Ocean Books for Elementary Students

One of the most fascinating and mysterious places on our planet is the ocean. In this blog post, I will be recommending some of my favorite ocean books for elementary students.

If are looking for fun and engaging ways to teach children about the ocean, you can also check my list of ocean activities for kids.

The ocean is home to diverse and incredible creatures, but unfortunately, it is also under threat from pollution and climate change. So keep reading because I am also providing 10 ways kids can protect the ocean and the animals that live there.

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10 Ways Kids Can Protect the Ocean

Before I give you the list of some great elementary ocean books, let’s first talk about ways that kids can protect the ocean and its animals. Here are 10 suggestions:

1. Reduce plastic use

Encourage kids to use reusable water bottles, straws, and bags instead of single-use plastic.

2. Participate in beach cleanups

Properly dispose of trash, especially when visiting the beach, and if you can, get involved in local beach cleanups to help keep the ocean and its shores clean.

3. Conserve water

Teach kids to conserve water by taking shorter showers and turning off the tap when brushing their teeth.

4. Eat sustainable seafood

Choose seafood that is sustainably sourced to help protect ocean animals. Avoid overfished species like sharks, rays, and chimeras to prevent their extinction.

5. Support ocean conservation organizations

Support organizations that work to protect the ocean and its inhabitants, such as Oceana or Blue Ocean Society.

6. Dispose of chemicals properly

Make sure to dispose of chemicals like oil, paint, and cleaners in a way that does not harm the ocean.

7. Be mindful of sunscreen

Choose sunscreen that is reef-safe, since certain chemicals can harm coral reefs.

8. Plant a garden

Planting a garden can help reduce runoff that contributes to ocean pollution.

9. Reduce energy use

Encourage kids to turn off lights and electronics when not in use to reduce energy consumption.

10. Spread the word

Talk to family and friends about ocean conservation and what they can do to protect the ocean and its animals.

Recommended Ocean Games for Kids

Time for some fun and educational games to play during your ocean lessons! Grab one of these games and get kids excited about learning about the ocean and the amazing sea creatures!

Ocean Bingo Next Move Games Reef Board Game (2nd Edition) | Ocean Themed Strategy Game | Abstract Pattern-Making Game | Family Game for Kids and Adults | Ages 8+ | 2 4 Players | Avg. Playtime 30-45 Mins | Made Sit Down! Dive Board Game – Unique Transparent Ocean Cards, Push Your Luck, Catch a Ride on a Sea Turtle or Dolphin – First to 23 Points Wins, 1-4 players, 20-30 mins, Ages 8+Ecosystem: Coral Reef – A Family Card Game About Ocean Animals, Habitats, and The Food Chain – Board Game for Kids 10+ – Family Fun – Science Classroom Game About Environments – Underwater Ecology Ocean-Opoly Monopoly Board Game Logic Roots Ocean Raiders Number Sequencing & Addition Game – Fun Math Board Game and STEM Toy for 5 – 7 Year Olds, Perfect Educational Gift for Kids (Boys & Girls), Home Schoolers, Kindergarten & Up

Recommended Ocean Activity Kits

Are you looking for ocean activities for kids but don’t want to worry about all the supplies? Check out these ocean-themed printables perfect for grades 1 to 3!

Junior Scientist Science Study: Ocean

Homeschooling will be exciting as kids learn all about the ocean with these fun worksheets. This printable pack has 73 pages of exciting fun facts about the ocean, illustrations and full-color pictures, coloring pages, and more!

Junior Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Continents and Oceans

Do you have kids who want to learn about different places? Travel around the world with your airline ticket and passport in hand to be transported around the world.

More Ocean Activities

Seahorse Worksheets
Ocean Toddler Activities
Ocean STEM Activities for Preschoolers
Ocean Activities for Elementary Kids
Ocean Science Activities
Ocean Crafts for Elementary Students
Ocean Themed Movies for Kids by Affordable Homeschooling
Ocean Animals Unit Study by 3 Boys and a Dog

Wish for a Fish: All About Sea Creatures

This Dr. Seuss book explores different sea creatures with the help of The Cat. There’s an index at the end for those just learning how to search things up!

Seashells by the Seashore

This book about seashells involves counting, as a little discovers what a seashell really is – an abandoned home of sea animals.

Tickly Octopus

For a silly bedtime story, try this one about the octopus who likes to tickle other sea creatures!

Ocean Animals for Kids

Explore the world of ocean animals with this book full of facts and beautiful pictures.

My First Book About the Oceans

Do you want to know how important oceans are to a large percentage of animals living on Earth? How about their role in determining the climate and weather? This book offers those interesting information, plus, pages to color!

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

If you have a visual learner, this book will be a great help during your homeschool ocean lesson.

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids:

Kids will definitely love learning something new about the ocean by reading this book!

Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day

If you want your kids to learn how to protect our environment, especially the oceans, you must grab this amazing book!

The Ocean Is Kind of a Big Deal

Help your kids understand how important oceans are and how they help human beings to survive.

Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean’s Biggest Secret

Do you want to know the ocean's biggest secret? You don't have to look further because you'll discover this in this very interesting ocean book.

Ocean Anatomy Activities for Kids: Fun, Hands-On Learning

Do you know that our oceans has different parts? And that they are working together to help organisms survive? Find out the answers to these and more with this ocean book that talks about the anatomy of our oceans.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Do you have a shark lover? This book is perfect! Find out a lot about sharks with the help of a brave ichthyologist, Eugene Clark, who dared to study these animals.

By reading ocean books and taking action to protect the ocean, kids can develop an appreciation and understanding of this amazing ecosystem. Let’s work together to ensure that the ocean remains a healthy and vibrant place for generations to come.

Now, grab the books from this ocean reading list for elementary-grade kids and start learning about the ocean.