Sensory Ziploc Bag Ocean Theme

What kid doesn’t love something this squishy? This Ocean themed sensory bag is a perfect craft for summer!

Items needed:

• ·         Gallon-sized ziploc bag
• ·         Hair gel
• ·         Blue food coloring (optional)
• ·         Glitter
• ·         Sea animal toys
• ·         Packing tape

How to create your own:

·         Add the hair gel into the ziploc bag. We used hair gel that was already blue; you can add blue food coloring if you want to add more color to it.

·         Add glitter to the bag, along with the animal toys.

·         Seal the ziploc bag, removing as much air as possible. Use the packing tape to line the edges of the ziploc bag  as well as the seal part to prevent it from leaking.

·         Now, it’s time to enjoy your Ocean Sensory Bag! 

Other ideas to promote learning: 

Make three - four sensory bags and create different stations to highlight each type of sea animal you have in your bags. 

For example: Make one bag with turtles and then have the students learn about sea turtles.

There are so many sites online with great information for kids on animals,check out National Geographic's site on Sea Tutles:

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/green-sea-turtle/#green-sea-turtle-closeup-underwater.jpg

Let us know how your children enjoyed this FUN! activity by commenting below!

Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies!

This sponge feeder is super easy to make!

What you need :

• Colorful sponges
• String
• A pencil or hole punch
• Nectar Recipe

Nectar Recipe :

4 parts boiling water
1 part sugar

Dissolve the sugar in boiled water
Refrigerate unused nectar for 1 week 

*We used warm water at school for safety reasons

 

Directions :

Make the Nectar and let it cool.  

Take a sponge and using the pencil or hole punch, make a hole in each corner of the sponge,or make two holes, one in the centrer of each short side, if preferred. 

Thread the string through the holes to make hangers.

Knot the threads.

Pour the cooled nectar into a shallow dish.

Press the sponge into the nectar and wet thoroughly.

Now it’s time to go outside and hang them up .

Hang the feeders from branches of trees, and among flowers. Not only are the feeders an additional source of food, they also provide a resting spot for the butterflies while they drink.

Remember to check the sponges and add more nectar when dry. Clean your sponge and change the nectar once a week.

At recess and throughout the day, have the children look outside to see butterflies on their sponges.