Shark Week
Okay okay… I know shark week isn’t a holiday per se…. but it is a fun theme to celebrate… so we’re rolling with it. :)
I kicked off our shark week celebrations by gathering all of our “under the sea” type of toys and putting them on display. Most of these toys are accessible to my kids in our playroom whenever they want. However, simply gathering them and putting them in a new place added a whole new level of novelty that kept them entertained for hours.
My kids flipped through the books as we ate breakfast, played with the sea animals while I put laundry away, and when it was time to go to his friend’s house, my 4 y.o. begged to actually stay home and play with his shark toys. Before this week, some of these toys hadn’t been played with in months, but simply doing a little toy rotation and switching up the scene, caught their attention and made things exciting again!
If you haven’t heard of toy rotations before, it’s a practice where you periodically switch out toys that your child has access to, and it offers several notable benefits:
1. It helps prevent toy fatigue and boredom, keeping your child engaged and interested in their playthings.
2. By presenting a limited selection of toys at a time, it fosters creativity and imagination, encouraging children to explore different ways of playing.
3. It can reduce clutter, making cleanup easier for both parents and kids.
It’s a simple yet effective strategy that promotes a more enriched play experience, enhances learning opportunities, and promotes a sense of novelty and excitement for toddlers and young children. And when it comes to themed setups, I try to rotate toys, rather than buying new ones! It costs less and keeps my kids just as engaged and interested.
Sooo to kick off shark week, try gathering any and all ocean themed toys and set them up in a new room. Maybe for this week only, you get to have these special shark toys in your kitchen or living room, or a place that toys aren’t typically allowed. It makes for a fun “novelty” effect and it’s an easy way to signal to your children that we’re celebrating or that this week is “special”.
In addition to “under the sea” toy setups, here are some other easy, themed activity ideas to add a special touch to your shark week celebrations:
Dive into Shark Books: Introduce your toddler to the world of sharks through engaging books specifically designed for their age group. Look for colorful picture books that feature simple facts about different shark species, such as “Exploring Sharks” by Jill McDonald. "Shark in the Park" by Nick Sharratt or “Shark Bite” by Beatrice Costamagna are current favorites at our house. They don’t provide shark facts, but they’re fun and interactive books that my kids looooveee. Reading together will not only enhance their vocabulary but also spark their interest in these incredible creatures.
Crafty Shark Projects: Encourage your toddler's creativity by engaging in shark-themed crafts. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. It can be things you already have around your house. Perhaps you help your child create their own shark puppets using paper plates, construction paper, and googly eyes. You can also make shark-shaped hats using cardboard or foam, allowing your little ones to wear their creations proudly throughout the week. You can help your child do an under the sea sensory bag using printables I’ve prepared for you, here. These crafts will not only stimulate their imagination but also strengthen their fine motor skills.
Underwater Adventures: Transform your living room into an underwater world using blue blankets, pillows, and ocean-themed decorations. Set up a small "shark tank" filled with toy sharks, seashells, and seaweed. Let your toddler explore and play in this imaginative space, acting out their own shark adventures. Encourage them to make up stories about the sharks they encounter, fostering their storytelling abilities and imagination.
Shark Games and Activities: Organize fun games and activities related to sharks. You can create a "shark hunt" game by hiding shark toys or pictures around the house or backyard for your toddler to find. Another idea is to set up an obstacle course with shark-themed challenges like hopping over "shark-infested waters" (blue blankets) or crawling through a "shark tunnel" (a large cardboard box). These games promote physical activity and problem-solving skills while incorporating the shark theme.
Shark Coloring and Printables: Visit your local dollar store to find simple coloring books or under the sea related activity books to pull out during quiet time. You can also download lots of shark related activity books or pages on Etsy. Click here for my Under the Sea activity book. Tip: Laminate, or put the printables in a reusable sleeve, and give your child a dry erase marker to complete the activities again and again rather than just once.
Movie Time: Choose age-appropriate shark documentaries or movies to watch with your toddler. Opt for animated films like "Finding Nemo" or "Finding Dory," which feature memorable shark characters. Use this opportunity to explain that sharks are not just villains but important creatures in the ocean's ecosystem. Take breaks during the movie to discuss what your toddler has learned and answer any questions they may have.
Shark Snacks: Prepare shark-themed snacks that are both delicious and visually appealing. Use shark-shaped cookie cutters to make shark-shaped sandwiches or shark-shaped fruit pieces. You can also create a "shark-infested blue jelly" by adding gummy sharks to blue-colored gelatin. One of our personal favorites is shark themed popcorn! These snacks will make mealtimes extra special during Shark Week and add to the overall excitement.
Shark Week can be an engaging and educational experience for toddler-aged kids when you tailor the activities to their interests and abilities. By incorporating books, crafts, games, movies, and snacks, you can create a memorable week-long celebration that introduces your little ones to the wonders of the ocean and the incredible world of sharks. Embrace their curiosity, encourage their creativity, and have a fantastic Shark Week adventure together.
Cheers,
Meg
