Washi Tape Starfish Craft

This is the perfect low mess summer craft, especially if a trip to the beach or local aquarium is on your to-do list. I like it because there is no threat of a huge glue explosion and let’s be honest some days even the most mess-tolerant teacher or parent just needs a break from the cleanup. The other thing I love about this starfish craft is that it is great for a wide range of ages, which makes it a perfect summer craft for families. The tape is easy to put on; you don’t even have to draw a starfish, I have a free printable all ready for you, although younger children will need help with the cutting at the end. For more beach activities check out this free sample thematic unit! 

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Gather your materials. You will need some washi tape, scissors, and this starfish outline <— click to print!

Add the tape. Children can make patterns or just a random design. It always turns out adorable!

When it’s all added hold the sheet up to the light of a window and follow the outline to cut.

Pretty cool right?

Ocean Books

Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae is a happy book full of rhymes about all sorts of sea creatures, including jellyfish. Each page has rhyming text that goes along with the animal. The text is long, and I usually skip some animals when I am using it in my classroom.  The book is cute, and the illustrations are bright and bold.

Secret Seahorse by Stella Blackstone is a fascinating and beautiful board book. The story follows a little seahorse that hides on each page as it makes its way along the ocean back to its family. The illustrations are felt, fabric, sequins and other fun and very beautiful hand-stitched creations. I am never ready for the next page because the present one has so much to look and marvel at. Kids like finding the seahorse on each page too!

A House for Hermit Crab  by Eric Carle is a book I have owned for many years. It offers so many learning opportunities for young readers and doesn’t lose any of the entertainment in trying too hard to teach. The hermit crab feels drab, and each month he asks different sea creatures to help decorate his shell. As the shell is getting more and more beautiful, it’s also getting more and more snug. This is a great book to read before a trip to an aquarium.

For more easy summer activities check out these science kits from Green Kids Crafts, June’s box fits along with this starfish craft and explores oceans! Click the image below to find out more; my kids have loved the activities we’ve done from Green Kids Crafts.