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Paper · The activity desk

Paper plate fishbowl picture

Draw an imaginary underwater scene inside a paper plate fishbowl.

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A little plan for play

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What you need

One plain paper plate and large child-appropriate crayons

Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.

Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.

Set up: Place the plate and crayons on a clear table.

Adult's role: Invite the child to invent fish and plants, and help name colors or shapes if asked.

Let's make it happen

  1. Draw a wavy waterline across the upper part of the plate.
  2. Add one or more fish below the line. Draw fins, eyes, and patterns in any colors you like.
  3. Add bubbles, plants, or a sandy bottom to finish your imaginary scene.

Make it simpler: Draw one big fish together inside the plate.

Clean up: Put crayons away and save or recycle the picture.

This is a drawing activity; no live fish or water are needed. Remove broken crayon pieces.

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