Part 1: Dive In! (Introduction - 15-20 minutes)

Let's start our seaside adventure! Ask your student: "What do you think is cool or interesting about the seaside? What kinds of animals do you imagine live where the land meets the ocean?"

After your discussion, watch a short, engaging video about seaside animals together. You can search for terms like "kids seaside animals," "tide pool creatures for kids," or "beach animal life documentary clip" on a child-safe video platform.

Part 2: Seaside Sleuth (Research & Discovery - 20-30 minutes)

Time to become animal detectives! We're going to investigate some amazing seaside creatures.

Focus on 3-5 of these animals (or others your student is interested in):

• Crab: How does its hard shell help it? What are its claws for?
• Starfish (Sea Star): How does it move? What's special about its arms?
• Seagull: How are its beak and wings suited for seaside life?
• Mussel or Clam: How do they protect themselves? How do they eat?
• Sandpiper: Look at its long legs and beak – how do these help it find food on the beach?

For each animal, help your student discover:

1. Where it specifically lives (e.g., sandy beach, rocky shore, in tide pools).
2. What it eats.
3. One amazing adaptation (a special feature or behavior) it has to survive there.

Use child-friendly websites (like National Geographic Kids, DK Find Out!, or Kiddle) or books. Encourage your student to take simple notes or make quick sketches of the animals and their adaptations.

Part 3: My Seaside World (Creative Habitat - 30-45 minutes)

Now, let's create a home for these fantastic animals! Your student can choose one of these options:

• Option A: Seaside Diorama: Use a shoebox or small cardboard box and craft supplies. Build a 3D model of a seaside habitat like a tide pool (with 'rocks,' 'water,' and maybe some 'seaweed') or a sandy beach. Think about where the animals would live, hide, or find food.
• Option B: Detailed Seaside Drawing: Create a large, colorful drawing of a seaside habitat. Show different zones like the sandy part, the water's edge, any rocks. Draw some of the animals living in their preferred spots.

Encourage them to think about what makes it a good home for seaside creatures and what important features their habitat needs.

Part 4: Star of the Shore (Animal Spotlight & Story - 20-30 minutes)

It's time for one animal to be the star! Ask your student to pick their favorite seaside animal they learned about or one they already love.

They will now create a short story about "A Day in the Life of [Their Animal's Name]". The story should imaginatively include:

• Where the animal lives (its habitat, based on their creation or research).
• What it does during the day (e.g., how it finds food, how it moves, if it hides from dangers, if it meets other animals).
• How it uses its special adaptation(s) in its daily life.

The student can write the story down, draw it as a comic strip, or prepare to tell it orally.

Part 5: Show and Tell! (Conclusion & Sharing - 10-15 minutes)

Time to share the amazing work!

1. Have your student present their seaside habitat model or drawing. Ask them to explain the different parts and why they included them.
2. Then, have them share their animal story. Encourage them to be expressive!

After sharing, discuss:

• What was the most surprising or interesting thing you learned today about seaside animals?
• Which seaside animal is your new favorite, and why?
• Why do you think it's important to protect seaside habitats?

Optional Extension: Design-A-Seaside-Critter!

If there's extra time and enthusiasm, let's get super creative!

Challenge your student to invent a brand-new seaside animal. They should:

1. Draw their creature.
2. Give it a unique name.
3. Describe its special adaptations for living by the sea (e.g., how it breathes, moves, eats, protects itself).
4. Explain what part of the seaside it lives in.