Materials
number cards, 7 to 10 (or higher depending on children's counting ability)bagnewspaperspictures of schools of fishmarkers9" x 12" construction paper in turquoise or dark bluebright-colored paintshallow containerssponges cut in the shape of small fish
Instructions
1. Ahead of time, cover the work surface with newspapers and place the number cards in a small bag.
2. Discuss the pictures of fish swimming in schools.
3. Ask the children to choose a number card from the bag, explaining that this will be the number of fish they will paint. Have them draw the numeral on their blue paper.
4. Show the children how to dip the sponge gently into the paint and wipe off the excess paint.
5. Ask them to count carefully and print the correct number of fish, dipping in the paint again only if all the paint is gone from the sponge before they reach the correct number of fish.
6. Allow the paintings to dry.
7. Provide plenty of additional paper for the children to make more paintings, because the number of fish they will print will be very small.
8. When the number pages are dry, invite the children to look again at the pictures of the fish and add features such as eyes, scales, dots, stripes, and gills.
