SANFORD — On July 18, naturalists from the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH brought their unique travelling nature program with live animals right into Waban’s classrooms at the Fraser-Ford Child Development Center.

The pre-school children had a chance to see these treasures from the sea and learn how a sea star eats, where urchins live, how crabs and lobsters crawl and move, and why snails have a “trap door.” While some were more eager than others to reach out and touch the sea creatures, all were intrigued.

From classroom teacher Amy Knapp, “The students enjoyed the touch tanks and the presentation. They asked questions about where the animals live, what they eat, and how they move. One student was able to read the name of a certain type of snail written on the presentation board!”
 
The presence of the live creatures offered more than just a chance to see something fun, Knapp pointed out.

“While interacting with their classmates and the inhabitants of the tanks, they worked on social skills, such as sharing and maintaining space, and coping skills when feeling a little uneasy about handling the animals they had never seen in person before,” said Knapp.
 
The Seacoast Science Center is one of several different groups that come to the Fraser-Ford Child Development Center, offering the children many opportunities to meet and touch local animals, birds, ducks, therapy dogs, sea creatures, puppets, fire trucks, and more, enriching each child’s therapy and education with new experiences.

Learn more about the Fraser-Ford Child Development Center at waban.org.