Sea You Soon!

By Haven Mitchell-Rose 

From the ocean, to the tree tops, and even to the city - the animals we've created and embodied in our Explorer's classes live just about everywhere! This week, we focused on our fish friends who live in the ocean, through art projects, dance parties and more! So, open up the flood gates, and get ready for a tidal wave of fun under sea activities to do at home! 

Under Water World 

Before we can truly understand the life of a fish, we must first familiarize ourselves with their home. So, get those flippers ready, and let's explore! That activity is great for babies and toddlers, but can also be fun for kids on the upper end of our Spellbound demographic (5 yrs.). 

Materials: 
Music player 
Bubbles 
Any pieces of blue/ ocean colored fabric found around the house (e.g. a scarf or a t-shirt)
Your Imagination 

Step 1: Drape the blue fabric around the room to set the scene
Step 2: Create the ambiance of your underwater world with some aquatic music! Click HERE for a suggestion.  
Step 3: Blow bubbles as a final touch to give the space a true under water feel 
Step 4: Show baby how to pop bubbles, or (if they are old enough) blow them themselves. 
Step 5: Grab a piece of blue fabric, and show your child how to move it in an under-water way. Let them try! 
Challenge: Can your child and/ or you think of some fun undersea dance moves? Show us! 

Fish Fingers 

Now that you are properly immersed in the world of the fish, you and your little one are ready to become them. Slightly older children will enjoy this activity more than their infant counterparts as it involves fine motor skills. 

Materials: 
Bed sheet  
2 Chairs
Light source (i.e. flashlight or cell phone) 
Your hands 

Step 1: Stretch bed sheet across chairs to create your playing space 
Step 2: Establish which side is the back and which is the front by placing the illuminated light source on the back side
Step 3: Place a flat hand, with palm facing the sheet, between said sheet and the light source. Stick your thumb up, and you've got a fin! Practice swimming around 
Challenge: Can you and your little one use your hands to create other fishy shapes? Show us! 

As always, please share any aquatic pictures/ videos you take to our Facebook Page with the hashtag #SpellboundOcean.

Photo credit: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-hand-shadow-puppets