Whether one lives by the shore where shells are abundant or purchased from a craft store, seashells and other sea creatures are fun mediums to use in art. Other activities can be made with simple items found in the home. "Reel" the kid's attention and keep them "hooked" on projects about the sea that can be made together.
Aquarium Crayon Resist
An excellent book to read before this project is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister [North-South Books, 1999]. Point out the beautiful colors in the illustrations. At the art table, invite the children to draw underwater scenes filled with beautiful colored fish (fluorescent crayons work well with this project). Color very heavily. When the children have finished their drawings, have them paint over the entire page with a blue tempera wash (tempera poster paint thinned with water). The blue paint will not stick to the crayon markings and the result is a lovely underwater scene. Paint will "resist" the wax in the crayons.
Paper Plate Aquarium
Cut out fish shapes, seaweed, coral rocks, and other sea creatures from construction paper. Trace around templates or trace from books. The more experienced child may draw these shapes freehand. Have the children glue these cutouts onto a paper plate. Sprinkle glitter on for a shimmer effect. When finished, cover the entire plate with blue cling wrap which makes the project look as if it's underwater. Punch a hole at the top of the plate and thread a loop or yarn or ribbon to use as a hanger.
Create a Gift from the Sea
Take a walk along the beach and collect seashells to make a paperweight that reminds one of the ocean's importance. When living in an area with beaches, most craft stores sell shells. First, purchase Plaster of Paris and mix a batch to the consistency of paste (there will be instructions on the package). Color the plaster with a few drops of food coloring. Pour this mixture into a plastic margarine tub or any shape container. Now press the shells into the plaster, any design you wish. Allow this to harden completely. Carefully remove the plaster paperweight from the tub. Admire the shells-a gift from nature to enjoy year 'round.
Plastic Baggie Fish
Invite children to create these cute plastic baggie fish to hang or decorate the walls. Crumple a sheet of colored tissue paper and use a black marker to make designs that replicate scales, an eye, and so on. Glue on sequins or faux jewels-anything that sparkles. Now, stuff the paper fish into a plastic sandwich bag. Gather the opening and secure it closed with the twist tie about three inches from the body to form a tail fin.
Magic Fish Pictures
An adult can draw fish shapes (or other sea creatures) using a white crayon on white paper prior to presenting this project to the child. Prepare a paint wash using poster paint thinned with water. Invite the child to brush this paint over the entire page. Voila! The magical fish will appear!
These art ideas will help children develop an awareness of the sea as a habitat for many types of animals and plants. Teaching with fun projects makes learning fun.
