By The Sea
Little Bobcats are learning about the ocean!
Introduction to our new unit
Hi Parents,
Our new unit, Where Land Meets Sea, explores ocean life and how oceans affect our lives. Although our children are very familiar with the ocean and the land that meets the sea because of where we live, this unit will deepen their understanding of marine plant and animal life and the properties of ocean water. Specifically, we will investigate what a seashore looks like, the animals that live in the sea, a true story about a whale, and the sights and sounds found along the beach along with answering key questions such as:
- How are sea animals different from land animals?
- How is ocean water different from freshwater?
- Why is it important to learn about the ocean?
Where Land Meets Sea
This nonfiction selection, by Allan Fowler, focuses on the differences between the land where the land meets the ocean. Some lands are marshlands, some are rocky, and some are sandy. They will also discuss the different animals that live along the seashore. It will also give them an opportunity to make connections to what they already know about the seashore and share personal stories about things they have experienced at the beach.
The Ocean
This informative reading selection helps children become familiar with some of the fascinating creatures that live in the world's oceans. We will read about seahorses, eels, rays, swordfish, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and lobsters, as well as other underwater life.
Humphrey the Lost Whale
This is a true story about a humpback whale who wandered away from other whales in the ocean, into San Francisco Bay, and up the Sacramento River. We will read about the remarkable rescue efforts that returned Humphrey to the ocean. Click here to read more about Humpback Whales. We will also investigate sea turtles and the efforts in our community to preserve the sea turtle nests.
The Seahorse
Hello Ocean/Hola Mar
This story called "Hello Ocean/Hola Mar," is in both English and Spanish. In this story, a girl describes the ocean as experienced through each of her five senses. The girl sees the various colors of the sea, tastes the salty water, feels the seaweed and the sand, listens to the crashing waves, and smells the fresh and salty wind.
Salt Water vs. Fresh Water
Wrapping Up the Unit
Although your children a very familiar with the ocean, I truly hope that their knowledge is deeper now that we have explored live in the ocean.