As part of our Ocean Themed Activities we needed to come up with a book inspired craft that my kids could do with little help from me so we read one of our favorite books, The Rainbow Fish. Then like many wonderful kids crafts start, we grabbed a paper plate and got creative. We figured out how to use a toilet paper roll to paint fish scales so our hands stayed relatively clean (oh ya!) and of course we added sparkly scales to make sure our paper plate fish looked beautiful!
The Rainbow Fish-affiliate link
is loved by my kids because when the fish with the sparkly scales learns that being the most beautiful is not important when it comes with the cost of hurting others, he gains a more valuable trait–friendship. Every time they hear the story it warms their hearts. They say, “That’s nice mommy that he is sharing!” When we are done reading we like to talk about things we can share with others.
Paper Plate Fish Craft
Pin me please! 🙂
Supplies:
Craft paint
Paint brush
Googly Eye
Glue
Craft paper
Scissors
Toilet paper roll
Directions:
Have child paint paper plate blue.
To make the scales cut a toilet paper roll in half lengthwise. The kids can now use it to dip and stamp into paint. I cut our tube in half one more time to make 4 stampers out of each toilet paper roll but you could leave them longer if you want to. My kids have little hands and don’t need much to grab onto.
Have child dip the cardboard tube into paint and stamp it on their fish to make the Rainbow Fish’s regular scales. I squirted paint into empty plastic lids for the kids to dip into. We used the orange paint to make mouths by squeezing the cardboard tube to make a tear drop shape. Set the paper plate aside to dry.
Have child glue on a googly eye and some circle sequins for the shiny scales.
Draw fins on the craft paper and have the child cut them out. As another option, kids could always draw their own fins for a more kid perfect touch to their craft.
Glue the fins onto the paper plate and let them dry. When the craft is ready hang them up to enjoy or let kids play with them. My kids took their fish on a swimming adventure around the house and then we read The Rainbow Fish with our fish craft close by.
See more: Ocean Themed Activities
See more: Book Inspired Activities
More Rainbow Fish Resources
Rainbow Fish Felt Figures for Flannelboard-affiliate link
The Rainbow Fish Finger Puppet-affiliate link
Rainbow Fish Finger Puppet Book-affiliate link
Unfinished Wood Fish Cutout Shapes-affiliate link
Wilton Fish Metal Cookie Cutter-affiliate link
Add to the fun with these great ideas!
[ess_grid alias=”Summer and 4th of July and Ocean”]
Thanks for crafting with us today. If you enjoyed this craft please pin & share it with others to inspire creativity too! Love, Katie & the Kiddos
How adorable! I’m loving all your ocean-themed ideas!