The Playful Parent

This year’s Discovery Channel’s Shark Week swims onto television screens Sunday August 9^th. Just like these stealthy predators of the deep blue ocean, we’ve hunted down and tested out some awesome Shark Week activities. Take a bite out of summertime boredom and dive into Shark Week at home with these fun ideas!

Let’s start off by taking a moment to honor these amazing creatures. Did you know that sharks play a vital role in their ecosystem? While they are greatly feared, we should be more fearful of what would happen to the ocean if we lost sharks altogether. Shark week is meant to celebrate sharks, learn about them and find ways to protect them. The best way for young minds to learn and grow is to use different senses. So here are a few activities for all learning types.

JAW-SOME SHARK BOOKS

Duh-nuh…duh-nuh…duh-nuh, duh-nuh, duh-nuh! Look no farther, here are the top jaws-some shark books to take a bite out of. Have no fear if you aren’t able to get the book from the library or book store; I will include links to the read aloud books on video.

• Shark Lady: The Daring Tale of How Eugenie Clark Dove into History by Jess Keating Shark Lady Video Link
• Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman Misunderstood Shark Video Link
• Gilbert the great – Gilbert The Great Video Link
• If Sharks Disappeared video If Sharks Disappeared Video Link

FIN-TASTIC MOVIES

• Finding Nemo
• Shake Bait
• National Geographic: Journey to Shark Eden
• Sharks Tale
• Soul Surfer
• Discovery Channel Shark Week

SPLASHING GOOD FUN ACTIVITIES

• LEGO Shark
• Shark Fin Book Mark
• Shark Feed Sensory Bag
• Shark Teeth
• Toilet Roll Shark
• Shark Bite Game
• Discovery: Build A Shark Kit

TASTY TREATS TO TAKE A BITE OUT OF

• Dip and Shark Fin Chip
• Fishing Pole Treat
• Shark Snack Cups
• Shark Bait Ice Cream Float
• Shark Bait Popcorn
• Shark Popsicles
• Sharks Teeth

The Playful Parent is a free resource and non-profit that promotes learning through play! Hope everyone has a splashing good time with this years shark week!