The Fish Who Shared His Shiny Scales

A movement story about a fish with shiny scales who learns to share them: kids swim around the sea in different ways and give their scales, clothespins, to their friends. They practice finger pinch strength, ways of traveling and friendship.

How to play

1. Circle (2 min): clip three clothespins on each child's shirt: their shiny scales. 'There once was a fish with beautiful scales, but he was lonely because he wouldn't share.'
2. Swim (2 min): with music, kids swim around the gym moving their arms. Call out: 'Fast fish,' 'slow fish,' 'deep-sea fish' (crouched), 'jumping fish' (little hops).
3. Give a scale (4 min): when the music stops, each fish finds a friend, unclips one clothespin and clips it on the friend's sleeve or shoulder: 'Here's a scale for you.' The music starts again and they swim as a different kind of fish.
4. We all shine (2 min): say: 'The fish found out he was happier with friends.' Kids swim in schools of three holding hands.
5. Ending (2 min): sit in a circle; everyone looks at how many scales they have and who gave them. Return the clothespins to the box one by one.

Rules

• Clothespins go on clothes, never on skin or hair.
• Swim without bumping, looking for open space.
• Give to someone different each time.
• Anyone out of scales gets one from the teacher.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: swim in the wheelchair and give and receive clothespins on a fabric on the lap.
• Autism or shy kids: may give to the same friend or the teacher at first.
• Less fine-motor skill: large, easy clothespins; more skill: small ones.

Learning goals

• Open and close clothespins with the fingers.
• Travel in different ways.
• Share and connect with classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• clothespins: 60
• music: 1

Teacher tip

Choose plastic clothespins that open easily. When giving a scale, encourage kids to say the friend's name; it builds class bonds.

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