Goin’ on a Fishin’ Trip

Explore the wonderful world of fish as a class.  Set up an aquarium or fish bowl so children can watch how fish move, eat and breathe. Look at pictures of different fish, read books about fish and if possible visit a local fish hatchery, pet store or aquarium. Make a stuffed fish from paper and let the students paint their fish.

Take children on a fishing trip to a local lake or pond. Check out these simple tips for taking kids fishing to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone. If possible have a fish fry with fish they caught (have back-up store bought or previously caught fish).  Allow children to taste the fish they caught.  

Fishing Permit
People over the age of 16 need a license to fish. Invite students to create their own fishing license using index cards, crayons, and other materials they choose.

One Fish, Two Fish

Designate 2 students as ducks. The remaining students are fish. Fish are scattered throughout the pond. When the music begins the fish “swim” around the pond. The ducks waddle around trying to tag the fish. If a fish is tagged he/she becomes a duck and tries to tag the fish. When the music stops all fish must freeze. The ducks continue to waddle around trying to tag the frozen fish. If a frozen fish moves while the music is stopped, he/she becomes a duck. When the music starts again, fish begin to swim. Continue until 2 fish remain. You can repeat the game with the last 2 fish becoming the new ducks.

Gyotaku – Japanese Fish Printing

Materials: real head, fins, scales and tail-on fish or rubber fish replica, paint, paper or fabric, paintbrushes

Instructions: Paint a thin layer of paint onto fish or replica, gently lay fabric or paper over the fish, pat to get full shape, remove paper or fabric.  Allow to dry.  Enjoy your very own Gyotaku fish print!