Celebrate Friendship Month in February with “Rainbow Fish”

As a preschool teacher, I am always looking for books and activities to go along with the theme of sharing and “Being a Good Friend”. I always go back to the classic by Marcus Pfister, “Rainbow Fish”. This year, we are reading this book in February which is National Friendship Month.

If you want to create your own little Valentine’s Day/Friendship Day party, here are some ideas for a fun day:

#1 :: Read “Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister

Set the tone for the story by sitting on a cozy blue blanket, near a fish tank or by listening to some under the sea sound effects. Begin by discussing the cover of the story and the special colors on the Rainbow Fish. While reading, ask your child some questions about the story such as “How do you think the little blue fish felt when Rainbow Fish said no?” Then discuss how Rainbow Fish feels after he shares his beautiful shiny scales. I like to give the children a piece of tin foil or shiny wrapping paper and share with them just as Rainbow Fish begins giving his scales away. They like to flaunt these shiny pieces just as much as the fish in the story. We practice giving each other scales and sharing.

#2 :: Enjoy a Rainbow Fish Snack

Goldfish crackers and “Sea Water” are perfect for a snack after the story. You can choose regular Goldfish crackers, but I prefer to buy the colored fish for a Rainbow theme with the story. “Sea Water”- just a fun name to put on regular drinking water.

#3 :: Create Rainbow Fish Sensory Bins

For this type of party play, I like to create wet and a dry sensory bin for those little hands to enjoy. Sensory bins are great for infants, toddlers and preschoolers to explore different textures and increase vocabulary.

Dry Sensory Bin :: sand, seashells, long strips of different colored blue construction paper, colored felt fish cut-outs, and small pieces of aluminum foil.

Wet Sensory Bin :: water, plastic magnetic fish, fishing rods, seashells, plastic octopus and starfish (other story characters)

Let the children have a FIN-TASTIC time!