Our homeschool co-op has ended for this school year but we are still doing math, reading and grammar. We went from schooling all day to a lighter schedule which has left us room for more art projects which is right up my daughter’s alley.
This summer we will be reading several books and accompanying them with a craft. I believe reading and doing a craft that accompanies a book is a great incentive to get kids to read. A few weeks ago we did a craft that accompanied one of our favorite books; Rainbow Fish.
This craft is super easy and only a few materials are needed. I did this craft with my 5, 7 and 9 year old kids. My 5 and 7 year old needed a bit of help while my 9 year old daughter was able to practically do the entire craft on her own.
Materials:
White Card Stock
Colored Card Stock
Markers, Glue Stick, Scissors
First print this fish template on the white card stock and then cut the fish out. Next cut the rainbow colored card stock into 1/2 strips. Then fold the fish cut out in half and cut slits in the body of the fish about 4 inches wide. We cut about 5-6 slits. With the strips of paper start weaving in and out. Each row we alternated, one starting at the top, the next row started weaving under. Once the weaving is completed cut the extra strips of paper on the top of the fish and below the fish on an angle to make them look like fins. Glue the strips of paper in place because trust me they will fall out if you do not. Then with a marker make eyes and a mouth. My girls added “bling” to their fish by cutting out small pieces of paper and coloring the fish. While my son only weaved the strips on the fish.
This craft took all about 30 minutes but could take longer depending how much more you decide to add it it. You can modify it for younger kids as well. What books are your kids reading this summer? Why not add a craft with it?
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This is adorable! My youngest is getting to the age where she loves hands-on activities like these – and they strengthen so many motor skills!
This is really cute. I’m always looking for things to do with the kids when they’re bored. This will be perfect. Thanks for sharing.
That is ADORABLE! My niece is obsessed with anything tropical and having a “tropical” 4th birthday this year. I bet she will LOVE doing these with her friends! Thanks!
This is such a great one to pair with the book. It sounds simple enough and the fish will be great decorations.
This is a great summer enrichment activity for my son and I. I will have to save this for next month!
I think accompanying a book with a craft is a great idea. This is such a cute craft.
Oh so cute!!
This craft teaches so many different things.
I promise you… this will hang on the grandparent’s fridge for years!!
Such an adorable craft! This would be perfect for a children’s birthday party.
This is sooo adorable!. I’m always looking for things to do with my nephews! Thank you for sharing it!
I remember making something similar in school. I think it was a place mat and I got lazy halfway through and my strips got further and further apart.
This is really cute! Such a cute craft for kids!
My daughter would have loved to make this when she was younger. We had rainbow fish everything!!!
I remember this book and reading it as a kid. What a great craft this is to go with it
I love when you can accompany reading with crafting.. I posted a similar post like this but it’s a roundup of fish crafts for the kids. 🙂