Visiting the Beach

Here are a number of ideas for activities to try when you are exploring the beach / seaside.

• Sketching – Ask the children to sketch different things that they have found on the beach / at the seaside.
• Alphabet Hunting – Try to find items which begin with each letter of the alphabet. These could be recorded with written notes, sketches, photographs, videos or a collection of items which are safe to pick up and bring back to school (see Resources below).
• Beach Photography – Show the children how to use digital cameras and ask them to take the perfect beach photos. These could be used as part of posters / persuasive leaflets when you return to school.
• Beach reports – Use voice recorders / microphones to record an audio report about the beach visit. These could also be used to record sounds that can be heard at the seaside.
• Listen to the sounds that you can hear at the beach. How are these similar / different to those that you might hear around school / at home?
• Animals and plants – Make a list of the animals / plants that you might find at and around the beach.
• Carry out a litter survey. Discuss how we can help to reduce the amount of rubbish left on the beach.
• Interview local residents and visitors. What do they think about the beach? How could it be improved?
• Sandcastle competition – Have a sandcastle building competition… which individual / team will make the ‘best’ sandcastle. Prizes could be awarded for best team, best design, most imaginative castle etc.
• Beach Treasure Hunt – Challenge the children to find particular items on the beach. Make sure that the items on your list are actually there before they start!
• Shape Hunting – Ask pupils to try and spot things that are different shapes (see Resources below).
• Beach Photo Hunt – Before the visit, take some digital photos of things on / around the beach. Print these, save them on a mobile device, and challenge children to find them when they visit the area.
• Rockpooling – This can be a really exciting and enjoyable activity if you have the equipment and adult support.

If you have any of your own ideas, please leave a comment below. Thanks!