Atlantis: Educational Activities and Games for 2 to 5 Year Olds

Let's face it, kids love movies, but it's been proven that they should watch no more than 2 hours of TV a day. So why not combine their love of a movie and activities that will help them learn and grow? Following are suggestions for the movie Atlantis released in 2001. These activities would also work well for preschool classes and party games for this age group.

Watch the movie

Let your kids watch the show while you prepare the activities for the rest of the day or attend to other responsibilities.

Rhyme Activity

Teach your child this rhyme.

I like Silver

I like silver.
I like brass.
I like looking
In the looking glass.

I like rubies.
I like pearls
I like wearing
My hair in curls.

Read a Book

There are a lot of incredible books available to go along with the movie Atlantis. Pick one you think your child would enjoy and involve them while you are reading. Ask them questions about the pictures and story. Following are a few suggestions of books to read.

* Atlantis: The Legend of the Lost City by Christina Balit
* Super Submarines (Amazing Machines) by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker
* Un, Deux, Trois: First French Rhymes (Book & CD) by Opal Dunn and Patrice Aggs
* Archaeologists Dig for Clues (Let's-Read-and-Find... Science 2) by Kate Duke

Take a Trip

Milo worked in a museum and then becomes an explorer. If you have a museum nearby that you can visit call and find out if they have a free day (most museums have one once a month or once a week). Go to the museum and point out different things that come from different times and cultures. Don't expect your child to be able to stay too long, keep things moving. That's why it is best to go on a free day.

Buried Treasure Game

You will need a small box, a large box or other container, some "treasures" such as wrapped candies or small toys, and shredded paper. Hide the box. Talk to your child about what an archeologist is. Tell them that archeologists often have clues from old records or legends that help them know where something is. Give your child clues to finding their own treasure. Once they have found it tell them that they have to "dig" for their treasure. Help them open the second box and enjoy their treasure.