https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit This ocean-themed, integrated unit was designed for a preschool classroom and consists of 15 national or Missouri state standard-aligned activities across five content areas: Science, Social Studies, Math, Health, and Expressive Arts. Each of these content areas includes one activity which integrates literacy. There are also three resources in each of the content areas (15 total) including fiction books, nonfiction books, websites, videos, online games, and a Pinterest board. I hope you find this useful and enjoyable! en-us 2016-10-05 23:47:30 UTC 2023-03-28 23:39:13 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Clouds.png rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128661878 Missouri Early Learning Standard -- Science A3c: "Makes predictions based on experiences with objects and materials"

Students will be given an assortment of familiar objects, such as paperclips, buttons, erasers, etc. They will make a predictions about the buoyancy of the objects by sorting the objects into a "Sink" or "Float" category as pictured below. We will then test the objects as a whole class during group time and the students will decide whether their predictions were right or wrong.]]> 2016-10-05 23:53:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128661878 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128958951 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Language and Literacy C2a: "Learns new words."

I will begin the activity by writing the word "current" on the board.  We will discuss possible meanings of the word and identify any background knowledge that the students might have, including connecting the word to the Pixar movie Finding Nemo. We will then complete the Ocean Currents activity linked below. In this activity, ice cold blue water and boiling red water are poured into a pan. The students can observe how the temperature affects the interaction of the water, forming currents. The students will then write about something that they learned about currents from their observations.]]> 2016-10-06 19:25:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128958951 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128961349 This nonfiction science book will be used during a read-aloud to discuss and explore the ocean habitat, including the environment, plants, and animals. The detailed pictures are engaging and the text is simple enough that students could begin to recognize and read the book on their own in a library center.]]> 2016-10-06 19:35:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128961349 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128963709 National Science Standard (NGSS) K-ESS3-1: "Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals and the places they live."

In this activity, children use paint color samples to depict the zones or layers in the ocean.  This activity would be used near the end of several lessons on the ocean zones, with the emphasis on why different animals live in different zones based on their needs.  The students will use the information learned previously to construct a model on the paint samples of the ocean zones and the animals that live in each zone.]]> 2016-10-06 19:44:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128963709 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128966691 This science-related fiction book would be used in the library center. The book is simple and colorful and displays a wide variety of fish. With assistance and practice, students could begin to read this book on their own, which would promote literacy as well as reading confidence.]]> 2016-10-06 19:56:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128966691 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128970178 This video, though poorly titled, would be very useful as an anticipatory set to the science portion of the Oceans unit.  Its bright colors and creative animals provide a general overview of many ocean-related facts in simple language that preschoolers could easily understand.]]> 2016-10-06 20:12:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/128970178 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139234796 National Social Studies (NCSS) Standard D2.Geo.3.K-2: " Use maps, globes, and other simple geographic models to identify cultural and environmental characteristics of places."

After discussing the differences in areas of the ocean and what animals live in these areas, the students will create a map which displays the distribution of animals within the ocean, similar to the map pictured below.  Students will discuss the effects that differences in temperature, salt content, and environment have on the type of animals that live in corresponding areas.]]> 2016-11-21 23:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139234796 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139235171 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Understanding the World C.1.b: "Successfully operates mechanical devices and uses them to advance learning."

This activity incorporates STEM by allowing students to be engineers while exploring and operating mechanical devices. After a lesson on boats and how they work, students will have a chance to create their own boat from recycled materials provided by the teacher. Then, students will test their boat using a kiddie pool and a straw for "wind." Teachers could ask open-ended questions to help students understand why their boat did or did not float. Students might also write or draw about their boat to incorporate a literacy component.]]> 2016-11-21 23:44:37 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139235171 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139235655 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Language and Literacy E.1.b "Uses scribbles, shapes, pictures, letter-like forms and letters to write"

