10 – 12

Seashells

Activity

Seashells

What to do with this activity?

While you are at the seaside, collect shells and notice how beautiful they are. Some of the shells you find might still have a live animal inside. The shell is their protection. It's like a skeleton, only on the outside. If you find a living creature, have a good look at it and leave it where it is.

Bring home your collection of different types of empty sea shells. Learn to identify the common shells from around the Irish coastline. Find pictures and names of some common shells on the PDF link at the top right of this page. It's from a nature website called Buglife.

If your child shows an interest in marine life (things that live in the sea) make sure to encourage them. Have a look at this quiz from Sherkin Island Marine Station. Don't worry if they don't know all the answers. Use it as an opportunity to do some research with books or online. Don't forget, there are lots of books about every subject in the children's section of your local library.

 

  • Why am I doing this?

    It’s important to encourage whatever reading your child is doing at this age. Children have their own interests and hobbies so they will be more inclined to read information about these subjects. Having comics, papers or magazines around the house will make it easier for your child to get into reading. Your child might find it appealing to read online and you might like that the book can be read by an automated voice. E books can be looked at when you are on the move, making sure that your child is careful with your computer or phone.

  • How can I do more?

    Your child might like to read a section of the newspaper or a magazine – the sports, fashion or cooking sections - depending on their interests. They might like to read a short piece from a newspaper and underline facts with a pen and opinion with a pencil. You can then talk about the difference between fact and opinion (there are good examples in sports writing). Encourage your child to read instructions for mending bikes, building models and playing new games.

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