Several quality children's books would be useful in an ocean unit. Kindergartners will delight in the colorful illustrations of "The Rainbow Fish," written by Marcus Pfister. "Mister Seahorse" and "A House for Hermit Crab" are two books by the popular author and illustrator Eric Carle. Both of these books will hold a young child's attention with their stories and interesting illustrations. For books that have more facts than fiction, "Exploring an Ocean Tide Pool" by Jeanne Bendick and "The Ultimate Ocean Book" by Maria Mudd-Ruth are good options.
Estimation can be practiced by placing a jar of seashells on the table. Make a graph or chart on poster board and record each student's estimate of how many shells are in the jar. When the graph is complete, tell the students the correct answer. Discuss whose estimates were "too many," whose were "not enough," and whose were "just right." For another math activity, write the numerals from the number family the students are currently learning onto fish shapes cut from card. Place a paper clip on each fish and lay them on a rug or "pond." Attach a magnet to the end of a small, wooden fishing pole and let the students go fishing. As they catch a fish, they must say the number written on the fish. This can also be used as an informal assessment of each student.
Make two sets of whales out of heavy paper, each in a different color. On one set write capital letters. On the other set write lowercase letters. Children must match the capital letters to the lowercase letters. Another way to extend the ocean unit to phonics is by teaching the blend "wh." On a large cutout of a whale, write the letters "WH." Ask the class to brainstorm words that begin with the same sound as whale. Write their answers on the whale cutout around the "WH."
Cover the bottom portion of a wall in the classroom with blue paper. Draw waves at the top, and, throughout the unit study, allow the children to create an ocean mural. Kindergartners will enjoy the freedom to be creative while showing what they are learning about the ocean. Create a larger mural by covering the bottom of all walls in the classroom. Make seaweed by twisting long pieces of green paper and attaching to the wall. The mural can also be used to display other ocean creations the children will make during their ocean unit.