Emotional Learning Through Magnetic Fishing Game

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This magnetic fishing craft game is a fun way to practice focus and patience while learning about feelings. Use it with my Fishing for Feelings printable for a great social-emotional learning activity.

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This activity is a great example of hands-on creative mindfulness. The focus children will need to catch the fish will ground them in the moment. They will use their senses. They will also have the chance to explore different emotions. They will go ‘Fishing for Feelings’, where each fish they catch shows a different feeling. These feelings could include joy, sadness, or excitement.

This fun craft not only promotes emotional awareness but also encourages communication and collaboration!

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Lets Go Fishing for Feelings

What you will need to make the Magnetic Fishing Craft and Game:

• Coloured Card
• String
• Round Sticky Magnets
• Paper Straws
• Scissors
• Coloured Pencils
• Small Metal Bull Dog Clips (I LOVE these ones!)

Let’s get Fishing!

Instructions for making the Magnetic Fishing Craft and Game:

1 – Cut the fish Templates. Cut out a choice of fish shapes from card.

2 – Stick on the Magnets. We used round, self adhesive magnets which also worked for the fish eyes.

3 – Decorate the Fish. Use coloured pencils or whatever supplies you have to decorate the fish. Encourage children to take the lead and decorate their fish in any way they like.

4 – Make the Fishing Rods. Use a straw, a length of string (shorter string makes it easier to pick up a fish). Then clip a bulldog clip to the end, this will connect to the magnet on the fish.

5 – Add a Feeling to Each Fish. After you have made your fish add a feeling to each fish. When a fish is caught, take turns to discuss a time you have experienced this feeling. You could also act out what an angry fish would look like. Alternatively, show what a happy fish would look like.

6 – Get Fishing. We used a round metal tray as a pond and added some crepe paper waves too.

Managing Frustrations when Playing

Playing the magnetic fishing game is a good lesson in both patience and focus. Using the rod to hook on the fish can be quite tricky. It can be a little frustrating at times. Get kids to notice their feelings and say them out loud, this can take the edge off.

What can they then do to help them manage their frustrations and focus on the task? Take a breath?.. count to 10?.. What works for them?

Share your experiences with your children. This way, they know that they aren’t the only ones who struggle with tricky emotions when playing games.