We have provided links to the books we recommend in this week’s theme. If you purchase via the links we may earn a small commission.

The Box Turtle Weekly Planner for Turtle Week

Slow down and dive into a week of learning inspired by one of nature’s most patient creatures! This Turtle Weekly Planner, inspired by The Box Turtle by Vanessa Roeder, invites preschoolers to explore the gentle world of turtles through hands-on play, creativity, and discovery.

Throughout the week, children will enjoy a variety of turtle-themed activities and crafts that encourage fine motor skills, creativity, and early learning concepts. From building adorable turtle crafts to exploring simple math and sensory play, each activity is designed to spark curiosity and make learning fun. You’ll also find engaging turtle songs to sing along with, helping little learners build language skills and rhythm in a playful way.

To keep the learning going, we’ve included a collection of turtle books perfect for storytime, along with links to additional creative ideas from around the web—giving you even more ways to extend the theme at home or in the classroom.

Whether you’re crafting, singing, reading, or exploring sensory play, this turtle-themed week is all about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and learning together—one small step at a time.

Book Overview: The Box Turtle

The Box Turtle by Vanessa Roeder is a sweet and thoughtful picture book that gently explores themes of self-acceptance and friendship. The story follows Terrance, a turtle born without a shell, who sets off on a humorous and heartfelt journey to find where he truly belongs. Along the way, children are introduced to big feelings like insecurity and confidence in a relatable, age-appropriate way.

With playful illustrations and a meaningful message, this book is a wonderful choice for preschoolers—helping spark conversations about being yourself and celebrating what makes each child unique.

Don’t have the book? You can listen to a Read Aloud of The Box Turtle on YouTube.

Turtle Songs for Preschoolers

Bring your turtle theme to life with music and virtual exploration! These engaging songs invite preschoolers to sing, move, and build language skills through fun, repetitive lyrics, while the virtual field trips introduce fascinating turtle facts in a simple, kid-friendly way.

Together, they create an interactive learning experience that helps children connect with turtles through sound, movement, and discovery—perfect for keeping little learners curious and engaged.

There Was a Little Turtle Song Lyric Video | The Kiboomers

Tiny Tim – I Had A Little Turtle | Ms Rachel

Preschool Learning about Turtles for Kids | FreeSchool Early Birds

Turtle Facts for Kids

Turtle Themed Schedule of Activities for Preschoolers

Each week we provide a simple plan of activities for you and your preschoolers to do together. Although we don’t have a strict schedule the one shown below works really well if you are planning a full week.

If not you can always carry out the activities on a single day or across a couple.

Turtle Weekly Planner for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Children will enjoy a variety of turtle-themed activities and crafts that encourage fine motor skills, creativity, and early learning concepts. From building adorable turtle crafts to exploring simple math and sensory play, each activity is designed to spark curiosity and make learning fun.

Creating a Turtle Sensory Bin has been a wonderful addition to our summer play time. Themed sensory bins create learning experiences in literacy,

You can also make this Turtle Sensory Jar.

Make this adorable and reusable Turtle Letter Matching Game for your preschooler.

Bring early addition to life with this fun turtle math craft! Students combine groups, practice counting, and create a display-ready project.

Looks easy but stacking turtles can be tricky with this Dr Suess inspired Yertle The Turtle STEM challenge activity for kids.

For some extra fun you can make these adorable Turtle Cookies with your child too.

Here’s a fun craft for kids!  Recycle an egg carton into some adorable turtles!!  

Want another idea for a turtle craft, explore the adorable Button Turtle Craft.

Turtle Books for Preschoolers

Dive into a cozy collection of turtle-themed stories that are perfect for preschool storytime! These gentle and engaging reads introduce children to friendship, patience, emotions, and the natural world—all through the slow-and-steady charm of turtles.

Whether you’re looking for calming bedtime stories, playful adventures, or nonfiction discoveries, this mix of books offers something special for every young reader while supporting early learning and meaningful conversations.