Reception - Seaside

Children will explore the seaside through hands-on outdoor activities, from investigating sea creatures to creative play with sand and water. These engaging experiences deepen understanding of coastal geography, foster respect for marine life, and offer clear opportunities to extend learning through observation, discussion, and artistic expression.

Lesson Plans

Seaside outdoor enhancement plan

Go fishing, explore the ocean and deepen children’s respect for caring for our sealife with these enhancement ideas to add to your outdoor area. Each one provides new opportunities to deepen children’s learning about the geography of the seaside through outdoor play.

Lines of enquiry:

What makes the seaside special?
How do we take care of the seaside?
How do people enjoy themselves at the seaside?
What is it like at the seaside?

Seaside outdoor activity bank

Explore the seaside through outdoor learning and provide opportunities for your children to discover different sea creatures, investigate the artistic opportunities presented by damp sand and more! All key questions and extension activities are detailed to make sharing these ideas with other staff members simple!

Lines of enquiry:

Which animals live in the sea?
How is the seaside different from other places?
How can we make art at the beach?
What kinds of foods are traditional at the seaside?
What do I know about the seaside?

Reception Topic Planning Guidance

Use this guidance document alongside our planning to ensure you are able to use them in a way that works for your setting and get the most from the plans.

Before you get started

Safety and sustainability is super important!