The ocean is a vast body of water and covers 71 % of the earth. That is very big, indeed! It is composed of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indians and Arctic Ocean basins. The closest to us is the Atlantic Ocean with a vast variety of life. We will explore octopi, sharks, seahorses, jellyfish and rainbow fish. Here is a National Geographic Kids video about octopi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vQnKO_2kKk
Science
Two characteristics we notice about an octopus: an
(1) Octopus camouflages very well. Could your child dress/cover himself/herself in such a way that he/she is not seen. Brainstorm some ideas with your child.
(2) Octopus likes to explore the bottom of the ocean to find food, but can swim up too.
So, does an octopus sink and float at the same time? What else in your house can sink or float?
For this experiment, you need a large bowl of water and small objects: a pebble, a spoon, a feather, a sponge, a bean, etc. Have your child put one thing at a time in a bowl of water and see if it floats or sinks.
Here is an Octopus Booklet to print https://www.themailbox.com/magazines/octopus-booklet/octopus-in-the-ocean
If your child has a nature journal, help your child glue the booklet in his/her journal.
Language Art
How to Hide an Octopus and Other Sea Creatures by Ruth Heller tells how animals camouflage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJyVyfFSGPs After viewing the book, help your child to recall some animals in the book that camouflage.
“Orange Octopus” Song (Tune of “If you are happy and you know it”)
Oh, I wish I was an orange octopus.
Oh, I wish I was an orange octopus.
Oh I’d wave my eight legs,
And I’d splash in all the waves.
Oh, I wish I was an orange octopus.
Ocean Song (Tune “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”)
Take me ou to the ocean
Take me out to the sea
Show me the foamy waves rolling there
As I breathe in the salty air!
Let me look, look, look at the ocean
See the sea and explore
For it’s fun to dive from the top
To the ocean floor!
”Eight Arms” Fingerplay
Once I saw an octopus,
Deep down in the sea (Clasp hands together with thumbs inside)
Out came her 8 tentacles,
To play and glide with me. (Extend and wiggle 8 fingers)
Math
May is a new month and your child needs a new calendar. Print this calendar set https://www.themailbox.com/magazines/may-calendar-setbr4-pages/may-calendar-set and have your child choose a pattern to follow for the new month.
Ocean Animal Patterning Page https://www.kidsparkz.com/uploads/5/2/3/4/52340669/ocean_what_comes_next_patterns.pdf
Ocean Animal Number Book https://www.kidsparkz.com/uploads/5/2/3/4/52340669/ocean_animals_numbers_cut_and_paste_booklet.pdf
Art
For this art project, you need (1) empty toilet paper roll, (2) paint of your choice, (3) brush, (4) scissors, (5) googly eyes, (6) glue, and (7) marker.
Help your child paint the paper roll with a brush. Once dry, help cut vertically 8 strips or 8 legs halfway. Fold the legs to have the rest of the paper roll rest on them. Glue eyes and draw a smile with a marker.
Here is a picture http://www.diyspins.com/17-captivating-diy-recycled-craft-projects-enticing-overlook/blue-and-pink-octopus-craft-for-kids/
You could also draw little circles for suction cups on the octopus’ legs!
Other crafts:
Under the Sea Octopus Craft https://www.themailbox.com/magazines/octopus-craft/under-the-sea-16
Octopus Counting Craft https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/numbers/octopus-counting-craft.asp
Soak Up the Sun Sun-catcher Craft https://www.themailbox.com/magazines/octopus-windsock-craft/inky
16 Fun Octopus Crafts and Activities https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/84516/16-fun-octopus-crafts-activities/
Small Motor Skills
Cut and Paste the Letters OCTOPUS https://twistynoodle.com/cut-and-paste-the-letters-o-c-t-o-p-u-s-coloring-page/
Trace the Coloring Page https://twistynoodle.com/trace-the-octopus-coloring-page/
Cut Out Octopi and Order by Size https://www.kidsparkz.com/uploads/5/2/3/4/52340669/ocean_octopus_order_by_size.pdf
Gross Motor Skills
A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea by Barefoot Book. Your child can dance while singing the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1Qn2bcZRTo
Octopus Dance with Coach Josh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxjMXOYV46Q