Over and Under the Waves

LESSON 5

Children explore aquarium life and engage in imaginative play to reinforce their learning about ocean animals. 

Aquarium Field trip 

  • Prepare a field trip to a local aquarium 

  • OR enjoy a virtual aquarium visit here.  

Invitation to Play 

  • Play silks or scarves to represent ocean 

  • Ocean animal figurines or handmade ocean animals from cardboard 

  • Seashells 

  • Rocks 

  • Blocks 

Materials

Preparations

  • Plan a visit to a local aquarium or enjoy a virtual visit here.  

  • Guide children through the aquarium visit or virtual tour, encouraging observation and curiosity. 

  • Lead discussions on "Over and Under the Waves," helping children connect the story to their observations. 

  • Set up and support an imaginative play environment, encouraging independent exploration. 

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children observe and learn about different ocean animals and their habitats. 

  • Children understand the behaviors and characteristics of various ocean animals through the story. 

  • Children use open-ended materials to create and explore ocean scenes, fostering creativity. 

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

Follow the outline to create your own poem/song to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush.”

In the Sea

The waves in the sea go up and down,

Up and down,

Up and down,

The waves in the sea go up and down,

All day long.

The fish in the sea go swishy swish,

Swishy swish,

Swishy swish,

The fish in the sea go swishy swish,

All day long.

Come up with your own verses together!

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this lesson by telling your child that you will be visiting an aquarium, either in person or virtually. Explain that an aquarium is like a museum for ocean animals, where you can see and learn about many different sea creatures. Ask your child which animals they hope to see at the aquarium and if you’d like, make a list. Bring the list with you and check off the animals you spot as you explore.  

  2. Enjoy your visit to the aquarium! This is a great opportunity to connect and strengthen your relationship while discovering new things together. 

  3. After your visit to the aquarium, find a comfortable place to sit and read the story "Over and Under the Waves" by Kate Messner. Encourage your child to notice if they see any of the same animals from the aquarium in the story. Read together to discover what is over and under the waves.  

  4. Follow up with these questions: 

  • What animals did you see at the aquarium? 

  • Did you see any of the same animals in the book? 

  • What was your favorite animal from the aquarium? 

  • What did you learn about the animals in the story? 

  • How do the animals live differently over and under the waves? 

5. After the story, set up some open-ended play items such as play silks or scarves, ocean animal figurines, rocks, seashells, and blocks. Allow your child to play and explore these materials independently. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to express their new knowledge about the ocean in a fun and engaging way.