I have rounded up some fun oyster shell crafts for kids. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more hands-on ideas.
Too, look at my page Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.
The oyster is a bottom dwelling creature. It filters sand in and out of its shell looking for food.
In the process of filtering sand, it produces a deposit of minerals that eventually turns into a pearl.

Too, oysters are a fun topic to study about in the summer along with doing the crafts I have listed below.
For example, here are some ideas for an oyster unit study or themed day.
Your child can describe the anatomy and ecological role of oysters and analyze oyster habitats and map where they live. Learn about filter feeding and understand how oyster reef habitats help the environment.
Next, look at some of these books about the group mollusks.
BOOKS ABOUT MOLLUSKS FOR KIDS
We prefer to read living books when we can find them.
Then add reference books as we can.
8 Books About Mollusks
Add some of these books to your home library or to your unit study for the day.
The book uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what mollusks are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. The beautifully detailed, realistic paintings of noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduce readers to a variety of mollusks—from the small garden snail to the giant Pacific octopus. An afterword provides more details about the animals in the book.
The giant squid is one of the most elusive creatures in the world. As large as whales, they hide beyond reach deep within the sea, forcing scientists to piece together their story from those clues they leave behind.An injured whale's ring-shaped scars indicate an encounter with a giant squid. A piece of beak broken off in the whale's belly; a flash of ink dispersed as a blinding defense to allow the squid to escape-- these fragments of proof were all we had . . . until a giant squid was finally filmed in its natural habitat only two years ago.In this beautiful and clever nonfiction picture book about the giant squid, Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann explore, both visually and poetically, this hidden creature's mysterious life.
A young snail's artistic trail inspires a whole class of children to be creative too!
"Brilliant illustrations and a short text invite an unnamed sleeping, pajama-clad child into a garden teeming with wildlife. The boy gradually shrinks until he is so small he experiences things as a snail would. The incredibly detailed drawings and the idea of shrinking to enter another world should capture children's imaginations
Escargot is an adorable French snail who only wants two things: 1) To be your favorite animal, and 2) To eat the delicious salad at the end of this book. Except this delicious salad has a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one―with a little help from you!―he realizes that it’s not so bad after all.
Here is the story Grandma tells one evening on her wide veranda steps. It has Michael and Hannah and the disappearing baby in it, a tigerish bird, raindrops like sacks of water, and the hugest apple you ever saw. Oh yes . . . and the Snail House. So gather round, climb up now into Grandma’s lap. Darkness is falling, the air is still, and the story is just about to begin.
A snail's life from the time it is hatched to the time it lays its own eggs.
A young snail dreams of having the biggest house—or shell—in the world. Then one day, his wise father tells him the story of another snail with the same dream. He grew and grew, adding bright colors and beautiful designs, until he found that his house came at a terrible cost. The young snail decides that a small, easy-to-carry shell might be best for a life of adventure and exploration.
Next, look at these mollusk activities for every age.
MOLLUSK ACTIVITIES FOR EVERY AGE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Learn the names and shapes of different mollusks
- Explore oyster shells with a magnifying glass
- Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink
- Talk about habitats and how oysters clean the ocean
- Learn How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Study the anatomy of an oyster.
- Explore food chains and ecosystems involving mollusks
- Discuss the environmental role of oyster reefs
- Don’t miss this Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
HIGH SCHOOL
- Dissect an oyster or study diagrams of internal systems
- Research the economic and ecological impact of oyster farming
- Investigate the chemistry of pearl formation
ALL AGES
Look through Julia Rothmans Ocean Anatomy and search for all the different types of mollusks inside.
Print and cut out images of different mollusks. Have students sort them into bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods, etc.
Older students can research what class each belongs to and describe its role in the ecosystem.

Finally, look at these oyster shell crafts for kids.
OYSTER SHELL CRAFTS FOR KIDS
- Easy Marbled Seashell Art for Kids
- Seashell Pearl Resist Art
- Paper Plate Oyster Craft Idea For Kids
- Tie Dye with Sharpies on Shells
- Salt dough shell mosaics
- How to make a Seashell Flower Necklace
- DIY Shell Planter
- Shell Letters – Alphabet Activity
- Playdough and Shells
- Seashell Mermaid Tiara
- DIY Salt Dough Seashell Pendants
- Shell candles
- Melted Crayon Seashells
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