Turtles

Turtles are such interesting creatures to watch. They enjoy the summer much as we do - enjoying the sun and taking a dip in the water! Children are always fascinated with the turtle's ability to pull their head in underneath their bodies for protection. The sea turtles' treks onto the beach to lay eggs in the sand and then leave the eggs to hatch and the baby turtles to follow the moon to find their way back to the ocean is fascinating. 

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss stories growing up was Yertle the Turtle. It begins "On the far-away Island of Sala-ma-Sond, Yertle the Turtle was king of the pond," and ends with "And the turtles, of course....all the turtles are free, As turtles, and, maybe, all creatures should be." A great lesson after a great adventure.

Other turtle stories to check out:

Charlie the Brave Little Turtle by Mary Lu Stary

Good Night Little Turtle by David Cuncliffe

The Classic Treasury of Aesop's Fables by Aesop
The Box Turtle by Vanessa Roeder
Little Turtle by First Friends
One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies
Truman by Jean Reidy
The Foolish Tortoise by Eric Carle and Richard Buckley
I'll Follow the Moon by Stephanie Lisa Tara
Turtle Splash! Countdown at the Pond by Cathryn Falwell
Mossy by Jan Brett

For preschoolers and older children who want to learn more about turtles, the The Brave Turtle  is used on this You Tube video to teach about turtles.

Here is an easy TURTLE CRAFT to create turtles your children can use for creative play:

• An adult should cut an egg carton apart so each cup is separated. These will be the turtle shells.
• Paint each "hump" green or any color you want! 
• Add a pom pom for a head.
• Use a small square piece of paper  to cut the underside and legs. 
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• Glue the turtle body to the leg piece to finish your turtle.
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