Imaginary Winter Beach Trip + Sensory Beach-in-a-Bag

Let’s Go to the Beach – Lesson 266 • By Amy Koch (Expanded Version)
Grade Level: Kindergarten (adaptable PreK–1st)

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Explore beach environments, ocean animals, and seaside vocabulary.
  • Engage in sensory play (touch, smell, sight) using safe, mess-free materials.
  • Build background knowledge for reading about beaches and oceans.
  • Practice describing observations and making connections to stories.
  • Create a take-home model of a beach scene inside a sensory bag.
  • Use imagination to “travel” while learning about habitats.

Materials

  • Ziploc bags (quart or gallon)
  • Extra bags for double-bagging (recommended)
  • Sand (just enough to lightly cover the bottom)
  • Seashells without sharp edges
  • Small plastic sea animals (dollar store variety packs)
  • Shaving cream (non-menthol is best)
  • Blue food coloring
  • Optional: tape for sealing top, printable beach labels, sunglasses, beach towels, beach music playlist

☀️ Lesson Plan

1. Warm-Up: “Let’s Escape to the Beach!”

Tell students:

“Today we’re taking an imaginary trip to the beach—even though it’s winter outside!”

Invite children to put on sunglasses, sit on beach towels, and imagine feeling warm sun, waves, sand, and ocean breezes.

Play soft ocean sound effects or beach music if available.

2. Read-Aloud #1: At the Beach with Dad

After reading, discuss:

  • What did the characters do at the beach?
  • What did they see? (sand, waves, shells, animals, umbrellas)
  • What do YOU think you would do at a beach?
  • Have you ever been to a beach? If not, what do you imagine it is like?

Create a class brainstorm chart, titled:
“Things We See at the Beach”

3. Mini Geography/Science Chat

Ask:

  • “Where are beaches found?” (near oceans, lakes, coasts)
  • “What animals live there?”
  • “How are beaches different from where we live in winter?”

If possible, explore beach photos or live cams online.

4. Sensory Science Activity: Create a Beach-in-a-Bag

Give each child two Ziploc bags (one for the beach, one as a protective outer layer).

Steps:

  1. Add sand
    Enough to lightly cover the bottom.
  2. Add seashells and animals
    Have children choose 2–3 small shells and 1–2 plastic sea creatures.
  3. Add shaving cream
    One or two squeezes, not too much.
  4. Add blue food coloring
    2–3 drops.
  5. Seal and secure
    Push air out. Seal the bag.
    Optionally tape the top or place inside a second Ziploc bag.
  6. Squish and swirl
    Kids gently squeeze to mix shaving cream + food coloring = foamy blue waves!

5. Sensory & Science Observation

Encourage children to notice:

  • Textures
    • sand (grainy)
    • shaving cream (smooth, foamy)
    • shells (hard, bumpy)
  • Smells
    • shaving cream = like sea foam or ocean spray
  • What happens when they mix everything
    • waves form
    • sand shifts
    • animals “swim”

Ask:

  • “What does your beach look like?”
  • “Where is your sea animal hiding?”
  • “Can you make a wave?”

This builds vocabulary, descriptive language, and observation skills.

6. Read-Aloud #2: Curious George Goes to the Beach

Read after the activity (kids stay on towels or gather again).

Discuss:

  • What did Curious George see or do?
  • How is it similar to your pretend beach?
  • What rules or safety did George learn?

7. Closing Activity: Beach Circle Time

End with:

  • Sharing bags with a partner
  • Saying one new beach fact they learned
  • Taking a “class beach photo” (with sunglasses!)

✨ Optional Extensions

1. Ocean Vocabulary Cards

Make labels for shells, waves, sand, ocean, crab, fish, tide, etc.

2. Writing Center

Sentence starters:

  • “At the beach, I see…”
  • “My ocean animal is…”
  • “The waves feel…”

3. STEAM Extension

Experiment with sinking vs. floating objects safely in a water table.

4. Art Extension

Kids draw themselves at a beach on a paper towel → tape to the back of their Ziploc bag.

5. Theme Day

Invite students to bring:

  • Sunglasses
  • Flip-flops
  • Beach towels
  • Hats
  • Tropical shirts

Serve lemonade or “ocean water” (blue sports drink).

️ Safety & Classroom Tips

  • Inspect shells for sharp edges.
  • Use non-menthol shaving cream to avoid strong scents.
  • Double bag to prevent leaks.
  • Tape the top shut for younger children.
  • Keep food coloring away from clothing—just a few drops inside the bag is safe.

Informal Assessment

Observe whether students can:

  • Describe beach objects using sensory vocabulary
  • Identify animals found in beach habitats
  • Follow step-by-step directions
  • Use imagination appropriately during the imaginary trip
  • Retell parts of the story using details

 

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