This easy paper fish craft is a colorful and creative activity for kids. It’s a simple project that can be used again and again.
With just a few simple supplies, your kids can create their own unique fish using this Design-a-Fish activity tray. This project is perfect for hands-on fun at home, in the classroom, or at the library for a DIY learning station. I used this activity with my boys to work on fine motor skills and to boost creativity. I paired it with fish-themed books, used for homeschool preschool, summer fun, and more.
I’ve got tips and ideas to use for inspiration as you build your own paper fish activity tray. I’m so excited for you to dive into all of this fantastic fun with fish!
Fish-Themed Fun to Boost Creativity and More
Back in our early homeschool days, I had a mix of big kids needing help with book lessons and younger ones who were eager to be part of the fun. I needed something hands-on to keep my little ones busy and focused (not running around and getting into stuff). I quickly learned how powerful it was to have simple and engaging activities ready for my little ones to enjoy. That’s when our DIY learning stations (or learning centers) became a lifesaver!
I often picked a theme and built out a variety of frugal and low-prep activities that my younger boys could do mostly on their own. It was a great solution for keeping them involved in our homeschool adventures while I could work with their older brothers. Not only did it keep the little ones focused, but it helped everyone feel like they were working together, even if they were doing different things.
This design-your-own fish craft became one of our favorite DIY learning stations. We used it during our homeschool preschool theme days, especially when we read The Rainbow Fish or One fish two fish red fish blue fish. It was an amazing way to weave in fine motor skill work, creativity, and storytelling, all while giving the younger ones a fun way to participate in our homeschool rhythm.
My boys loved creating silly and colorful fish. They would come up with names and stories for each one. It was such a sweet way to keep the learning playful and meaningful for everyone.
Suggested Supplies for Your Design a Fish Activity
I’m a big believer in using what you have. Please use this recommended materials list as a loose guide for what you can include for this craft. If you have other craft supplies that you think would be a good fit, go for it!
- Fish shapes cut out of craft foam (any color)
- Colorful construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Markers
- Scissors
- Glue stick (optional)
Cardstock or cardboard can also work well in place of (or along with) craft foam. My boys loved using things like pom poms, sequins, pipe cleaners, feathers (especially for silly fish!), buttons, and foam stickers.
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How to Build Your Easy Paper Fish Craft Tray
Choose a Foam Fish and Cut Out Shapes:
Pick a colorful foam fish as your base. Cut out circles and half circles to decorate the fish. These pieces can be used as scales, fins, or fun patterns.
Have Your Kids Cut Out More Pieces:
Provide construction paper strips and scissors for kids to cut out their own creative shapes like triangles, squiggles, or unique tail designs. This step is great scissors practice.
Add Details:
Use markers to draw extra features like bubbles, stripes, or gills. Add a googly eye to bring your fish to life! Kids can glue the pieces down to keep the design, or leave them unglued so they can change it up and make new fish looks again and again.
Creative Ideas for Using This Paper Fish Activity Tray
This design-a-fish activity is a fantastic tool for learning through hands-on play. Here are some fun and flexible ways to use it at home, in your homeschool group, classroom, or beyond:
- Homeschool Preschool Learning Center: Set up a DIY learning station with a tray of colorful paper, glue sticks, googly eyes, and other craft supplies.
- Homeschool Co-Op (or Playdate Activity): Hosting a preschool or early elementary homeschool co-op class? This project is easy to prep and works well for a group.
- Library or Classroom Centers: If you’re a librarian or teacher, this tray setup is a quick way to have a station for fine motor practice and creativity.
FAQs About the Design-a-Fish Craft
This craft works wonderfully for preschool and early elementary-aged kids (around ages 3–7). Younger kids can focus on fine motor skills with gluing and placing pieces. Older children can add more details or even write stories about their fish.
Nope! You will need basic craft materials, like paper (construction, cardstock, or even foam sheets), safety scissors, glue sticks, and googly eyes. You can prep the pieces ahead of time or let kids cut their own. I encourage you to used supplies that you have to keep it budget-friendly and easy to assemble.
You can freehand simple fish shapes or use a printable template (a basic oval with a triangle tail works perfectly). Also, I recommend that you provide a variety of shapes do your kids have plenty of opportunities to think outside the box and make unique fish.
Wonderful question! You can use a divided tray or plastic organizer to sort out the paper pieces (like scales and fish shapes) and other supplies. It makes for an easy-to-manage DIY learning station.
Enjoy More Easy Activity Tray Fun with Kids
If you like the idea of this type of activity tray, I think you’re really going to love these ideas. And I have more coming so stay tuned!
- Design a Snowman Activity
- Design a Gingerbread Man Activity Tray
- Activity Tray Fun with Ugly Christmas Sweaters
- Design an Easter Egg Activity
Do you have any questions for me about this easy paper fish craft activity tray? And what ideas do you have for making these activity trays? Please share in the comments area below!
