Academy of Mt Juliet Blog

Our July theme is 'Ocean,' and our classes are humming with activities all about the ocean. Our preschool 1 class did an art activity with jellyfish. 

The benefits of art and learning about ocean creatures are endless. 

🎨 1. Develops Fine Motor Skills

Using paintbrushes, scissors, stickers (like gluing shells), or molding playdough helps strengthen hand‑eye coordination and dexterity, essential for writing, dressing, and daily self-care

🧠 2. Supports Cognitive & Problem-Solving Growth

Blending colors, cutting shapes, and planning a craft fosters critical thinking, pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and cause-and-effect reasoning

🗣️ 3. Boosts Language & Knowledge

Talking about sea animals—names like “octopus,” “coral,” and “tide pools”—builds vocabulary. Describing features ("tentacles," "shell") enhances communication and concept learning.

😌 4. Enhances Creativity & Imagination

Thematic projects, like creating paper plate fish or playdough sea creatures, open imaginative play. They combine creative art with narrative, encouraging story-building and pretend play

🧘 5. Supports Emotional Expression & Self-Regulation

Art gives preschoolers a non-verbal way to express and process emotions. Themed crafts can be soothing—sorting shells or painting waves is calming and helps manage big feelings

 

🧭 Integration Across Curriculum

Ocean art dovetails beautifully with other learning areas:

• Math: Counting tentacles, patterns, shapes.

• Science: Floating vs. sinking, marine biology.

• Language: Ocean-themed books and new vocabulary

 “Ocean” theme—and especially the jellyfish art—anchors a rich, multi‑disciplinary learning experience. Children not only engage creatively, but also refine motor skills, language, science understanding, social cooperation, and emotional insight—all while deepening their connection to the natural world.