Pond Activities and Centers for Preschool

Children love to learn about the watery world of ponds with these pond activities and centers. Turtles, ducks, tadpoles, mud, and more – it’s no wonder ponds are so attractive! While there is an advantage to having a pond close by, plenty of activities can happen in the classroom as well.

Outdoor Pond Activities

If possible, get outdoors for some great pond activities. Take a hike to a local pond for a scavenger hunt like the one found in the Pond Unit (day 8). Print out a few copies, attach them to clipboards, and include a crayon for keeping track. While looking around for nature’s treasures, watch for earthworms because these tiny decomposers are fascinating to watch. Remind the children to be gentle with the little squiggly creatures.

Books About Pond Activities

Reading engaging books is an excellent start to learning about ponds. Finger puppets and felt pieces for bulletin boards are a great way to enhance storytime by adding another level of engagement to the activity. Here are some favorite preschool books about ponds:

• Life in a Pond by Carol Lindeen
• Down by the Cool of the Pool by Tony Mitton
• In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming
• Life in a Pond by Allan Fowler
• In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
• Piggy and Dad Go Fishing by David Martin
• Rabbit! by Rodrigo Folguiera
• Beyond the Pond by Josephy Kuefler
• Pond Walk by Nany Elizabeth Wallace
• Turtle Splash! by Catheryn Falwell
• Are you a Dragonfly? by Judy Allen
• Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
• On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen
• Pond Babies by Catheryn Falwell

Circle Time Pond Activities

Circle time is a great place to participate in pond activities and centers.

• Memory games like “What’s Missing?” can be played with a tray of pond-related toys and a bandana. First, name the items with the children to ensure everyone knows what is on the tray. Next, the children hide their eyes while one object is removed. (The bandana is there to avoid anyone taking an unfair peek!) Finally, students take turns guessing which toy is missing.
• Sorting games, like a felt board or interactive bulletin board, are a fun way to distinguish where an animal lives. It’s also a fantastic way to build on prior knowledge, for example, if a farm unit is fresh in their minds from the week before!
• Create a classroom pond with a water bead sensory experience to keep the room buzzing with activity.

Pond Art in the Classroom

Plan an all-week pond mural activity to round out the perfect pond unit. Add to the murals each day to create a beautiful piece of art. Then, at the end of the week, add a photo of the student and ask them to tell you about the piece. Finally, write their words on the paper for an adorable finished product.

There are so many pond activities and centers to create the perfect unit about ponds. The hardest part will be finding the time to do them all!