Montessori-Inspired Ocean Unit

What better way to get some learning and fun in during the summer than to study the ocean – especially if it includes at least one trip to the beach! A lot of Montessori bloggers have the same idea and have contributed some awesome ideas for a Montessori-inspired ocean unit with activities especially appropriate for preschoolers through early elementary. Of course, an ocean unit is fun at any time of the year.

Montessori-Inspired Resources for an Ocean Unit

Ocean Unit Study Shelf (Photo from Inspired Montessori and Arts at Dundee Montessori)

Inspired Montessori and Arts at Dundee Montessori collected ocean objects for years and used them to create an ocean unit – which you must see to appreciate all the beautiful materials! The photo shows just a few of the ocean materials at Inspired Montessori and Arts at Dundee Montessori.

Spooning “Sea Anemones” Activity (Photo from 1+1+1=1)

1+1+1=1 created a fun ocean unit with many free printables. You’ll find hands-on Montessori-inspired activities such as spooning “sea anemones” (the photo), counting seashells, and transferring fish erasers with tweezers. You can make many of the printables into hands-on activities by cutting them out and adding objects to go with the printables.

Montessori Print Shop has lovely Marine Life Cards for $0.99, Marine Invertebrate Cards for $0.99, Vertebrates – Fish Cards for $2.29, Jellyfish Nomenclature Book for $2.49, Starfish Nomenclature Book for $2.49  Animal Habitat Cards for $4.29 (if you want to do a preliminary study of animals of the desert, ocean, grasslands, and tundra), and free Ocean Labels.

Book of Ocean Animals (Photo from To the Lesson!)

To the Lesson!has an ocean unit and shows how to make an “Ocean Animals” booklet. To the Lesson also has a saltwater vs. freshwater experiment.

Rainbow Fish Math Game (Photo from The Princess and the Tot)

The Princess and the Tot has lots of Rainbow Fish activity trays.

Itsy Bitsy Learners has some hands-on beach activities.

The Adventures of Bear has Montessori-inspired ocean activities in the areas of sensorial, math, science, and even French.

Playing House has many beach activities. The tot trays in particular have some wonderful Montessori-inspired activities for an ocean unit.

Desert Crafter has lots of activities with seashells.

American Montessori Society has some very helpful handouts for an ocean curriculum.

Counting Coconuts has an island scavenger hunt which could be adapted for any beach.

O is for Octopus Sand Tray

UPDATE: I have a post at PreK + K Sharing with lots of Montessori-inspired beach language activities (including links to free printables and ideas for a beach unit indoors or outdoors).

Subtract the Fish Tray

I have another post at PreK + K Sharing with lots of Montessori-inspired ocean math activities (including links to free printables and ideas for using them to create Montessori-inspired activities).

I have a shark unit study (roundup post with LOTS of activities).

You can find lots of free shark printables in my Free Shark Printables and Montessori-Inspired Shark Activities.

I have a shark water bead number or letter sensory bin.

Sea Shell Counting (Photo by Rachel from Discovery Kidzone Montessori Adventures at PreK + K Sharing)

Rachel from Discovery Kidzone Montessori Adventures has a post at PreK + K Sharing with a Montessori-inspired ocean unit: Under the Sea in the Style of Montessori.

Our Country Road has Summer Fun Montessori Trays, including a number of ocean trays.

Chestnut Grove Academy has lots of ocean posts with Montessori-inspired activities.

Discovery Days and Montessori Moments has a few Montessori-inspired ocean posts: Oceans of Fun, Ocean Research, and Fraction Action and Oceans of Fun.

Five Hazelnuts has a unit study of Oceans and Seas.

I have Shells and Starfish Activities + Free Printable from Montessori By Mom.

You’ll find one of my toddler granddaughter’s very favorite activity trays here: Montessori-Inspired Toddler Geography with Baby Beluga.

Ocean Unit Study Pinterest Board

Ocean Unit Study Pinterest BoardE

I have an Ocean Unit Study Pinterest Board with ocean activities of all types and for all levels.

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Summer is a great season to spend time at the beach and to encourage interest in ocean life. Have fun – and let your child lead the way in any study you do this summer! 🙂

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