "Five Little Fishes" about fish teasing a shark and getting snapped up. We followed that by practicing writing our number 3. The kids seem to be improving with their writing.

Because I keep forgetting to take pictures, I don't have any of them making their paper plate aquariums. But, we had a great time sticking and glueing and sprinkling glitter. Some of the kids even complained about "glitter germs" from Alex's lesson!

Dan trying to blast the fish into the shark.

We ended up the day by playing Feed the Shark. We took fish and other marine life, stood behind a line and tried to get the fish in the mouth (or knock the shark's teeth out, depending on the child).

The prim and proper way to feed a shark.

Gavin decided to save all the women and children before the shark got too hungry.

When you run out of fish...

Ellie and her babies were getting a little too close to those teeth...

The kids also had a great time studying a book on all of the creatures you can find in an ocean. I was really surprised at how long they were interested and they kept gasping and ooohing over the scary and weird looking animals. The kids seemed to have a great time.