Journal writing would be used throughout the unit, but in this specific instance, the students will represent a habitat within the ocean that they have learned about and the significant features of that habitat. For example, the children might draw a tide pool with shallow water, a small area, and specific animals such as urchins and starfish. The students will be encouraged to use whatever form of writing they are capable of and will then explain their writing to the teacher (also integrates Literacy standard E.1.b). ]]> 2016-11-21 23:51:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139235655 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139237285 This nonfiction book discusses the many uses for water and its importance to human life. I would use this book as an introduction to a social studies lesson on the importance of water around the world. We would discuss the ease of access to water in the United States compared to other places in the world where water is scarce.]]> 2016-11-22 00:13:57 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139237285 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139237727 This popular children's book has a timeless message of sharing, selflessness, and making friends. This is perfect for a preschool social studies lesson about interacting with others and being a good friend. There are also many ocean animals throughout the book, so it incorporates well with the ocean theme.]]> 2016-11-22 00:21:23 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139237727 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139238249 This video is an interview with a Marine Biologist in which he explains his job and the things he enjoys about it. Another alternative option to this would be to invite a marine biologist into the classroom as a guest speaker. This video could be used as part of a social studies lesson about different occupations, specifically those that deal with the ocean.]]> 2016-11-22 00:29:35 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/139238249 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140592823 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Language and Literacy D.1.d "Comprehends and responds to text."

For this activity, children will work cooperatively to read a recipe for a healthy, ocean-themed snack and follow the procedures to create the snack to share. The link below has several healthy options that are simple enough to complete with preschoolers. As the teacher, I would rewrite the recipe to match the children's reading level and provide pictures of each step. Since there are so many recipes available on the site, each group could make something different to share with the other groups. We would also discuss why these snacks were healthy and what they might be able to eat at home that would also be considered healthy snacks. ]]> 2016-11-29 17:47:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140592823 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140602575 National Health Standard (SHAPE America) 7 - "Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks"

The link below has resources for a sea-themed yoga activity, including poses such as the whale, the puffer fish, and the dolphin.  I have seen this used and the students seem to enjoy it very much.  As a class, we would practice each of the poses together and discuss the importance of exercising to stay healthy in addition to other healthy behaviors.]]> 2016-11-29 18:11:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140602575 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140662765 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Physical Development, Health, and Safety C.1.b - "Knows and follows safety rules."

The website below has several suggestions for teaching preschoolers about water safety. The most useful one for the classroom setting is the idea of incorporating water safety concepts through dramatic play. This could include several examples of being safe in multiple situations involving water, such as the pool, a river, a lake, or the ocean. Children can practice putting on life vests, act out the proper way to act when near water or on a boat, and discuss safe areas to play around bodies of water like the ocean. ]]> 2016-11-29 20:52:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140662765 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140666779 Written by the wife of Dr. Seuss in similar style, this book tells the fictional story of what happens when a little boy doesn't follow directions about feeding is fish. The fish grows so large that it eventually fills a swimming pool before the problem is resolved. This book could be used to make the point that we also need to follow directions about what we are supposed to eat. If done delicately, a correlation could also be made between the excessive growth of the fish and weight gain from overeating. However, this point would have to be made very tactfully. The safer point would be to relate this book to the directions about eating provided by the USDA in the form of the MyPlate model. ]]> 2016-11-29 21:08:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140666779 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140669323 This nonfiction book uses bright, engaging pictures and easy-to-read text to explain the process by which food makes it to our table. Farmers and fisherman alike show off their craft to help kids understand where our food comes from, and there is an emphasis placed on clean and sustainable practices. When using this book in the ocean theme, I would place specific emphasis on the portion that discusses fish and where they are caught.]]> 2016-11-29 21:19:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140669323 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140670684 This high-energy, whale themed dance video would be an excellent movement break or exercise activity. I would emphasize the importance of daily exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and discuss other ocean animals that students might be able to imitate through dance.]]> 2016-11-29 21:25:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140670684 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140707271 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Mathematics A.2.a "Uses language to compare number (e.g., more/less, greater/fewer, equal to)"

In this math game, preschoolers take turns rolling a numbered die. They then count out that number of shark figurines and place them in the aquarium (a tub of blue water). Then the students answer questions such as "Which aquarium has more?" "Which has less?" "Are they equal?" and "How do you know?" The game requires little set-up but still incorporates a key math concept in an engaging way.]]> 2016-11-30 03:23:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140707271 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140707976 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Language and Literacy D.3.a "Repeats rhymes, simple songs, poems, and finger plays"

