The Rainbow Fish

Date: 5th Nov 2024 @ 10:16am

Diving into Kindness: Exploring The Rainbow Fish in Reception

This term, our Reception classroom has been abuzz with excitement as we dive into the enchanting world of The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. This classic story, known for its shimmering illustrations and heart-warming message, has been the perfect springboard for engaging discussions and creative activities that teach our youngest learners about kindness, sharing, and friendship.

Why The Rainbow Fish?

The Rainbow Fish tells the story of a beautiful fish who learns that giving and sharing with others brings true happiness. This message resonates deeply with young children, who are just beginning to understand the importance of kindness and the joys of friendship. Using this story as a foundation, we’re helping children develop their social and emotional skills in a fun, memorable way.

Activities Inspired by The Rainbow Fish

Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to:

  1. Story time and Discussion: After reading the story, we had an open discussion where children could share their thoughts and feelings. Many expressed excitement about the sparkly scales and talked about times when they shared something special with a friend. This opened the door for rich conversations about generosity and friendship.
  2. Rainbow Fish Craft and Baking Projects: Each child made their own Rainbow Fish using craft supplies like tissue paper, sequins, and glitter. The activity encouraged fine motor skills and creativity, while also giving children a sense of pride in their creations. In the spirit of the story, each child added one shiny scale to a communal fish, symbolising the importance of sharing and contributing to a group. We have also followed step-by-step instructions to make our own Rainbow Fish cupcakes. 
  3. Sensory Play – Ocean Exploration: In our sensory station, we set up an “ocean” bin filled with blue water beads, shells, and small fish figurines. Children could explore textures, colours, and objects related to marine life, sparking curiosity and imaginative play. Sensory activities like this help children engage with concepts on a tactile level, deepening their understanding of the underwater world.
  4. Role-Play and Puppet Show: Using fish puppets, we created a mini puppet theatre where children could act out scenarios of sharing and friendship. This role-play activity helped children empathise with the characters, practice their communication skills, and learn positive ways to interact with their peers.

Extending Learning at Home

Parents can reinforce these ideas at home by discussing the story, asking children to share their favourite part and even creating a “kindness fish” where family members add a “scale” each time they do something kind. Small acts, like sharing a toy or helping a sibling, can go a long way in helping children internalise these values.