Boats

Boats

Children in the early years are commonly interested in transport. Some children have a specific interest in boats, especially if they live near the coast or a river.

EYLF learning outcomes

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) connects with boats as they inspire curiosity and imagination (4.1).

Children can make their own simple vessels from processed materials and natural materials (4.4). Floating boats on water is a STEM activity that teaches problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating (4.2).

Learning experiences

Build and float boats

Fill up a trough of water, make your own boats, and see which ones float best. Babies and toddlers can play with simple floating objects, like corks. Preschool children can plan and engineer their own homemade boats.

Try these ideas:

  • Fold a paper boat using instructions from National Geographic Kids. Does it float?
  • Collect small plastic containers. Which ones float best?
  • Take small toys, like LEGO men, for a ride on your vessels. Can your boat float with the added weight or does it sink?
  • Use a stick as a mast and make a paper sail for your boat. Can it sail in the wind?

Wear life jackets

Ask families and staff if they have life jackets at home. Let the children physically explore these devices, wear them, do up the straps and buckles, and of course blow the whistle! Talk to children about water safety and why life jackets are important on boats.

Make healthy boat snacks

With adult assistance, children can make edible boats from a slice of apple, a toothpick, and a slice of cheese. Slice an apple into semicircle shapes, like a boat's hull. Cut the cheese into thick square slices, like a sail. Carefully thread cheese on one end of your toothpick and apple onto the other end. Now you have a sailing boat!

Play the port and starboard game

All children stand in the middle of a large area which will be their pretend boat. One child (or an educator) pretends to be the captain and gives the remaining children commands to act out. Try some of these commands or make up your own:

  • "Bow" - run to the front of the boat.
  • "Stern" - run to the back of the boat.
  • "Port" - run to the left of the boat.
  • "Starboard" - run to the right of the boat.
  • "Hit the deck" - lie down on the floor.
  • "Attention on deck" - salute and yell, "Aye, aye captain!"
  • "Scrub the deck" - pretend to clean the floor.
  • "Love boat" - link arms with a friend and dance in a circle.
  • "Row the boat" - find a partner, hold hands and pretend to row the boat.

Blast your horn

Children can listen to a ship's horn on YouTube, and then make and blow their own horns. Children can make horn noises by blowing through cardboard tubes, pieces of rolled up paper, or their hands cupped together.

Sail in your own boat

Look for a large container that is safe for children to sit and wobble in (e.g. flexible tubs, car tyres, cardboard boxes). Pretend this is a boat!

Play pirates

Children love to play pirates. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Educators secretly bury a pretend chest of treasure in the sandpit. The children follow clues to find it and then dig it up.
  • Make your own eye patches from black paper or fabric.
  • Play "walk the plank". Who can balance on a piece of rope without falling off?
  • Make your own telescopes from cardboard tubes or rolled up paper.
  • Dig in a pirate-themed sensory tray with sand and shining loose parts.
  • Sing and dance with Captain Feathersword on YouTube.
  • Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day on 19th September.

Explore the Young Endeavour

The Young Endeavour is a program for young adults, allowing them to sail on a square-rigged tall ship. While children in early childhood are too young to participate, they can still learn about this incredible vessel.

Community connections

Visit boats

Arrange an excursion to visit any boats in your community:

  • Rivers and marinas with boats.
  • A boat builder's workshop.
  • A local maritime museum.
  • A playground with a pretend boat.

Events

Resources

Picture books

Who Sank the Boat? By Pamela Allen

Songs

Websites

The Royal Australian Navy: Ships, boats and watercraft