The website below has a plethora of ideas for ocean themed counting and number songs and rhymes. Not all of the songs on the site involve counting, but there are many that do. Practicing counting forward and backward, as in the song "Five Little Fishies" is a very useful skill for preschoolers. Though these activities are simple, they incorporate both math and literacy, and the songs are easy for children to remember and repeat. The picture below does not present an accurate representation of the website, please click to view.]]> 2016-11-30 03:34:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140707976 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140708749 National Math Standard (NCTM) Algebra PreK-2 "Sort, classify, and order objects by size, number, and other properties"

The website below has an extremely wide variety of excellent ocean themed activities for multiple content areas, including an excellent example of sorting, classifying, and patterning with fish, seashells, and other ocean themed manipulatives. The fish and shells can be sorted by size, color, or type. They can also be patterned in many ways or used for counting and number recognition. These types of manipulatives could be used for direct instruction where the children are given a task to complete, or for more individual exploration and experimentation. ]]> 2016-11-30 03:46:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140708749 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140709303 This fictional book about a friendly giant squid emphasizes the mathematical concepts of bigger and smaller through a repetitive pattern that students could easily learn and begin to read on their own. The bright colors and fun story are very engaging for students, and they enjoy the surprise ending where the giant squid finally finds something bigger than he is.]]> 2016-11-30 03:53:21 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140709303 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140992032 Vibrant colors and stunning pictures draw children in to the world of the ocean in this nonfiction, encyclopedia-style book. The information provided includes key math concepts such as size, depth, and patterns which could be emphasized through a shared reading or read aloud.]]> 2016-12-01 00:10:02 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140992032 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140993567 Students have the chance to practice their math and technology skills at the same time with this online ocean-themed find and count game. Children are asked to find specific animals from a group of sea creatures and count them along with the game. The picture below displays a poor representation, but the game would be very engaging for students.]]> 2016-12-01 00:32:27 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140993567 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140998085 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Expressive Arts B.2.b "Uses a range of materials and media to draw and create pictures or three-dimensional objects."

In this activity, children have the opportunity to create their own fish bowl or ocean scene using paper plates, animal figurines, a plastic bag, and clear or blue hair gel. The scenes then become a sensory toy as students squish the bags to move the animals around while exploring fine motor skills and sense of touch.]]> 2016-12-01 01:35:21 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/140998085 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141000930 National Arts Standard (NCCAS) 5 "Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work."

Through brainstorming and cooperation, children could work in the dramatic play area to design and practice an ocean-themed skit that had some sort of plot or storyline behind it.  They could make masks or costumes, such as those on the website below.  Each group would then have the chance to present these skits to the class, and families could be invited to attend.]]> 2016-12-01 02:12:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141000930 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141001327 Missouri Early Learning Standard - Language and Literacy A.1.B "Represents feelings and ideas through movement"

This crazy fun movement game gives students the chance to express themselves by moving like ocean animals.  A variety of sea creatures are listed on cards, and spread around the classroom or large play area.  We would first review each of the cards and discuss the animal, how it moves, and what letter it starts with.  I would then call out an animal, and students would find that animal while imitating it through movement.  Each child would express their own ideas about how that animal moved.  There are also many other variations of how to call the animals and how children can respond listed on the link below.]]> 2016-12-01 02:17:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141001327 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141002358 This fictional book tells about the ocean fathers who play a part in caring for their young. The beautifully unique pictures could serve as an inspiration for children's artwork and creations of other sea animal projects. Eric Carle also has several other sea animal books that could be read as a mini author study focused on his unique illustration styles.]]> 2016-12-01 02:29:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141002358 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141003100 Though this book appears to be fictional, it is actually a nonfiction book filled with fish names and hilarious but relatively accurate illustrations, as well as an appendix of a variety of useful facts about the various fish. The book is written in a chant format and it begs to be read aloud. This book could be used as an inspiration for children to create an oral poem of their own in a similar fashion to be performed in front of the class.]]> 2016-12-01 02:40:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141003100 rabarrett1s https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141003734 This fantastic Pinterest board was created by teacher and educational consultant Vanessa Levin. There are nearly 300 pins on this board and the majority of them relate to the creative and expressive arts. This is an incredibly useful resource for the expressive arts portion of this unit, as well as the unit as a whole. Levin currently has 243 Pinterest boards, many of which are organized around a specific theme. Her effort in helping teachers with unit planning is invaluable. ]]> 2016-12-01 02:48:28 UTC https://padlet.com/rabarrett1s/EL355OceansIntegratedUnit/wish/141003734