My schedule calls for combining this lesson with the Winter Season, and the Daniel and Prophets Bible stories. But of course you can use these ideas however you like – I confess, we’re a little off our schedule! For an introduction and to see how this post fits in my complete list of preschool lesson ideas, please see my post: Preschool Lesson Ideas For Homeschool – Plans For The Year.

Goal & Objectives

Goal:
1. Beginning understanding and appreciation of animals that live in the water.

Objectives:
1. Learn about various ocean, sea, and river animals.
2. Understand that water covers most of the earth.
3. Understand that God created water and animals.

Disclosure: Most of the links below are to free resources. Some of the links are affiliate links to Amazon.com, and I will receive a small commission if they are used to make a purchase. However, I only recommend products and companies that I believe will benefit my readers.

Notes

Below are ideas and links to materials, resources, and craft instructions for “Ocean & River Animals” lesson ideas. Please pick and choose the resources that fit the interests of your child(ren). Don’t worry if you don’t get to do everything you plan, preschoolers and kindergarteners learn a lot just by playing!

Lesson Ideas

Arts & Crafts

Marine Life Mini Books (Printable)
Creation Mini-Book (Printable)
The Creation Felt Story Set (Printable)
Jonah and the Whale Craft (Printable)
Paper Plate Aquarium Craft
Paper Plate Shark Craft
Seashell Fish Craft
Under the Sea Sticker Sheet (Printable)
Plastic Bottle Submarine Bath Toy (Printable)
Octopus Tube Craft (Printable)
Macaroni Starfish Craft
Sticker Encyclopedia: Ocean
Pages from Preschool Color & Activity Book by Roger Priddy: Ocean, water animals themes *
Craft pages from Arts and Crafts with Amber Lamb and/or Child Art for 3s: Ocean, water animals themes *

Reading & Writing Exercises

Aquatic Life Handwriting/Coloring Sheets (Printable)
Ocean Preschool Pack (Printable)
Word Families Mini Books (Printable)

Math

Crocodile Number Line (Printable – my daughter loved this, and played with it until it fell apart!)
Fish Matching Game (Printable)
Sea Life Matching Game (Printable)
Shapes Mini Books (Printable)
Ocean Preschool Pack (Printable)
Pages from Numbers & Skills With Button Bear: Theme – Ocean, water animals *

Science Activities

Animal Habitats by National Geographic (free, kid-friendly, interactive online animal and habitat images and information)
Ocean in a Bottle (learn how different substances react with one another)
Ocean Preschool Pack (Printable)
Make Your Own Bath Salts For Sensory Play
Salt Water Science Activities (several)

Field Trip Ideas

Aquarium
Pet Store
Beach

Reading & History

Bible: Creation (Jesus Calling Bible Storybook: p 16 – 27)
Bible: Creation (Egermeier’s Bible Story Book: p 11 – 16)
Bible: Jonah and the Big Fish (Jesus Calling Bible Storybook: p 114)
Bible: Jonah (Egermeier’s Bible Story Book: p 291)
Very Last First Time by Jan Andrews
Jonah and the Whale 2 in 1 Readalong Book & CD
The Ocean Alphabet Book (Jerry Pallotta’s Alphabet Books)
Oceans: Dolphins, sharks, penguins, and more!
Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)
DK Eyewitness Books: Ocean
Life Cycles: River
Citizens of the Sea: Wondrous Creatures From the Census of Marine Life
Under the Sea Poster Book
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

* A Beka updates these books occasionally so I am not including page numbers or specific descriptions.
** I suggest allowing your child to do as few or as many of these “seat work” worksheets as they like.

Thank you for visiting Cotton Ridge Homeschool! I hope these plans help you with your preschool or kindergarten year. Please feel free to comment below with your own ideas!

Disclosure: Most of the links on this page are to free resources. Some of the links are affiliate links to Amazon.com, and I will receive a small commission if they are used to make a purchase. However, I only recommend products and companies that I believe will benefit my readers.