Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Sheryl Cooper
Inside: This preschool ocean counting activity works on counting and number recognition. Simply count the fish and mark the correct number using a clothespin or other small object.
We love connecting activities to favorite books, especially when they help build important skills.
This preschool ocean counting activity is a fun way to practice counting while also working on number recognition.
After reading Ten Little Fish to your preschoolers, place these count and clip cards on a tray along with a clothespin or other small pieces.
At home, this can be done at the kitchen table.
At school, this would make a fun table activity during centers time.
It’s a great addition to the ocean theme!
Preschool Ocean Counting Activity
What you will need:
- Ten Little Fish book
- Ocean count and clip printable activity (scroll down to find free download)
- Clothespins or other small pieces that can be used as markers
Circle Time
Before introducing the fish counting printable, gather your children at circle time and prepare to read 10 Little Fish.
Since we like using props during circle time, I used a magnetic board and some magnetic numbers as a visual.
I placed the numbers to the board from 10 to 1 and invited the children to count backwards with me.
I then got out our plastic fish for more counting fun, placing 10 them on a tray in front of me.
As we counted down while reading the book, I removed a fish from the group.
Table Activity
After the book has been read, it’s time to provide the preschool ocean counting activity.
First, cut apart the ocean count and clip cards. We suggest printing these on heavy paper or laminate them so that they are sturdier.
Then, add them to a tray with a clothespin for each card.
Opening and closing the clothespins provides an extra fine motor skill!
If you don’t have clothespins, or if your younger children are having a hard time squeezing the clothespins, you can use small pieces such as buttons or pom poms.
As your child counts the fish, ask them to find the number on the card and place the object on top of it.
If you happen to have plastic fish, those would be fun markers, too! Simply place the fish on top of the correct number.
A fun way to connect an activity to a book while also building counting, number recognition, and fine motor skills!
More printable activities:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? – Story Time Props
Shapes Symmetry Matching Cards
Toddler and Preschool Ocean Lesson Plans
We’ve done the work for you! We now have interactive thematic lesson plans for toddlers (18-36 months) AND preschoolers (3-5 years)!
I helped create these lesson plans along with a talented group of early childhood educators and homeschoolers.
Easy to follow lesson plans include activity modifications and adaptations to meet the needs of all learners.
Note: These activities come in a digital format. That means after you make a purchase, the links to the activities will arrive in an email.
For more information, click on the graphics below:
