Under the Sea Dance Party

 

Children in a classroom stretching

 

Dive into movement with this ocean-themed gross motor game! Using illustrated ocean animal cards, movement accessories and instruments, invite children to move and groove like their favorite sea creatures. Wiggle, sway, glide and to the rhythm of the sea.

 

Ages/Grades

Toddler

Preschool

Early Elementary

 

Learning Domains

Physical Development / Gross Motor

Creative Arts

Language Development

Social-Emotional Development

Science & Nature

 

Materials:

Preparation

  • • Print and cut out the movement cards.
  • • Prepare an open space with room for children to spread out and move their bodies.
  • • Choose your music! Options might include playful, ocean-themed songs, beach-themed instrumental, or ambient tracks with waves crashing.
  • • Optional: Set the stage by reading books about sea creatures or watching a few moments of video of ocean life.
  • • Introduce the Under the Sea Movement Cards. Encourage children to name each sea creature and share connections, experiences, or facts.
  • • Discuss what each movement might look like or feel like. Set expectations for a fun and safe experience, encouraging children to give each other a big bubble of space as they move.

 

Ready, Set, Dance!

Activity Step 1Play music and invite a child to draw a card from the pile.

 

Activity Step 2Announce the animal and demonstrate the movement (e.g., “Wiggle like a jellyfish!”).

 

Activity Step 3Encourage everyone to join in and move like that creature.

 

Activity Step 4Rotate cards every 20–30 seconds to keep energy high and movements fresh.

 

Activity Step 5After introducing the cards and motions without accessories, consider adding scarves, ribbons, and instruments to keep the dance party going!

 

Variations:

Sea Creature Freeze! When the music starts, children can move and dance freely. When it’s paused, everyone must FREEZE and strike a pose to match the card displayed.

 

Engage Children in Conversation

  • Why do you think some sea creatures glide, and some dart?
  • What do you notice about how you feel when you’re moving gracefully or smoothly? What about when your body is moving more quickly, with shorter, choppier bursts?
  • If you could create a new ocean creature, how would it move? Why would that be helpful to that creature?
  • Have you seen (in person, video, or movie) the ocean when the water is very calm? What about when it’s very wavy? Do you think it feels different for the creatures that live there?

 

Extensions

  • Add scarves or ribbons to extend the motion.
  • Incorporate simple yoga poses like “Starfish Stretch” or “Octopus Reach.”
  • Introduce sea-themed instruments (e.g., ocean drum, shakers) for rhythm.

 

Modifications

  • For toddlers, simplify directions and move slowly with support.