Book: The Rainbow Fish

I teach computer to classes in a K-2 setting. During my orientation I read the book "Rainbow Fish" and discuss how special and unique every person is.

I precut a very large fish (2 cut outs) and stapled him together. Each class helped stuff the fish after we read the book. By the end of the day, he was stuffed.

The following day I discussed the wonders of being special and unique incorporating rules of expectation for the class. At the end of the class I gave each student a torn piece of construction paper...their scale (one color per class). They wrote their name on the pretend scale and we taped it to the fish. One child received a special shiny scale (aluminum foil) to tape to the fish representing their class. You will need to establish how you will choose the student.

After every class had taped their scale to the fish, we hung our very large fish in the computer room. He was caught in a net which hung from the ceiling.

We used a fishing pole for our lessons of reading, math, and language. We "fished" each day for a different lesson.

The kids loved this activity.

I have used the Big Book The Rainbow Fish for the last few years.

[I photocopy] a fish on cardstock. It has scales drawn on it. I cut out one from each photocopy. The chidlren colour in all the fish. Where the scale is missing we sticky tape coloured contact or you could use tissue paper etc. The contact is shiny. They look lovely against a sea background. To make a sea background use the plastic wrapping that is found around photo frames or used in packing. Roll blue paint over it. Lie a piece of paper over the top and just press. It gives the look of water. This year I made a large whale and we rolled up coloured crepe paper and glued on.

I have a fun art project for Rainbow fish. Using a fish shape on tagboard, cover the shape with 'fruity pebbles cereal'. My kids went so far as to make a 'rainbow' with each color. Then use white glitter or silver sequins for the glittering effect. We also made confetti cupcakes(the ones with sprinkles). I do this during the summer reading program with first graders. Have fun. It sounds like a great theme.

After reading the book we discussed what it was that made people good friends to others and why it is important to share and be a good friend.

On the wall I put a big outline of a fish that I had painted and cut out to look exactly like the rainbow fish. Then we cut out scales using only the colours stipulated inthe book (from memory I think they were blue green and purple). I also cut out silver ones from aluminium paper.

Then each student was given two scales of differnet colours. On one they had to write why they were a good friend and on another why it is impirtant to share. Then we staple gunned them on the bulletin board to the fish so that it was covered with our 'sharing' scales. It looked awesome when finished and really very very easy to do. Even if in order to get the same size scales you print lots of circles onto coloured card through your printer and get the studetns to cut them out. Make sure when you have stapled the scales to the fish that you can read most of the words written on them.

Here's an idea to use with the story The Rainbow Fish. You will need paper lunch sacks, glue, markers/or crayons, newspaper, foil or metallic gift wrap, construction paper scraps, and rubberbands. Glue the closed end of the lunch sack into a point. Have the children color the bag, and add eyes and fins with construction paper. Stuff the sack with newspaper, rubberband the open end and flare it out to make a tail. Give each child one foil circle ("scale") to glue on their bag. (Rainbow Fish has shared his scales with each of them!)

The Rainbow Fish is all about sharing.
So the children could write:
What are some things you share with your friends?
When a friend does not share how do you feel?
If you were to change the ending to the story what would you do?
The children could add to a chart about ways you could share. I hope this was helpful. Michelle

I used this activity when doing the "Rainbow Fish". Each student was given a fish pattern (I found one in a Mailbox mag) and gills (half circles) cut out from construction paper. On each gill they wrote one quality they look for in a friend. The gills were then glued onto the fish pattern. Maybe they could write a story afterwards using their fish as a character? Hope this helps a little.

We did Rainbow Fish in Kindergarten with our ocean unit. For an art activity we cut a section out of a paper plate (like cutting a slice of pie). We used that piece that we cut out as the tail and glued it on. Then, the class used bingo dots to decorate their fish. Finally, using small pieces of foil, the students glued them on. Don't forget the eye.
Also, we discussed and made a list of what being a "friend" meant.
Hope this helps!

Paper bag puppets are so easy. Lots of patterns are available at the teacher stores. Also Rainbow Fish---give them a small fish pattern and everyone at their table a different color of tissue squares so the have to trade with a friend to get lots of colors on their fish. I have aluminum foil squares to share with them so everyone gets one shiny scale from me. Hope this helps!

One idea I had real quick was "Rainbow Fish". Story has lots to talk about sharing and friendship. Give everyone one color of paper strips, each person has a different color. Then they do a mosaic fish trading my colored squares for yours etc. I told them to trade at least 3 squares with the same person to give their fish enough color. Everyone can get one aluminum foil or foil Christmas wrap square from the teacher. Everyone ends up with a rainbow fish. Depending on age you may have to make the fish pattern. Make it on a 18 x 12 white paper. Those that finish early can add water, seaweed etc with crayon. Hope this helps.

I like that rainbow fish idea - might have to try it myself.

Another idea would be to cover up the cover to the book and then read it. Afterwards have the students design a new cover for the book.

You can discuss imagery, how covers of books often make us want to read them, etc., as part of your lesson.