Enjoy the wonderful story “The Rainbow Fish” with your preschooler. Then try some activities inspired by the book. Includes arts, crafts, and learning activities, so you can have fun with your child.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A classic tale about sharing, The Rainbow Fish tells the story of a special fish that has beautiful scales that shimmer and sparkle in the light. After being praised for these special scales the fish begins to think that it is better than all the rest.
Eventually the Rainbow fishes’ pride and unwillingness to share some of his shiny scales leaves him without friends and all alone. Finally the lonely fish seeks advice from the wise octopus, who tells him how to be a better friend. In the end, the rainbow fish experiences the joy of kindness and discovers how to build friendship.
From the attractive illustrations with shiny accents, to the uplifting message of sharing and friendship, this is an absolutely beautiful book and is a joy to read.
As you read
The story attracts readers of a wide age range and it is ideal for preschoolers who love the colourful pictures. It provides a wonderful opportunity to talk about things like friendship or sharing and is a great way to start talking about feelings.
You can ask questions as you read
- How does the Rainbow Fish feel about his beautiful scales?
- Why do you think the little blue fish wants one of Rainbow Fish’s special scales?
- How do you think the other fish felt when Rainbow Fish wouldn’t play with them?
- How did the other fish feel when Rainbow Fish shared his with them?
- What could we share with our friends?
AFTER THE STORY
Enjoy a simple song and ryhme (From Preschool Education)
Fish are Swimming (Tine: Frere Jacques)
Fish are swimming, fish are swimming,
In the sea, in the sea,
A-splishing and a-splashing,
A-splishing and a-splashing,
Look and see, look and see.
5 Little Fishes
5 little fishes swimming near the shore
1 took a dive and then there was 4
4 little fishes were swimming out to sea
One went for food and then there was 3
3 little fishes said now what should we do?
One swam away and then there were 2
2 little fishes we are having great fun
One went home and then there was 1
1 little fish said I like the warm sun
Off she went and then there were none!
Rainbow Fish Learning Activities
- Rainbow Fish Letter Matching Activity | School Time Snippets
- Pre-Writing Activity: Rainbow Fish Note Cards | Growing Book by Book
- Rainbow Fish Sight Word Scales | Rainy Day Mum
- Fish Math | Rainy Day Mum
Playdough
- Rainbow Fish Counting Play Dough | Fantastic Fun and Learning
Rainbow Fish Play Dough | Inspiration Laboritories
Rainbow Fish Arts and Crafts
- Rainbow Fish Sun Catcher | School Time Snippets
Rainbow Fish Sun Catcher | Fun Learning For Kids
Simple Rainbow Fish Weaving | Rainy Day Mom
Dot Marker Rainbow Fish | Rainy Day Mom
Fish Crafts For Preschoolers | Mama Teaches
CD Rainbow Fish Craft for Valentines | Red Ted Art
Super Cute Plate Fish | Crafts on Sea
Tissue Paper Rainbow Fish Craft | Natural Beach Living
Snacks
Of course goldfish crackers are a great choice, but if you want to do something special try
- Rainbow Fish Sugar Cookies | Rainy Day Mom
Sharing Activities
As one of the messages in this book is kindness and sharing it seems appropriate to enjoy some sharing activities and perhaps engage in some acts of kindness
- Playful sharing Activity | My Storytime Corner
- Acts of Kindness For families: An Age by Age Guide | Rediscovered Families
Your turn
Does your child enjoy The Rainbow Fish? what kinds of fishy activities have you done? please share in the comments below.
