“Nanny, I found some sea glass!” exclaimed my grandson as he and his pal explored the seashore.

Jim and I had come to this beach on the Atlantic coast for a day trip with friends and brought along our grandson and grand nephew.  Shells and sea glass abounded at this cove.

We’d never collected sea glass before so were fascinated by the glass of various colors that had been tumbled smooth by the action of the ocean and sand.

What is sea glass?

It starts out as broken glass that somehow (accidentally or deliberately) was tossed into the ocean.  Wave and sand action eventually smoothed it until it resembles gems in many cases.

Some people make it into jewelry.  Others use it for crafts.  Still more place the sea glass into glass containers for decoration and lamp bases.

Searching for sea glass and the related ocean beach activities provide a day of adventure for young and older.  We had to ride by ferry to reach the island where we enjoyed our explorations and a picnic lunch.

In my curiosity to learn more about sea or beach glass, I discovered the North American Sea Glass Association.  Here you can learn more about sea glass and activities organized by collectors.  There’s even a newsletter.

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

The Fascination of Sea Glass at Ocean Beaches

A day at the beach, building sand castles, swimming midst ocean waves, collecting shells, taking a picnic to the lighthouse,  and basking in the salty air was a highlight in my childhood.  We lived inland, so when we visited my aunt and uncle near the Atlantic Ocean, this was a joyous occasion that lives in my memories.

What can we learn about the beach as we explore in the nautical world? 

Let’s find some books to read aloud or a mystery that requires a large chair for curling up.  There are science and nature books that give us knowledge about what we see, hear, and experience on a trek to the beach.

Does anyone have favorites?  Here are some suggestions:

• Curious George Goes to the Beach
• My Very First Day at the Beach Coloring Book
• Nate the Great and the Boring Beach Bag
• Antler Bone & Shell Artifacts Identification Guide
• Pure Sea Glass :  Discovering Nature’s Vanishing Gems

Share your beach books with us!

Related Post: Camp Weary Parent Kicking Off Beach Week (You’ll discover a good recipe for sand castles!)

Camp Weary Parent Page

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

The Beach – The Theme at One Book Two Book & Camp Weary Parent