Kids Activity: Build An Ocean Theme Coral Reef Sensory Tray - An Invitation to Play and Learn

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Preschool Kids Activity: Ocean Theme Coral Reef Sensory Tray - An Invitation to Play and Learn Using Colored Dry Pasta Noodle, Gems, Shells and Fish
Preschool Kids Activity: Ocean Theme Coral Reef Sensory Tray - An Invitation to Play and Learn Using Colored Dry Pasta Noodle, Gems, Shells and Fish
Preschool Kids Activity: Ocean Theme Coral Reef Sensory Tray - An Invitation to Play and Learn Using Colored Dry Pasta Noodle, Gems, Shells and Fish

KIDS ACTIVITY

Build An Ocean Theme Coral Reef Sensory Tray - Invitation to Play and Learn

Children will LOVE this exciting, hands-on activity that is both sensory-based and educational! My preschool-age daughter and I loved building a coral reef out of dry, colored pasta noodles and sand play dough during our summer unit study of the ocean and marine life. Here, we invite you to come join us and share all our favorite tips and a list of supplies!

Activity Overview:

  • Ages 3+ (with supervision)

  • Multi-sensory and encourages fine motor skills plus educational and independent play

  • Items included are inexpensive can be used multiple ways/many times

Over the summer, my sweet girl requested to learn about “sea creatures”. So, I began searching Pinterest for unit study printables and gathering our favorite ocean themed books. We visited the library several times, borrowing books and DVDs on sea otters, coral reefs, sharks, dolphins, whales and jellyfish. In my opinion, one of the best things about preschool is that there is no pressure to learn but rather, an excitement about learning and discovering new books. As a result, we have had such fun learning little facts about all sorts of marine life!

While researching some creative inspiration for hands-on learning, I came across this reel by Morgan of The Scott Cottage with her beautiful coral reef small world. I absolutely LOVED her gorgeous creation so naturally, we created our own version.

What fun we had!

Both my daughter and I each took turns creating a coral reef using DIY Sand Play Dough (you can find the recipe here) and mixing in various pieces of dyed pasta to form the coral (learn how to color your own dry pasta here). If you opt to try this out as well, we hope you have just as much fun constructing your own small world!

Scroll down to find the supplies we used and tips for alternatives!

 
Preschool Kids Activity: Ocean Theme Coral Reef Sensory Tray - An Invitation to Play and Learn Using Colored Dry Pasta Noodle, Gems, Shells and Fish

What You’ll Need:

The following items are optional and I’ve included a list of alternate items that will work depending on your child’s age and skill level. We often use what we have on hand - household items and items we can use in various other crafts or sensory play boxes.

We incorporated this Ocean Life Marine Biology Printable Pack from Homeschool Compass, too! They were the perfect addition to talk about the various marine life you can find living in the coral reefs.

I also will be sharing some of our favorite books on Instagram along with a behind the scenes look into our unit study so be sure to follow me here.

Life + FamilyMandy | Turquoise AvenueJust For Kids, Toddler Activity, Preschool Activity, HolidaysComment