We’ve just come back from a little trip to the SeaLife Centre, one of Toby’s favourite places to visit. He literally loves it! It got me thinking, there are so many ways to teach kids about everything from science to basic preschool knowledge at the SeaLife Centre, without them ever even knowing it. I mean, you can be crafty about it yes?
So, a few things for new time you go to the SeaLife Centre (or indeed any other aquarium):
- Count the fish
Sounds daft and pointless but actually kids seem to get a right kick out of counting random things – similar to how we feel about counting the bottles of wine in our well-stocked fridge. If I ask Reuben to sit down and do some maths with me I’m met with the same foot dragging attitude that I feel when it’s time to do laundry, but if I casually drop in “Oh my goodness, what a busy tank. I wonder how many fish are in there, shall we count them?” He seems to have an abundance of mathematical know how. Go figure.
- Set a task
Ideal for children that like to explore, set them a task to find something out. If they can read his is an extra bonus but if they are Reuben’s age it might be something they will have to ask a member of staff. So the last time we went, I asked Reuben to find out as much about Penguins as he could. He, of course, wanted to share the information with his Dad as opposed to me, I’m boring you understand, but he did pick up a few bits and bobs like what penguins eat, that they can be aggressive and that the SeaLife has Humbolt penguins which are small and not fans of icy climates like you see in movies.
- Spot the colours
Colours are awesome at SeaWorld. They have this amazing array of fish and coral, you really can’t miss a single colour. It’s an ideal opportunity for toddlers to learn their colours, and for even younger ones like Edith to learn colour recognition such as “point the the blue fishy..” Etc.
- Learn about pollution
This is something the boys learnt about way back, it was always a big topic for the SeaLife sanctuary team, so we had a good ole chat with them about it and they have picked up a lot. It’s a good way to I still the old “don’t litter” philosophy, in the hope that they will remember it next time and shove that grotty, half eaten lollipop into the bin (or your hand…).
- Name the animals!
Did you know that animals make up a big part of the science curriculum for KS1? Well they do – it’s a huge part of science, from learning about environments that animals inhabit to learning about recognition of different animals and their wellbeing. It’s all in there, so if you go to a SeaLife Centre, take the chance to learn about different animals – from seals to otters – and how they are kept, their vulnerability status, if they are predators or prey… the list is endless!
So there you go, a few ways to keep up the learning when you’re visiting aquariums this summer!
H x
Really good ways to teach kids! Lol also gets your brain working as to how to teach them while there. We could all be educated while there too, I find sometimes we forget these things as we get older – I know I’d be learning all over again x
You right! There is so much that aquariums can teach us its insane. I think that count the fish would be a great game to play!
Aw I love this post, such cute photos too!
What a useful post, I’ll definitely think back to this next time we wander around the Sealife centre in Birmingham and I’m looking for some inspiration – thank you!
This looks like a really good day out, for kids and adults too
My word, these photos are gorgeous – it takes me back to being a kid exploring aquariums when I wanted to grow up to be a marine biologist… now I work in social media! It looks like you all had a lovely day!
We often rush round and never take time to really take it all in. We are visiting next week so thanks for the tips! Your photos are so gorgeous x
Great post we went to London sea life centre yesterday with Blake and so would love to go again. These ideas will be great to aid learning when my son Blake is a little older.
Sealife can be so interesting – such amazing variation between all the different creatures! Looks like a really fun place to learn 🙂
It is – we love it!
How innovative, so simple and yet so fun and effective. They say when it is fun, kids learn without even realising it.
Thanks hun x
My little girl absoloutly loves fish and anything to do with the under water world. We went to our local aquarium last year and she constantly talks about the fish she saw. The topic thay stood out to me that you mentioned is pollution, it’s something that isn’t taught about really and should be x
Oh it’s lovely isn’t it!?
This looks like a fantastic day out! I love anything animal related and can’t wait til my little one is Interested!
Me too!
Lovely post, it always amazes me how much the children learn when they are ‘having fun’ mine always astound me with how much knowledge they gain whilst we are out and about.
Thank you, yes I couldn’t agree more!
Perfect tips! I like how each way can also develop other abilities like counting and knowledge in science on sealife.
Thank you 🙂
I love the educational aspect of the visit. Lovely photos too. I really want to take my lot soon x
Ah thank you, yes do – I love that ours is on the coast line too!
We live near a Sea Life Centre and my children love going there. We get free passes all the time so they enjoy going and looking at the lovely fish and animals.
Yes we adore it!
I love sealife centres and we are really lucky in scotland to have quite a few to visit! Glad you had a fun day out 🙂
I really like trying new ones!
My dad used to take me to the sealife as a child and I have always been fascinated by the colours and have my own aquarium which I find really relaxing to sit and watch x
Colours are epic aren’t they?!
I love the Sealife Centres, and my children really used to enjoy them when they were younger. I will have to visit one again soon
Yes do!
These are such clever ideas – and make learning so fun it doesn’t seem like learning!
Thanks lovely xx
The sea life centre is a brilliant way to have fun and learn at the same time, I’m taking my little boy next week.
I agree!
Even as an adult I love the sealife centre. The one in Whitely bay is fab xxx
Ohhh if I’m ever near, I’ll try it!
The Sealife centre is one of those places my children are desperate to go to. I’d love to set up a ‘treasure hunt’ type activity where they have to spot such or such species. It would be so much fun!
It is so fun!
This is a great place for kids to explore and learn about the world around them.
I agree!
I always loved the sealife centre! My closest one is in Blackpool and keeping meaning to go back! Great for all ages!
Thanks lovely – yes go, it’s fab!
Some great games to play with the kids, everywhere can be inspirational and educational for kids x
Thanks doll xx
I have always loved the Sealife Centre, I want to go again soon!
Me too!
Lovely pics of you all enjoying the centre!
Thanks Claire xx
I love taking the kids out to sea life centres or the zoo and I totally agree that it is a great way to teach them things on the sly. I only wish they were cheaper so that we could visit more often! 🙂
Yes, it can get quite costly!
My Daughter used to love going to Sealife centres, there is always so much to learn, even as an adult and watching it all through their eyes is lovely. Looks like you had a great time x
Isn’t it just the best?
what a wonderful adventure for them all. I know my two still love the aquarium and this looks like an amazing one.
Yes, it’s so fun!
I love this, seeing children learn is fascinating! Your point about maths is spot on – children generally learn way better by “doing” than by anything you can sit down and go through on a piece of paper. It’s much more fun for you, too, I’m sure 😉
Thanks Jess!
Such a lovely post! My little brother is 3 and he loves aquariums and learning about the sea and various fish! x
Thanks Amy x
I’m jealous as your Sea Life looks so much better than our local one! But, we do love a good day out there and have so much fun. We have named the Sea Turtle there Trevor after my dad and my daughter loves to see if she can make a scarier face than the sharks xx
Haha Trevor! I love it!
Even as an adult I find the sealife Centre really educational! Love visiting them!
Me too! Can’t wait for Roo to be able to read better so that he read this stuff!
Great ideas. I suppose for slightly older kids they can continue learning by being helped to read the signs too.
Yes – so true!