Create a math lesson on estimating weight, using bags filled with sand. Give the child a scale and ask him to fill a plastic bag with one pound of sand. Seal the bag and have the child walk around the room with the sand bag. Encourage him to find objects that are greater than, less than, or equal to the one pound bag of sand and record these results. Come together as a class and discuss the findings.
Use water to teach students the science concept of sinking and floating. Divide students into groups and give each group a tub filled with water. Provide the students with a bag of items including cork, pencils and coins. Ask them to first hypothesize if the object will sink or float, and then perform the experiment by placing the object in the water. Have the group record the results and then discuss the discoveries with each group.
Young children benefit from handwriting lessons. Tracing letters is one way they can practice letter formation. Create a sand box in your classroom using an empty box lid filled with purchased sand. Ask the children to trace letters in the sand. For younger children, single letters are sufficient, but you can also use this technique for older children to practice spelling or vocabulary words. Provide examples of what the letters and words look like to help the student correctly draw the letters in the sand.
Give the students a list of animals found at the beach, both in and out of the water. Examples might include crabs, oysters or starfish. Allow them to choose any animal from this list and research it further. Go to the school library and teach the class about the research process and how to find information about their animal. Ask each child to read about their animal and write a creative story based on the life of that animal. Require them to incorporate at least three facts into their story that they learned during their research.