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.
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!
- wooden fish
- 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!
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.
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!
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Click on the links below to visit all the other Montessori Inspired posts from the participating bloggers.