Fish

Fish are fascinating for children as they are the class of vertebrates that live, swim, and breathe underwater! Children enjoy observing fish in local ponds, streams, rivers, and oceans. There are over 30,000 species of fish, ranging from the smallest Paedocypris fish to the largest whale shark. After exploring the immense variety of fish, we offer activities that highlight parts of a fish and how these parts help the fish to live underwater.

Fish Activities

Fish Classified Cards ages 3 and up

Directions: Print and cut the fish classified cards. Invite your child to admire them. Share the names of any fish your child does not know.

Classified Cards with labels:

Classified Cards without labels:

Shark 3 Part Cards ages 5 and up

Directions: Print and cut the three-part cards. Each shark will have a classified card, a printed slip, and a control card (depicting the classified card and its associated slip). Mix up the classified cards and slips. Use your knowledge of sharks to match the slips to the forms. Check your work with the control card.

Parts of a Fish Activities

Spoken Language: Parts of a Fish  ages 3 and up

Directions: Share the Parts of a Fish definitions with your child. (Older children may read the definitions independently). If you live near a pond, lake, or stream, take time to observe the area to see if any fish are swimming nearby.

Coloring Activity ages 3 to 4 ½

Directions: Use crayons to color the fish on the coloring sheet. You can choose to color one large fish or the individual parts of the fish, as described in the definitions. Use the control chart to see how you did!

Writing Activity ages 4 ½ and up

Directions: Use colored pencils to fill in the individual parts on the Parts of a Fish Writing sheet. Label the parts using beautiful cursive writing. Use the control chart to check your work.

Parts of a Fish- 3 Part Cards ages 5 and up

Directions: Print and cut the three-part cards. Each part of the fish will have a classified card, a printed slip, and a control card (depicting the classified card and its associated slip). Mix up the classified cards and slips. Use your knowledge of the parts of a fish to match the slips to the correct picture. Check your work with the control card.

Parts of a Fish- Definition Stages 1 and 2 ages 5 ½ and up

Directions:  Independently read the definitions for the Parts of a Fish. Match the written description to the associated picture. Next, print and cut out the definition cards and the red Parts of a Fish definition labels. Read the definition card that is missing the term. Choose the red slip that completes the definition for each part of the fish. Use the control card or definition booklet to check your work.

Parts of a Fish- Definition Stage 3 ages 5 ½ and up

Directions:  Review the definitions for the Parts of a Fish. Print and cut out the definitions of each part into strips. Use your knowledge of the part to reassemble the definitions. Use the control card or definition booklet (from Stage 1) to check your work.