Fish Theme and Activities


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Here are some basic theme ideas for helping preschool aged children learn about fish.

Fish Songs and Fingerplays

Fred the Fish (Tune: The Beverly Hillbillies)
Long time ago,
There lived a fish named Fred,
Made of many colors,
Yellow, blue and red.
He swam through the ocean,
Swimming wild and free,
Away from the fishermen,
They wanted him you see.
Fred-
He was-
Blue and red-
Wild and free!

I'm a Little Fishy (Tune: I'm a Little Tea Pot)
I'm a little fishy, watch me swim
Here is my tail, here is my fin,
When I want to have fun with my friends
I wiggle my tail an dive right in!

5 Little Fishes
5 little fishes swimming near the shore
1 took a dive and then there was 4

4 little fishes were swimming out to sea
One went for food and then there was 3

3 little fishes said now what should we do?
One swam away and then there were 2

2 little fishes we are having great fun
One took a plunge and then there was 1

1 little fish said I like the warm sun
Away she went and then there were none!

Fisherman's Ship
When I was one, I hurt my thumb
Going over the sea
I jumped aboard the fisherman's ship
And the Fisherman said to me...
Going over, going under
Stand at attention like a soldier
With a 1-2-3

When I was two, I tied my shoe
Going over the sea
I jumped aboard the fisherman's ship
And the Fisherman said to me...
Going over, going under
Stand at attention like a soldier
With a 1-2-3

When I was three, I hurt my knee, etc...
When I was four, I shut the door, etc...
When I was five, I learned to drive etc....

Fish Arts and Crafts

Rainbow Fish
After reading, "Rainbow Fish," a good activity to follow is to make fish out of foil and use bingo dobbers for the scales. - submitted by Facebook Fan Kim G.

Bubble Wrap
Cut out large fish shape on thick papaer. Have children dip pieces of bubble wrap into paint and make prints on the fish. It will give the effect of scales on their fish.

Paper Plate Fish
Cut a triangle out of a paper plate. Allow children to decorate paper plate with colored tissue paper, crayons, markers, torn up paper, etc. Glue a the triangle on the other side of the plate for the tail.

Fish Scene
Give each child a piece of blue construction paper. Provide a variety of materials, such as fish stickers, seaweed (grass), paint, crayons, markers, glitter, etc. Allow each child to use their imagination and create a pretty fish scene.

Fish Math and Science

Aquarium
Get an aquarium and fish for your room. Children love to watch and observe the fish.

Go Fishing!
Take them fishing! Make fishing poles out of sticks, pipe cleaner hooks, and find a pond! - submitted by Facebook Fan Jessica K.

Fish Prints
I took a fish that had been caught and not cleaned and let the kids use a paintbrush and paint it. I then some took it a step farther and laid a piece of paper on top of it, patted it lightly and then lifted the paper off...fish print...some even wanted to wash the fish for the next little person to use. - submitted by Facebook Fan Beth W.

Fish Sorting
Give children a handful of plastic fish or different colored fish crackers. Have them sort by color, size, shape, etc.

Fishing for Numbers
Tie string or yarn to a stick or dowel rod to make a fishing pole. Tie a strong magnet on the end. Make various fish shapes from construction paper and write a number on each fish. Laminate them, and add a paper clip by the mouth of each. Have children 'go fishing.' When they pull out a fish, ask them to say what number is on it.

Fishbowl Counting
Give children images of fishbowls with numbers on each bowl. Have them count out the correct number of fish (using fish crackers or fish counters) and place in fishbowl. You can use our Fishbowl printable for an example.

Fish Snacks

Let's Go Fishing
Give the kids pretzel sticks, a spoonful of peanut butter, and fish crackers. Have them dip their pretzel sticks into the peanut butter and then "catch" the fish crackers.

Jello Fish Cups
Follow directions on a package of blue jello to mix jello and water. Pour jello into clear plastic cups (one for each child). Have children place gummy fish or sharks in their cups. Refridgerate and Enjoy!

More Fish Fun Resources