The study of zoology is fascinating to most children. The kids and I worked through a fun, hands-on unit on fish that is paired with 10 other Montessori bloggers in the 12 Months of Montessori Learning series.
June is zoology month for the 12 Months of Montessori Learning series. Don’t forget to check in on all the post this month from 10 other wonderful Montessori bloggers. Find all the links at the bottom of this post.
Parts of a Fish
Montessori really wanted children to be exposed to all types of vocabulary and information so she used 3 part cards to introduce new concepts. I found a set of free fish 3 part cards and used those with the kids to boost their vocabulary when we started this unit. I like to laminate my 3 part cards so they will last through the weeks on the shelf and through the use by both kids over time.
If you need help presenting a 3 part cards lesson, I suggest watching this video.
Go Fishing
We have always been a very hands on learning type family. This unit study is no different. For our study of fish we went fishing! The kids loved it! Find some good tips for fishing with kids here.
If you get a chance to catch a fish, take time to notice it’s scales, fins, and other parts of a fish. Many places we like to fish are catch and release only. This type of learning is unforgettable so don’t be worried about getting out there and trying something new.
Don’t worry if you don’t catch anything. The process and time spent with your child is just as important so enjoy! Also, you can find a stocked pond in your area and up your chances of a good catch!
DIY Fishing Poles and Fish
We don’t all have the ability to get out and go fishing. We have a set of DIY fishing poles and fish in our house that are very easy to make!
Materials Needed:
- wooden fish
- paint
- paint brushes
- flat magnets
- hot glue gun
- wooden dowels
- small magnets with hole
- small fishing floats
- fishing line
Start by painting the wooden fish. Ours are painted on color to each fish, but you can use your artistic abilities here. I’m sure the kids would love to help with this step.
Once the fish are dry, use the hot glue gun to add on one flat magnet to each fish.
For the fishing poles, tie the fishing line to the wooden dowel. We used a type of twine we had in our house already so anything you have on hand will work too. Tie a float to each line and a magnet with hole to the bottom.
Lay the fish flat on the ground and use the fishing pole to go fishing anytime and anywhere!
Aquarium Visits
Another great way to learn more about fish in a hands on way is to visit an aquarium. We lived near Atlanta, GA, for a while and LOVE the aquarium there. We visited family in the area not long ago and took the kids in to visit again. They have a touch tank that is wonderful! Don’t forget to let your kids ask question to the staff. Not only will they get some great information, but they will also work on their communication and public speaking skills.
Read About Fish
Both of the kids have been working their reading skills and LOVE books. Here’s a good list of books on fishing to add to your fish unit study.
Hook, Line, and Sinker is a book made especially for kids about fishing. The pictures in this book are very inviting and the information makes fishing fun!
About Fish: A Guide for Children is the perfect edition to your library. Beautiful pictures and lots of great information.
All About Fish really helps children understand the types of fish and how to take care of them.
Fish Science
The microscope has been a new love for our kids. They love looking at about anything under the microscope. For this study, I ordered microscope slide set that had fish in it. Realistically, my kids are little and some of these will probably break, so I didn’t break the bank getting these in our collection, but am really happy with the quality and it definitely got the kids exited about fish!
I hope you get some inspiration from our unit on fish and don’t forget to check out all the Montessori zoology posts in the links below!
Follow Marie @ Child Led Life’s board Child Led Life on Pinterest.
Click on the links below to visit all the other Montessori Inspired posts from the participating bloggers.
Natural Beach Living ~ The Natural Homeschool ~ Living Montessori Now ~ Planting Peas
The Kavanaugh Report ~ Mama’s Happy Hive ~ Study at Home Mama ~ Child Led Life
Every Star Is Different ~ Grace and Green Pastures ~ The Pinay Homeschooler
My kiddos would LOVE this unit study. We’ve done something similar while on vacation, but definitely not as in depth. (I’m saving that for next year!) I love that you utilized opportunities to learn about fish inside and outside the “classroom.” I’m also super excited to learn about a slide set that includes some fish parts etc. My oldest LOVES using his microscope to study new things.
Renae’ last post was: Animals of Africa Activities for Tots & Preschoolers w/ Free Printables
I love this lesson! We love to go fishing, so I’m sure my children would love this unit. 🙂 So many great ideas.
The Natural Homeschool’ last post was: Montessori Zoology: Animals of North America (Free Printables)
Wonderful unit. My son would have really gone for this when he was little. I love how you tied everything together to make the learning meaningful and enjoyable.
I love how you honed in on and focused on the heart of Montessori in the first few activities. Just lots of simple, hands-on observation can do wonders for children! And you’re absolutely right — going fishing! What better way to learn about fish, where they live, how they react when they’re caught, etc. All these are great learning prompts! Love this post!
Elaine Goh’ last post was: Snails
This is great! I always love all of your DIY ideas. Thanks for sharing them.
kimberly’ last post was: Montessori Inspired Zoology ~ Body Coverings (Free Printables & Giveaway)
Lovely post! And now I really want to take the kids fishing so thanks for sharing the tips.
Bess’ last post was: Extending Zoology Puzzles
What a fun hands-on unit and great DIY perfect for summer! We can’t wait to try it in our home!
I love the DIY fishing pole and fish with magnets! I so want to make that for Little Bee! 🙂 This is a fun unit study. I also love the microscope and it is on my wish list to buy.
Vanessa’ last post was: 5 Montessori Inspired Frog Activities
Oh we have not done any serious fish activities yet, and this is just the perfect post for an inspiration! I love your fishing activities, I hope we could do it someday 😀 Thanks for sharing! I love this!
Jae M’ last post was: GALT Cotton Reels
We bought a magnetic fishing game at the store and it’s a current favourite for my toddlers. They loved the aquarium too when we went a couple of weeks back. I love how you have pulled all of these elements together.
Clare’ last post was: 28 Ways to Help Your Kids Stay Calm and Keep Out of Mischief