Imitate Life

• Search the Internet or library for books with photos and drawings of seahorses. Display these pictures in the classroom. Sit with the children at the drawing table and study the seahorses. Point out the texture of their skin and their shape as you make a drawing of a seahorse. Encourage the children to draw pictures of seahorses, as well. Even young children draw remarkably well when given detailed instructions and examples.
  
  

Sculpt It

• After studying the drawings for several days, offer the children modeling clay. Show them how to roll the clay between their hands to make a thin, snake-like shape. Mold the clay into the shape of a seahorse and use tools to add details. Label and display the seahorses in a classroom exhibit.
  
  

Literacy Connections

• Read classic children's stories about the ocean, such as Leo Lionni's "Swimmy," and "A House For Hermit Crab," by Eric Carle. Take special notice of the artists' renditions of seahorses. Both Eric Carle and Leo Lionni use paint and collage to make intricate, child-like illustrations. Offer the children finger paint, and make seahorses using the techniques of these two artists.
  
  

Cut-Outs

• Cut seahorses out of construction paper ahead of time for each child. Provide paint and collage materials, such as jewels, pompoms and pipe cleaners. Allow the children to create seahorses in whatever manner they choose. Make a mural depicting the ocean and staple the seahorses to the mural, along with other sea animals.
  
  

Silly Seahorses

• For a silly seahorse concept, cut photos of real horses out of magazines or print them off the computer. Paint an ocean scene and let the children glue the horses to the mural. The children will find delight in the juxtaposition of real horses in an ocean setting.
  
  

Textures

• Make seahorse prints. Press a plastic seahorse into clay or plastic to make a print, or make a seahorse shape out of sponges. Dip the sponges in paint and place on construction paper to make a print.