Hey there! Squeaks just returned from an exciting vacation in California, and he had a blast exploring the beach. He even brought back some cool pictures to share with us!
When Squeaks first arrived at the beach, he used all his senses to take in the experience. He heard the loud crashing of the ocean waves and smelled the fresh sea air. Isn’t it amazing how you can hear the waves before you even see them? The ocean is so powerful!
Squeaks also felt the soft sand under his wheels as he rolled along the beach. Did you know that sand is made from rocks being broken down into tiny pieces? The waves help make these pieces smooth, which is why the sand feels soft.
Squeaks had fun building a sand castle, although the ocean waves eventually knocked it down. But that’s okay because it means you get to build another one! The ocean water is different from lake or bath water because it’s salty and can be quite cold. The salt in the ocean comes from rocks and minerals that rainwater washes into rivers, which then flow into the ocean.
The ocean is home to many animals, like dolphins, whales, fish, crabs, and clams. There are also tiny creatures called plankton. Plankton are so small that you need a microscope to see them, but they’re very important. Some plankton, called phytoplankton, make the oxygen we breathe, while others, called zooplankton, are food for larger ocean animals.
We learned a lot about the beach and how to use our senses to explore new places. Next time you’re somewhere new, try listening to the sounds, smelling the scents, and observing the plants and animals around you. Each place is special and unique!
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Beach in a Box: Create your own mini beach at home! Fill a small box or container with sand, and add some small rocks or shells. Use your fingers to feel the texture of the sand and rocks. Try building a tiny sandcastle with your fingers or small tools. Discuss how the sand feels and imagine the sound of the ocean waves. What other things might you find at the beach?
Sound and Smell Adventure: Go on a sensory adventure in your backyard or a nearby park. Close your eyes and listen carefully. What sounds do you hear? Can you smell anything special? Try to identify at least three different sounds and smells. How do they compare to the sounds and smells Squeaks experienced at the beach?
Ocean Animal Match-Up: Draw or print pictures of different ocean animals like dolphins, whales, fish, crabs, and clams. Mix them up and try to match each animal with its name. Discuss what you know about each animal. Which one is your favorite, and why? Can you think of any other animals that live in the ocean?
