O is for Ocean!
We love playing with ocean toys while we learn about the letter O!
- Use ocean toys like THESE, which come with a fun ocean mat, or dye rice blue to make an ocean sensory bin!
- Use acrylic ocean animals like THESE on the light table! I draw an O on a transparent sheet for my students to put the animals on.
O is for Oval!
Learn about ovals and practice cutting skills by cutting out an oval!
O is for Oatmeal!
*Make oatmeal: We loved making and eating oatmeal while learning about the letter O! I microwaved quick oats and water and then we added brown sugar and cinnamon. Yum!
O is for Octopus!
*Make this cute octopus craft out of the letter O!
*Learn fun facts about the octopus, we love watching fun videos about this animal. Here are a few:
- Three Hearts and Blue Blood: Octopuses have three hearts. Two pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body. Interestingly, their blood is blue, not red, because it’s copper-based (hemocyanin), which is more efficient for oxygen transport in cold, low-oxygen environments.
- Incredible Camouflage: Octopuses are masters of disguise! They can change the color and texture of their skin almost instantly, thanks to special cells called chromatophores (for color) and papillae (for texture). This helps them blend into their surroundings to avoid predators or sneak up on prey.
- Smart as a Whip: Octopuses are incredibly intelligent, with problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate mazes, open jars, and use tools. They have been known to escape from aquariums and even recognize individual humans.
- No Bones: Octopuses have no bones, which allows them to squeeze through any space that is large enough to fit their beak (their hard, sharp mouth). This flexibility makes them excellent escape artists.
- Jet Propulsion: Octopuses can move quickly through the water by using jet propulsion. They force water through a siphon, propelling themselves rapidly away from danger.
- Mimicry Masters: Some species, like the mimic octopus, can imitate the appearance and behavior of other animals—such as lionfish, flatfish, and even sea snakes—providing them with protection from predators.
- Regeneration: Octopuses can regenerate lost limbs, though it can take some time. Interestingly, their arms contain a large number of neurons, which means they can “think” and respond even without input from the brain.
- Ink for Defense: When threatened, octopuses release a cloud of ink, which confuses predators and allows them to escape. The ink also contains a compound that can temporarily dull a predator’s sense of smell and taste.
- Complex Vision: Octopuses have excellent vision, and their eyes are quite similar to human eyes in structure. However, their brains process visual information differently, allowing them to detect polarized light, which helps them see through the water and spot prey.
- Surprisingly Social: While octopuses are generally solitary creatures, some species, like the coconut octopus, can form loose social structures and display signs of cooperation in certain circumstances.
- Octopuses are often considered the most intelligent of all invertebrates, and they continue to captivate scientists and nature lovers alike with their remarkable abilities.
O is for Orange!
Make orange juice with a juicer or squeeze with a hand juicer, this is also a great fine-motor activity!
Alphabet Worksheets and Activities
Find alphabet activities, worksheets, games, and printables HERE!
Letter O books for preschoolers!
*This post includes affiliate links.
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