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Big fish to small fry FIFTEEN toddlers wander about a Waikiki Aquarium classroom trying to get their hands on the stuffed toy replicas of sea creatures, colorful octopus puppets and a giant sea turtle shell.
The aquarium's Small Fry
program helps toddlers get
their feet wet on ocean lifeBy Nancy Arcayna
Special to the Star-BulletinRather than trying to grab them in turn, the staff allows them freedom to explore.
"We don't expect the children to be perfect," says Mark Heckman, program director. "We try to keep things pretty short so we can be fairly successful.
"For some kids, it will be their first socialization experience, while others are more advanced."
Then Heckman starts singing, leading the children in dance to the "Welcome to the Aquarium" song that starts off the day.
The aquarium's Small Fry Program is geared for children ages 1-3, and their parents or guardians. It allows children to gain marine education in an age-appropriate setting. Colors, vocabulary and art enhance the discussion.It's a full sensory experience. All of the keiki get to feel and smell a piece of seaweed, for example. Then they are shown pictures or models of the creatures they will study. At this age, repetition seems to be the key to learning.
"The theme of the program is really for the adults," Heckman says. "The kids would be happy doing the same thing over and over. It's almost like Teletubbies, you have to do everything twice."
The aquarium staff writes the lyrics to common tunes the children are likely to know.
"That way they just need to learn the lyrics," says Heckman. The "Limu Song" sung to the music of "I'm a Little Teapot," definitely caught the children's attention.
Some may believe age 1 is too young for the children to be expected to retain the information after they leave, but Heckman says this is not the case.
"I hear reports from parents that the kids sing the welcome song all the way home until the adults get tired of it," he says.It's also common for parents to return each year. A year later, Heckman says, the children are able to identify corals and animals introduced in prior classes.
"I've heard some children say, 'The octopus is hiding' or 'the fish is still because it is waiting for his food,' displaying that they have learned the animal's behaviors.
"Also, kids at this age aren't afraid of big words and can use language eloquently," he said.
The five-week sessions are meant to cover a range of educational material with new vocabulary for the youngsters to soak in. Number and color recognition helps them to progress academically. And music and art allow them to express themselves.
"Children and parents are learning together, showing the kids that it is important to be a lifelong learners," says Heckman.
June Yuh brought her 1-year-old twin boys, Christian and Nicholas, to the program to provide them with more social skills. "We live in a small condo and the wide open space allows them to be more active. If they only learn new words like 'fish,' I'll be happy," she says.
A snack of cookies and juice on the grassy area provides a spot for a burst of energy. Chasing birds and exploring the gardens are favored activities. The youngsters also get hand stamps featuring the likenesses of creatures they learned about that day, such as the surgeonfish, sea turtle and sea urchins.
Nicholas Yuh cries at the sight of the urchin stamp on his arm.
"I understand. I look at my own tattoos sometimes and it scares me too," Heckman assures him.
Amita Jhaverti attended the program with her 2-year-old son Tejas. She, like many of the parents, wants to give Tejas exposure to a stimulating setting with other kids around.
"They always love to interact with other children," she said. "They are like sponges and just soak up information. At this age, they are having a verbal explosion and are interested in everything and just beginning to put things together."
Next on the schedule is the turtle costume craft time.
"If you even get kids these ages to put the crayon on the paper, it's an accomplishment," says Heckman.
With caps on their heads and shells taped to their backs, the children are transformed into turtles, getting into their new roles by flapping their flippers and singing the "Sea Turtle Song."
Additional events at the Waikiki Aquarium follow. All classes require advance registration. Classes fill up quickly because seating is limited. Wait lists may be available. Call 923-9741. More events
"Aquarium After Dark": A flashlight tour of the aquarium featuring an informative presentation on the night ecology of the reef. Runs 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and Dec. 29. Cost: $7 adults, $6 children.
"Exploring the Reef at Night": Wade up to your knees and learn about the reef's "night shift." Safety and conservation are covered for the protection of both the reef and the participants. Youngsters must be at least 5. Runs 7 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and 24; 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9; 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and Jan. 6. Cost: $10 adult, $8 children.
"Evening Beach Walk": Learn about the history of waves, beaches and Waikiki during an evening stroll. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. Runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 29. Cost: $6 adults, $5 children.
"Gifts From the Sea" Workshop: Learn the Asian art of "gyotaku," capturing a fish form on paper or fabric with inks and paints. For adults and families; minimum age 5. Runs 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 12. Cost: $25 adults, $15 children.
"Seadragon Overnight": Sleep with the seadragons and learn about their seahorse and pipefish relatives through arts, crafts, stories and activities. Runs 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Oct. 13. For adults and families; minimum age 5. Cost: $20 adults; $16 children.
'Small' facts
What: Small Fry Program
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calendars and events.
