Divers Under the Sea Cloth Find Lost Fish
Half the class gently moves a large sheet that becomes the sea, and the other half belly-crawl underneath as divers to rescue paper fish lost on the ocean floor. Children practice crawling, finding their way under the sheet and cooperating between holders and divers.
How to play
- Spread the sheet on the floor, the teacher scatters fish underneath, and half the class stands around it holding the edge (2 min).
- The holders make gentle waves by lifting and lowering the sheet without letting go, while everyone sings “Waves, little waves, going up and down” (1 min).
- The divers crawl in underneath, grab one fish and crawl out to drop it on the shore (outside the sheet) (3 min).
- Switch roles: the divers hold the sheet and the others dive (3 min).
- Together, lift the sheet up high while the holders duck underneath and sit to make a cave (2 min).
- Lower the sheet slowly over your legs and breathe like calm fish (1 min).
Rules
- Holders don't let go of the sheet.
- Under the sea I crawl on my belly or on all fours, never standing up.
- I take one fish at a time and come out at the shore.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher holds the sheet with another adult, no waves, and everyone dives on hands and knees.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use gentle waves and belly crawling.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the fish are different colors and each diver rescues only the color the teacher names as they go in.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child makes waves holding the edge from a wheelchair, and friends bring fish to them to rescue.
- Visual impairment: the child dives holding a buddy's hand, and the fish have a texture so they can be found by touch.
- Autism or dislike of being covered: keep the sheet higher on that side and let the child dive only along the edge.
Learning goals
- Move by belly crawling and on all fours.
- Find their way under the sheet and back out.
- Cooperate by holding the sheet and looking out for the divers.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Parachute or large blue sheet: 1
- Laminated cardstock fish: 30
Teacher tip
Use a lightweight sheet that lets light through, and never lower it all the way onto the children underneath. Waves tend to get too wild, so the teacher sets the pace with the song.
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