The document describes an activity called the "Seashell Shuffle" that involves bringing sand and seashells into a classroom to provide young children with a beach experience. The activity aims to help children explore their imaginations and develop fine motor skills by feeling and interacting with the sand and seashells. It can also serve as a calming activity to help children relax or release emotions when feeling upset. The educator observed the children enjoying pretending they were at the beach and exploring the different textures, finding it a rewarding experience that brought smiles and engaged their creativity without worries.

1. The Seashell Shuffle
Materials: Ages: Domains:
Sand from the ocean 3 – 5 years old Social/Emotional Development
Seashells fromthe ocean Language
Plastic Bin or Plastic baby pool Creative
Marbles
Plastic fish/sharks
Purpose:
I chose this activity and materials becauseI wantthe children to be ableto go outsideof their comfort zone and
explore their imaginations.Some children havenever seen sand or seashells,so why not bringthe beach to them?
Some children need help with their finemotor skills,so feelingthe sand,moving through the sand,and pickingup
the items in the bins,will help with those skills.Thereare some children who feel relaxed and need that feeling to
help get through the times when they are feeling upset, angry and even sad. From my own experience when a
child is angry,instead of them throwing objects,they can go to the beach and explore. Itcan be used as a calm
down tool. They can pitch the sand as hard as they want, or the feel of the cold marbles will help them relax.
Reflection:
I loved seeing the children explorethe sites of the beaches. Some may never get the chanceto see a beach, so it
warmed my heart being ableto bringthe beach to them. I loved when a child feltthe sand for the firsttime and
they have that smilefrom ear to ear. It justwarms your heart!
The children seemed to loveplayingtogether at their pretend beach. They talked about what they thought the
seashellsfeltlike,and if they could hear the sound of the ocean. If they couldn’t hear the sounds of the ocean,
they would toss a seashell asideand continueto find the one that had sound. But sadly there weren’t any that
made sounds.I do not think I would change anythingfor this activity.Itis great to see the children exploringand

2. usingtheir creative imaginations.Itwas likethey were really on a beach, playingin the sand with no worries or
cares in the world.It made me proud and go home at the end of the day happy!