Ocean Themed Physical Activities
Physical activities are an essential part of a child’s development, and what better way to get them moving this summer than with ocean-themed physical activities?
Not only will these fun and creative ideas engage your little ones in learning about ocean animals, but they’ll also give kids an opportunity to strengthen important motor skills.
When you add these preschool ocean theme activities to your lesson plans, they’ll provide numerous benefits such as improved coordination and balance.
Which one will you try first?
Ocean-Themed Physical Activities for Preschoolers
Physical activities are important for growing kids. They help kids get stronger and better at moving their bodies.
Activities like running, jumping, dancing, and playing games can make it easier to do things like catch a ball or skip rope.
Doing these types of activities can also make help kids become better at balancing and help them become more coordinated.
Ocean-Themed Simon Says
Simon Says is great for getting preschoolers up and moving while also teaching them about ocean animals. To play, have the children stand in a line and choose one child to be Simon.
Simon then gives an instruction, such as “Simon says touch your toes,” “Simon says flap your arms like a seagull,” or “Simon says swim like a dolphin.”
The other children must follow the instruction only if Simon begins the command with “Simon says.” If Simon does not say “Simon says,” the children should not follow the instruction.
This game can be played with any number of children and can be adapted to any age group.
Ocean-Themed Scavenger Hunt
An ocean-themed scavenger hunt is perfect for preschoolers who love to explore and hunt for treasures.
To set up the preschool scavenger hunt, hide small toys or objects around the room or backyard that are related to the ocean (e.g., shells, starfish, sea glass).
Then, give each child a basket or bag and let them loose to find as many treasures as they can. This activity can be done individually or in teams.
Ocean-Themed Relay Race
A relay race is another great way to get preschoolers moving while also teaching them about ocean animals. To set up the race, divide the children into two teams and line them up at the starting line.
At the other end of the room or yard, place a bucket filled with water for each team. Then, give each child on the team a small toy animal that lives in the ocean (e.g., whale, shark, octopus).
The first child in each team will race to the bucket and back again, dropping their animal into the bucket as they go.
The next child in line will then do the same thing, and so on until all of the children on each team have had a turn. The first team to finish is the winner!
Ocean-Themed Hula Hoop Race
To set up an ocean-themed hula hoop race, divide children into two teams and line them up at the starting line.
At the other end of the room or yard, place a hula hoop on the ground for each team. Then, give each child on the team a small toy animal that lives in the ocean (e.g., whale, shark, octopus).
The first child in each team will race to their hula hoop and back again, placing their animal inside it as they go. The next child in line will then do the same thing, and so on until all of the children on each team have had a turn.
The first team to finish is the winner!
Safety Tips for Ocean-Themed Physical Activities
When playing physical games, it’s important to make sure that everyone involved is safe and having fun.
Here are some tips for keeping your preschoolers safe:
- Make sure you have enough space for the activities and that there are no obstacles or tripping hazards in the area.
- Keep an eye on all participants to make sure they are following the instructions and playing safely.
- Don’t forget to take breaks so your preschoolers can rest and cool down.
- Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing and shoes.
- Have a first aid kit available in case of any injuries.
- Explain the rules and safety tips to all participants before beginning the activity.
By incorporating ocean-themed physical activities into your preschooler’s playtime, they can have fun while also learning important motor skills and staying active and healthy.
With a little preparation and supervision, you can make sure these activities are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.