Aycliffe created individual fish tanks as part of their 'Under the sea'
project, staff mounted them together to produce a colourful
three-dimensional display.
Planned learning intentions
To find out about, and identify, some features of living things, objects and events they observe
To select the tools and techniques they need to shape, assemble and join materials they are using
To explore colour, texture, shape, form and space in 2D or 3D
Resources
Shoeboxes without lids ,blue, green and white paint ,green cellophane ,glitter ,shells ,pebbles ,sand ,card ,coloured pens ,thread ,tape
Step by step
* Supply the children with a shoebox each and suggest that they use them to create fish tanks depicting life under the sea.
* Discuss the colour of the sea and ask the children to mix appropriate colours to paint the inside of their boxes. Sprinkle glitter on to the wet paint and turn the boxes sideways.
* Invite the children to spread a thick layer of glue over the bottom of the box and sprinkle a layer of sand over it.
* Make seaweed from strands of coloured cellophane and encourage the children to decide how to attach it to their boxes using glue, thread or tape. Give support only when needed.
* Supply the children with card, scissors and pens to draw and cut out fish and other sea creatures to suspend in their boxes, using thread and tape.
* Arrange shells and pebbles of the children's choosing on the sand.
* Staple the boxes in rows on to a display board to create the appearance of a three-dimensional underwater scene.
Activities
* Explore a selection of books and posters about life under the sea together and name the creatures in the pictures.
* Invite the children to observe goldfish swimming in a tank. Point out their features and explain how they move and how they breathe.
* Introduce small-world divers and sea creatures into the boxes so that the children can make up stories about them.
Kerina Clark is the manager at the Christian Life Centre Pre-school, Newton Aycliffe. She spoke to Jean Evans.
