Lesson Plan

Fish Eyes Lesson Plan

  • Grades: PreK–K, 1–2

Overview

Follow a reading of Lois Ehlert's book by fishing for numbers in this counting activity. This lesson is suitable for grades K-1.

Objective

Students will match quantities up to at least 10 with numerals and words (Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework).

Materials

  • Index cards (unlined)
  • A copy of Fish Eyes
  • markers
  • paper punches
  • black Sharpie marker
  • unsharpened pencils
  • string
  • paper clips
  • magnets
  • scissors
  • wading pool (optional)

Set Up and Prepare

Use the Sharpie marker to trace the outline of a fish on the index cards.  Write 1 through 10 on one side of the fish.  For example, one fish will have the number 1, another fish will have the number 2, etc.  Tie one end of the string to an unsharpened pencil, and the other end to a magnet.  Decide how many fishing poles to make, based on how many children you want "fishing" at once, or if you want to send a fishing pole home with your students.

Directions

  1. Have students use the markers to color the side of the fish that does not have the number written on it.
  2. Students can then use the scissors to cut out their fish.
  3. Help students to use a paper punch to create the same amount of holes as designated by the number written on their fish. For example, if their fish has 3 written on it, use the punch to make three holes, being careful not to punch the written number itself.
  4. Attach a paper clip to the fish.
  5. Place the fish in an empty wading pool, or create an imaginary pool using a rug, construction paper, or fabric.
  6. Point out that the number of spots, or holes, corresponds to the number written on the fish.
  7. Have students take turns "fishing" with their poles starting with the number 1.

Lesson Extensions

The paper fish can be used for graphing activities, or glued to a large sheet of paper to create a number chart.

It's sometimes helpful to have a bucket to put fish in as they're caught. That way students won't be distracted as others are fishing. If you laminate your fish, you can put them in the wading pool with some water.

Lois Ehlert has written a number of childrens books.  My kindergarten students enjoy learning about her during an author study.

Getting Personal With Loise Ehlert - Biography and Interview
http://www2.jsonline.com/lifestyle/parenting/mar03/ehlert0307.asp

Introducing Illustrators: Lois Ehlert - Guide to Web Resources
http://www.rif.org/art/illustrators/ehlert.mspx

  • Subjects:
    Counting and Numbers, Number Sense, Early Math
  • Duration:
    70 Mins
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