Coral may look like a colourful ocean plant. However, it is actually an animal. Children may be interested in coral if they have an aquarium, have visited a reef, or have watched the movie Nemo.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) supports children connecting with natural materials (4.4) that teach respect for the environment (2.4). Coral inspires curiosity, imagination, creativity (4.1), inquiry, researching and investigating (4.2).
Learning experiences
Create artworks about coral
Use pieces of coral as a provocation at the art table. View the Forest of Corals Exhibition at Boorai, a children's art gallery in Melbourne. The children used art to express their understanding of the coral's diversity and visual features.
Mould a coral reef from playdough
Provide playdough in a variety of colours. Also, provide colourful loose parts that can be pressed into the playdough to look like coral:
- Beads threaded on pipe cleaners.
- Red and yellow leaves from your garden.
- Pretend gems or aquarium pebbles.
- Shells, sea sponges and real coral.
- Toy sea creatures.
Community connections
Ask for personal experiences
Many people have personal experiences with coral, including the children themselves! Invite families and staff members to share stories relating to aquariums, The Great Barrier Reef, scuba diving, snorkelling, and pieces of coral they have at home.
Ask families if they have a piece of coral they can show the children, so they can inspect it using a magnifying glass, touch it gently with their fingers, and feel its weight in their hands.
Contact your local aquarium shop and ask if they have saltwater reef aquariums. Organise an excursion to the shop or invite an expert to your centre for a talk.
Discussions
- Do you think a coral reef looks like an underwater rainbow forest?
- What shapes can you see in the coral?
- What does the coral's texture feel like?
Resources
Websites
National Geographic:
Videos
Play School: Underwater coral adventure