Fishing While It Snows

Winter has set in and we've already gone sledding and played in the snow. The snow is great for a day or so, but the on-going cold and snow can make for some stir crazy kids. Today, we are fishing in the living room! This craft/activity is really easy, keeps the kids busy, and best of all...doesn't take up a lot of room.

You will need:

• Twine or string
• Magnet(s)
• Construction paper
• Paper clips
• Tape
• Scissors
• Optional: hot glue/hot glue gun

Directions:
1. Tie a long piece of string to a dowel rod. I used a craft knife and made a notch about 1/4 inch from the top to keep the string in place better.
2. Glue, tape, or tie a small magnet to the end of the string. DM Tip: If you can find a magnet with a hole in the middle (like the one on the left in the picture), it will probably be easier to tie the magnet on. I used the small round magnet for these poles and taped the magnet on, but it did come off after a few uses. I ended up placing a dot of glue on the magnet, placed the string on, and then taped the string in place. It helped it keep the magnet on better.

 3. Cut out fish shapes from the construction paper. Tape a paper clip to the back of the fish.

4. Place the fish on the floor and let the kids go fishing! Optional: Place a blue piece of fabric/drop cloth/towel on the floor to create water for the fish.

My kids had fun just fishing, but you could make it into a competition too!

DM Alternatives:

1. Play for points.
1. Write points on the bottom of the fish. 
2. Smaller fish or certain color fish could be worth more points.
3. Have fish that are with 2 times/3 times/etc. the points of other fish. I had two fish with colored paper clips. The kids loved trying to find them. These could also be the game winners.
2. Make it more challenging.
1. Have the kids stand on a step stool or chair to fish.
2. Place the kids near the fishing pond, hand them the fishing pole, and blindfold them. It's a lot harder to fish when they have a blindfold on!