Magnetic fishing game

This week I made a magnetic fishing game for Joshua using this fish template http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/animals/fish/magnet-fishing-game.asp

I made mine out of 8 layers of aluminium foil with 5 paperclips sandwiched in between the middle layers and also threaded one on the outside at the nose. It is very simple to make although my version was quite time consuming, especially the colouring in part.

You can pick up the fish via two ways depending on your skill level. Pick up by the body for easy level and by the nose for a harder level.

I also made some out of craft foam so that the game can be played at bathtime.

INSTRUCTIONS:

For the fish
Draw outlines of simple fish on a piece of paper. Do not use cardstock or construction paper as it may be too heavy for the magnets to work properly. Place a second piece of paper under the first, and follow the outlines to cut out the fish from both layers of paper. Keep the fish in matched pairs; decorate the fish with crayons or markers in any way you like. Even young toddlers can easily help with this part. Once the fish are decorated, cover in clear contact and trim to about 1/2 cm

For the pole
Insert a screw eye at one end of a length of dowel about 50cm long (I used 02mm eyes). Cut a piece of string or ribbon to a length of approximately 65cm. Using hot glue loop one end of the string to the eye and glue. At the other end of the string, use the glue gun to attach the magnet.

Now, you are ready to go fishing!


Fishing games:

Scatter the fish on the floor; spread them out so they do not stick to one another. For an outdoor party, place the fish in an empty wading pool. Use the magnet on the fishing pole to attract the magnet in a fish to pick it up. Play a competitive game to see who can pick up the most fish in a set time period. For a greater challenge, try playing blindfolded and see how many fish you can catch. To use this as a party game, place a number on each fish and associate a prize with each number. Allow each child to select one fish and collect the prize assigned to that fish’s number.