A preschool pirate theme is perfect for summer camps! Of course, every kiddo I know would love these pirate activities at any point during the year.
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Get Ready for a Preschool Pirate Theme, Me Hearties!
More than 15 ideas and activities for a preschool pirate theme. I’d love to hear about some of your favorites in the comments below.
READ BOOKS ABOUT PIRATES.
It’s a great way to set the stage for pirate fun and learning. Check out 10 of our favorite pirate books!
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MAKE A PIRATE EYE PATCH.
This doesn’t have to be anything fancy . . . remember, pirates are pretty no nonsense characters! My preschoolers and I cut a “patch” out of black foam, then stapled black yarn to the foam. I helped them tie the yarn in a knot, with the patch over one of their eyes.
CREATE SUNKEN TREASURE DISCOVERY BOTTLES.
The children can explore science and sensory concepts while having a blast. We created our treasure bottles two different ways, and I love how they both turned out. Be sure to ask the kiddos about where they found their treasure! That makes for some great imaginative story telling and vocabulary.
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CRAFT GOLDEN DOUBLOONS.
Little pirates will have a blast making their own gold coins out of salt dough like Twodaloo. So many math games and activities could be played with the pirates’ gold coins!
GO ON A TREASURE HUNT!
Prior to looking for treasure, make a treasure map with the kids.
COMMEMORATE THE PRESCHOOL PIRATE THEME WITH HAND PRINT ART.
Yes, I’m a sucker for hand print art! So it’s no surprise that I love The Kindergarten Smorgasbord’s hand print pirate.
FIND THE PIRATES’ LOOT IN “EXPLODING” TREASURE CHESTS.
Lots of science and sensory fun with this activity! It was, by far, the favorite activity the preschool’s pirate summer camp. We ran out of treasure chests before the kiddos’ interest ran out.
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WALK THE PLANK!
We simply set up a large wooden plank between two crates. Underneath the crates, we placed a blue plastic table cloth. The children took turns “walking the plank” and avoiding the shark-infested waters. For the younger kids, the plank was placed across the “water” (without the use of the crates).
MAKE AND CREATE WITH PLAY DOUGH ANY PIRATE WOULD LOVE.
I am definitely going to try out Fantastic Fun and Learning’s gold play dough with my little pirates soon!
WRITE A BOOK ABOUT PIRATES.
Have the children create their own pirate ships or draw themselves as pirates. Depending on their levels, the kids can then dictate or write a story about themselves as pirates!
LET THE CHILDREN DISCOVER PIRATE SENSORY BINS.
These hands-on bins are great for those summer days when you can’t go outside!
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BUILD A PIRATE SHIP TO SAIL!
My preschoolers and I used basic cardboard boxes and decorated them with markers. You could also use a toy bucket like Learn with Play at Home, or even a laundry basket like Inner Child Fun. Just add a little imagination and you’re sailing the Seven Seas!
MAKE A PIRATE TELESCOPE.
We used a simple cardboard tube decorated with pirate-themed duct tape. Hands On As We Grow used different recycled materials and tape to create her telescope.
DON’T FORGET THE PIRATE GRUB!
We had goldfish crackers, of course, as well as delicious “pirate jello” (complete with pirate flags). I soooo want to make these banana pirates too, one day!
BREAK OUT THE GOLD COINS
Choose from 20 different activities with gold coins, and let little pirates go nuts with their treasure.
MAKE GOLD SLIME
What pirate wouldn’t love making and playing with slime that reminds them of their pirate loot? Add some gold coins for even more fun.
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Have you ever taught a preschool pirate theme? I’d love to hear more about it, and feel free to share pictures on Fun-A-Day’s Facebook wall!
Preschool Pirate Lesson Plans
Save time and get right to the playful learning with our printable lesson plan sets. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.
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Grab the plans here >>> Preschool Classroom | Home Preschool
Originally published May 14, 2014
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