Aquademics

Rainbow Fish

Objective:

The student will be able to create an original rainbow fish.

Materials Needed:

Blank piece of colored paper (1 per student)
Fish pattern (see Aquademics™ Art Worksheet #2)
Wiggle eyes (1 per student)
Colored stamp pads
Assorted colors of paint
Small sponge pieces
Assorted colors of construction paper (scraps are OK)
Assorted colors of tissue paper (scraps are OK)
Scissors (class set)
Glue or glue sticks (class set)
Copy of a fish book such as The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister or another book with very colorful fish

Activity:

Select one or more books with a short tropical fish story that can be read aloud. Also, have some pictures of colorful tropical fish on hand.

1. Have the students draw a fish on a blank piece of paper, or give each student a fish pattern (Aquademics™ Art Worksheet #2) and have them glue or trace their fish onto a piece of colored paper.

2. Have the students add features to their fish (eyes, mouth, fins). Give each student a wiggle eye to add to their fish.

3. Have the students add colorful scales to their fish by using their thumbs and a stamp pad, sponges and paint, and construction paper or tissue paper.

4. Have the students complete their picture by drawing a habitat around their fish.

5. Read a fish story aloud to the class. Ask the students if the fish in the story is like them in any way.

6. Invite students to write a new story about their rainbow fish and have them share these stories and pictures with the kindergarten students.

Result:

Students always gain a greater appreciation for both literature and art when the two can be combined for a more enriching learning experience. Encourage students to make a shoebox diorama in which to display their rainbow fish. The front can be covered with blue cellophane to look like an aquarium.