Dive Into Shark Awareness Day: Sensory-Friendly Activities and Books
Happy Shark Awareness Day, everyone! On this special day, we aim to celebrate these magnificent creatures while raising awareness about their importance to our marine ecosystems. To help make this day exciting and accessible for our special needs children, we've put together a list of sensory-friendly activities and books. Let's dive in!
1. DIY Shark Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is a fantastic tool for children to explore and stimulate their senses while developing motor skills. Create a "Shark Ocean" sensory bin using items such as blue water beads or dyed rice to simulate water, plastic shark figures, and shells for added texture. Let your child dive into this tactile activity, encouraging imaginative play while learning about sharks.
2. Shark Shadow Puppets
Crafting shadow puppets can be a fun and educational activity. Print out shark shapes on cardstock, cut them out, and attach each one to a stick. Turn off the lights, shine a flashlight, and let your child have fun creating their shark shadow puppet show. This activity is great for improving fine motor skills and sparking creativity.
3. Shark-Themed Yoga
Incorporate shark-themed poses into a sensory-friendly yoga session. For instance, "Shark Pose" (Dolphin Pose) is a wonderful stretch that can provide proprioceptive input, improving balance and body awareness. Don't forget to encourage your child to take deep, calming breaths like they're diving underwater.
4. Shark-Themed Books
"Hark! A Shark!" by Bonnie Worth - Part of the Cat in The Hat's Learning Library, this book introduces children to the world of sharks in a fun and educational way.
"The Shark Whisperer" by Ellen Prager - For slightly older kids, this adventure-filled book brings together exciting storytelling and fascinating shark facts.
"Sharks (Usborne Beginners)" by Catriona Clarke - This book features vibrant illustrations and easy-to-understand texts that will keep your child engaged while they learn about different types of sharks.
"Smiley Shark" by Ruth Galloway - This beautifully illustrated storybook shares the tale of a shark with a great big smile, perfect for promoting inclusivity and understanding.
5. Shark-Infused Music and Movement
Incorporate shark-themed songs, like the beloved "Baby Shark," into your child's day. The repetitive verses and catchy rhythm of these songs can help your child with language development and memory. Plus, adding dance moves provides a fantastic outlet for physical activity and motor skill development.
Remember, every child is unique, so feel free to adapt these activities as needed to ensure they're sensory-friendly and enjoyable for your child.
Shark Awareness Day can be an excellent opportunity to teach our children about marine life and the importance of conservation in a fun, accessible way. So dive in and make a splash this #SharkAwarenessDay!