I have always loved the book Rainbow Fish (though I know some people don't) - not only is it sparkly, with a beautiful fish for a main character - even though he is rather conceited in the beginning. I have always found that if told the right way it can help teach children about the importance of sharing, thinking about others and being a good friend. It really is all in the telling and what you decide to focus on.
I know there has been much debate on the fact that some think it actually has a poor message about buying one's friends, etc but personally, I am always suprised at how people either love or hate this book. I look at it from the view point of the child and frankly they always seem to find it mesmerizing and quite engaging. As a parent and an educator - every time I have read this book to children it has generated wonderful discussion on being selfish, not being a good friend, etc. The Lil Divas and I had a wonderful talk about being mean, not caring about others feelings and not being a good friend/sister. It was fabulous.
The Book:
The Craft:
What You Need:
white cardstock
tissue paper (various colors)
aluminum foil
glue
scissors
wiggly eye
black marker
What We Did:
1. I drew a fish template and cut one out for each Lil Diva using cardstock (it is thicker & more durable)
2. I also cut out tissue paper pieces for the tail, face and fins (I simply traced over the template) and the Lil Divas glued them on in the appropriate places.
3. I pre-cut various colored tissue paper scales and the Lil Divas glued them on - varying the colors throughout and adding a few foil scales here and there.
I encouraged overlapping so that the fish was completely covered in tissue paper scales.
4. We added a few foil strips here and there for a more glittery/sparkly effect. The Lil Divas opted to make Rainbow Fish before he gave his scales away. You can also only use 1 foil scale to make the other version.
5. Add a wiggly eye (or draw one) and draw a mouth/smile using black marker and voila - you have a stunning Rainbow Fish!
They turned out so cute & they were really easy to make! :)
What is your take on the book Rainbow Fish? I am always curious to hear what other's think about this book!
Bern
Adorable idea!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!
ReplyDeleteI love this book, and I know my girls would love to do this craft, too.
ReplyDeleteThose fish are just gorgeous and we love that book too!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great book. I'm bookmarking this for a fun project!
Thanks so much for linking up with Super Stalker Sunday hop. Hope you'll be able to join us again next week!
Your Co-Host,
Emily from Nap Time Is My Time
This is a favorite book of ours! Great activity - thank for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun project!!
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I have to agree, I love Rainbow Fish! This was always one of my favorite activities to do when I taught. The book teaches such a good lesson and I always loved using the fish (ours were similar but not exactly the same) for a colorful, beautiful bulletin board!
ReplyDeleteOmg, I love these!! My kiddos have made them in school plus we've made them at home before! They loved it! =)
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely fish. I adore them :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
Hi there: I am a new follower popping by from Classified Mom and the Wednesday Bloghop. These are cute crafts. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am @inkscrblr
http://www.thriftymommastips.blogspot.com/
super cute craft idea to go with the book
ReplyDeleteasheardy@yahoo.com
It's scary how much we are in sync! Great fishies!
ReplyDeleteLike the rainbow fish craft. Will use this summer with my grandsons!
ReplyDeletenicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com
LOVE! Featuring in this week's High paw! Thanks for joining us! :)
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings myself about the book, but my son has always loved it. I do try to be careful how we talk about him giving the fins away (emphasizing treating people kindly, trying to minimize the potentially materialistic component).
ReplyDeleteHowever, I love this craft!
Thanks for linking to Read.Explore.Learn. This counts as an entry in the Summer Reading Challenge.
ReplyDeleteYour fish are adorable!
So cute! I'll have to save this idea for our ocean theme next month. Thanks for the invite here to link up!
ReplyDeleteCute craft again. I love all the fun you do with books with your girls. So wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMy kids and I love the Rainbow Fish too. I'm surprised that some people don't! It has provided us a valuable opportunity to discuss pride, selfishness, community living and humility. A wonderful read. And I love your craft activity! Will try it someday.
ReplyDeleteWe love the Rainbow fish too! I was surprised at the negative reviews. Actually the Rainbow fish does have a single shiny scale for himself and shares all others so everyone has one. We think it is a good way of sharing. We made a Koinobori flag based on Rainbow fish.
ReplyDeletehttp://creativitymypassion.blogspot.com/2011/07/rainbow-fish-book-koinobori-paper-flag.html
Your sharing is great and meaningful, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletecolor switch