From as far back as I can remember, I have always done a unit on polar animals and cold winter weather. And like any good kindergarten teacher, I like to add elements within centers and stations that help tie these units into our learning. Since Michigan is a cold weather state and we do participate in cold weather activities (and by we I mean other people-not me necessarily), ice fishing seems to be a natural activity to bring into the class. Now of course I can’t bring our local lakes into my classroom, but I can pretend and in the process, appeal not only to my dramatic learners who love make believe, but also my kinesthetic learners who like to move, and let’s face it, every other kindergarten who loves to just incorporate play into learning.
To simulate the ‘ice,’ I cover a medium to large sized box with white paper and cut a hole through the top. The hole is, of course, just like the hole you have to cut when you’re heading out to the frozen lake.
Next you can either make up your own laminated fish with the skill you want to practice or download the differentiated math freebie ones I have HERE.
Print, laminate and cut out your fish, separating them by readiness level, and attach a large paperclip to the end of each.
Get yourself some little rods and attach a string to one end and a magnetic hoop (this is your hook) to the other end. Students take turns (one at a time or the poles get tangled) dangling their hooks into the hole. No looking!
Just like in a real ice fishing hole, you can’t see what you might catch. But be careful, there are sharks in these icy waters. If you catch a shark, all your fish (except the shark) go back in the hole.
My students LOVE ice fishing. Every year it’s a class favorite. I hope yours love it too.
Thank you for sharing this! I teach in Michigan as well and could easily adapt it for my 1st and 2nd grade class:) Thanks again!
http://primaryclassroomsareoceansoffun.blogspot.com/
Oh absolutely. My 3rd grade son was begging me to make one for multiplication for him.
love this 🙂 i staple my fish instead of using a paperclip. the paperclips fall off and end up all over the room. this way everybody stays happy!
aconnolly1216@gmail.com
That’s a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing.
Marsha
Super cute =)
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Thanks Jennifer.
Mrasha
Love this! Thank you for sharing!!!! It doesn’t stay cold long enough here but we sure can pretend!
Thanks Sherry. They do love to pretend!
Marsha
Thanks for sharing! Live in Oklahoma so we don’t get a lot of frozen ice but it will be fun to let them pretend while practicing these skills!
How fun! Thank you for sharing!
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls
You are so creative! Thanks so much!!!
I love your blog and the great ideas you share. As a fellow Michiganian I can appreciate the cold weather unit ideas.
This is great! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful ideas.
This will be so fun!!!!!
Now THAT takes my regular old pond fishing up a notch!! So fun!!
Just a new twist on an old favorite!
Marsha
This is such a cute idea, I make and sell a lot of fishing games! This is an adorable twist!
The Curious Catfish
This would be great in winter for ice fishing or in summer with a beach or ocean theme! Thanks for sharing.
Teachin’ First
Thanks for a great freebie! This Michigan winter sure has been interesting so far!
So cute and fun!! I’m not in Michigan, but we’re snow-covered today!!! 🙂 I’m going to put my snow-day kids (home with me tomorrow) to work cutting out fish!! May I “Pin” this, so I can find it next year? 🙂