Beach School

This week, at the beach, was damp but full of fun and learning! The children began in class, where they learned the beach rules and boundaries, discussed what to do if they saw something unfamiliar, and role-played how to respond safely if they encountered a dog. They also learned to identify three key shells they might find at the beach: mussels, cockles, and oysters, and the main task for the session was explained. The children were also introduced to two new words: tide and estuary.

We then ventured down to the beach, where the children learned the new names of the adults: Barnacle Britton, River Roberts, Shippy Sesniak, and Ahah Amponsah. After some boundary games, the children searched for “treasures” that were important to them and gathered around the tarpaulin to share their findings. Together, they discussed shells, slipper limpets, sea sponges, and sea glass.

The children then sorted their discoveries by drawing two circles and choosing their own categories (such as shells, stones, or types of shells). When Barnacle Britton posed a challenge about sorting items into more than two groups, one child suggested a brilliant solution: draw another circle!

We ended the session with a calm, mindful moment, listening to the birds and watching the clouds drift by — a peaceful close to a great outdoor learning experience.