Changes to the Environment

Thematic Unit Topic: Coral Reefs

Classroom Area: Dramatic Play Area
List the Items You Plan to Introduce and How Much The !ill Cost "a minimum o# $%:
&emem'er:
? The items should 'e sa#e( child)directed( encourage the use o# multiple intelligences and provide
opportunities #or sensor learning%*
The items should 'e reasona'l priced( a'le to 'e made ' the teacher or easil o'taina'le*
Tr to use o'+ects that are alread in the classroom in creative( new was*
Thin, a'out what items ou might o'tain through donations #rom #amil( local 'usiness( etc*
-* .each Attire "hats( sunglasses( empt sunscreen 'ottle% Cost: /ree
0* .each towels Cost: /ree
1* Um'rellas Cost: /ree
2* 3nor,el and goggles Cost: 4$*55
6* .each 'all Cost: 40*55
$* 7i##erent stu##ed a8uatic animals Cost: /ree( donation( or teacher made 46*55
9* /ish hats Cost: 46*55) teacher made
:* 7ried seaweed strings to hang around the dramatic pla area
;* Card'oard <ree#= roc, Cost: /ree) teacher made
-5* .lue <ocean water= rug or #loor covering Cost: /ree) teacher made
!hen will ou introduce these items> "At the 'eginning o# the thematic unit( throughout the unit ?
during a small group lesson plan( circle time%
I will introduce these items at the beginning of the thematic unit during circle time, to go through the different
objects and discuss.
Are there an <special= rules that the children need to #ollow when using these items>
There are not any secial rules aside from not to hurt one another with the items. I would li!e the children to
lay with the items freely and e"lore the uses and #ersatility of the items related to the theme.
!hat do ou hope the children to learn>
I hoe the children will learn more about how to be safe when #isiting the beach, how to rotect themsel#es
from the sun, how to wear different tyes of clothing, what animals they can find near a coral reef and how
objects can be used in different ways. I would li!e the children to e"lore the items and use them as they see fit,
but also understand the meaning behind the item. I would hoe the children would sociali$e and lay together,
de#elo their language s!ills and enhance their cogniti#e de#eloment.
!hat are some was that the children can <re#lect= on what the have learned>
Children can reflect on what they ha#e learned when we go o#er stories, other acti#ities and discussing coral
reefs. I hoe the children would interact and discuss with one another about coral reefs. I would also scaffold
children by as!ing them oen ended %uestions regarding the dramatic lay materials li!e, &'hat do you ut on
if you wanted to loo! at the fish underwater?( or, &'hat !ind of food do the fish eat?(.