Making Waves in Learning: Ocean Math Games, Tracing Fun & a Splashy Freebie

Hi friends! 

I’ve been working on a few fun updates and ideas that I couldn’t wait to share with you—perfect for keeping your learners engaged while sneaking in meaningful skill practice.

🐙 Math Idea: Partner Play with Octopus Mats

Try this simple, hands-on partner game using the Octopus Eight Play Mats! 

• Each player gets 8 shapes and takes turns covering dot patterns on the ocean mat. 
• As you play, keep a running total by adding the 1–4 “water bubbles” each turn. 
• Once all 16 spaces are covered, compare totals—who has the largest number?

It’s such a fun way to build number sense, addition skills, and collaboration!

You can find the play mats here.

🌊 Ocean Tracing Page Glow Up

I’ve added a few new friends to our ocean tracing set—an eel, a manatee, and some coral! There’s also an octopus ready to trace, of course. Just a little extra value to keep things fresh and engaging for your learners.

🐶 Tracing + Shapes = Learning Fun

If your students love combining creativity with skill-building, take a peek at the Shape Puppy Tracing Pages. They’re a sweet way to reinforce 2D shapes while practicing fine motor skills.

🎁 A Freebie Just for You!

I’d love to share a free Swimming Shape Puppy coloring page with you over at the Pond Coloring Club! It’s a fun little addition to your centers or early finisher activities:

We’ve also added some adorable new pages lately—think delicious muffins, sweet little hens, and bright rainbow cars. If you haven’t joined yet, the Pond Coloring Club is full of cheerful resources to sprinkle throughout your year.

Thanks so much for being here and for all the ways you support and inspire what I create. Wishing you a wonderful start to your week—and as always, I’m here if I can help in any way 💛