Fish Art Projects for Preschoolers

Art projects with a fish theme serve many purposes for preschoolers. Children can learn about different types of fish, including their physical characteristics, diet, and habitats. In addition, children will be able to develop their creativity using different artistic techniques and materials.

Spin the Fish Game

Have kids cut out five fish from a fish template or clipart page, and give them five markers of different colors. Have the kids color each of the fish with the five markers, one color per fish. Glue the fish around the edge of a sturdy paper plate. Give the kids ten index cards each and have them use the markers to color them is; they should end up with two cards for each color. Each child will have a game set of her own. Using one plate, group two or three children together to play. All players place their index cards in a stack, colored side down. Each child, in turn, spins the plate on its edge. When the plate falls over, the child draws a card from the deck to see if matches the fish that is closest to her. If the colors match, she keeps that card. When all the cards are gone, count to see who has the most cards.

Fish Mobile

Preschoolers can use stencils to trace different basic shapes onto craft foam or construction paper. After the kids cut the shapes out, they can draw features on the shapes to create triangular, round, square, heart-shaped, oval and other shaped fish. Tape a length of yarn to the top of each fish. Tie the fish onto a clothes hanger to make a fish mobile.

Sponge Painted Giant Fish

Preschoolers can use sponges to dab paint onto a giant fish shape.

Cut a large fish shape from sturdy paper, about one yard long, for each child. Preschoolers can dab sponge pieces into shallow containers of paint and then decorate their fish. Provide a variety of colors so children can create interesting designs and patterns. Children can work independently or in small groups. Display the dried pictures on a wall to make a large fish scene or border.

Fish Shaped Wipe-off Boards

Cut a one-foot-long fish shape from white poster board for each child. Laminate one side of each fish. Preschoolers can glue the fish shape onto a sturdy cardboard backing with the laminated side of the fish facing outward. They can use crayons or chalk to draw and write on their fish boards. Provide a fish-shaped sponge for an eraser, or simply use paper towels to wipe off the boards.