Fish and marine creatures

Fish

Children become interested in fish and other marine animals when they wonder what it would be like to live under the ocean or in a river. 

Water provides incredible sensory opportunities for young children. And so do glimmering scales and bumpy tentacles!

Many families and childcare services keep fish as pets.

Sea creatures include:

Crabs, crustaceans, dolphins, eels, fish, jellyfish, lobsters, octopus, prawns, seals, sea otters, sea urchins, squid, starfish, sharks, turtles, and whales.

EYLF learning outcomes

Fish and marine life are animals that connect with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) learning outcomes. An interest in underwater creatures can teach children to respect nature (2.4), spark curiosity and imagination (4.1), and promote involvement in inquiry, research and investigation (4.2). 

Learning experiences

Investigate materials 

Many types of invertebrates live in the water, like coral and sea sponges, that provide us with materials. Shells are used by humans after they wash up on a beach. 

Use your children's interest in marine creatures as a starting point for learning where natural materials come from.

What are the properties of these materials? Why are they so attractive and useful? What happens if we take too many from our oceans?

Next, teach children about processed materials like plastic. These don't come directly from nature. But what happens to our marine animals when these materials are left in the oceans?

Give your marine creatures a home

There are endless opportunities for marine-themed sensory bins and troughs. Hands-on exploration is a wonderful way to introduce babies and toddlers to marine life. Preschool children can stimulate their imaginations through play - what would it be like to swim deep under the waves?

Most early learning programs have plastic fish, dolphins, sharks and whales. Add these to a large container with some of these materials:

  • Blue kinetic sand, real sand, or water beads.
  • Seashells, small rocks, and pebbles.
  • Plants or seaweed.
  • Blue food colouring to tint the water.
  • Strips of blue crepe paper and bubble wrap.
  • Shimmery paper or fabric.
  • Glow-in-the-dark items (give children torches and turn off the lights!).

Go fishing

Use fishing toys where children pick up magnetic fish. Alternatively, encourage children to make their own rods. Children can experiment with ways to attach toy fish to their lines, learn about safety rules for stick play, and use their imaginations.

What can you pretend is a fishing rod? A stick from the garden? A cardboard tube? Pool noodles?

Resources

Books

  • The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
  • Charlie's Whale by Libby Gleeson
  • The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson

Music