Fishing Rod Preschool Math Game

Preschool math should be filled with fun and activity, not boring drills! Actually, math for all ages should be like that, but this activity is especially designed for preschoolers (and younger siblings are sure to want to join in too)!

supplies laid out for preschool math activity

Who isn’t amazed by the power of magnets? Make a fun fishing rod craft and turn it into a game of catching numbered fish (using a little magnet magic!) for a fun and educational experience.

DIY Fishing Rod Preschool Math Game

This fun preschool activity is sure to help your little toddler or preschooler have fun while learning their numbers. Help your child create their very own magnet fishing rod with supplies you likely already have around the house!

This fishing rod can be decorated, painted, wrapped with washi tape – even showered with glitter to create a rod that is uniquely their own.

FISHING ROD Preschool Math Activity Supply List

Chop Sticks
Yarn
Magnet
Hot Glue
Optional Decorating Supplies
Magnetic numbers (or number blocks you are willing to glue magnets to!)
Optional flash cards for cueing the toy to match

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUILDING FISHING ROD:

Help your toddler or preschooler build their very own fishing rod:

To put the fishing rod together, simply gather supplies mentioned above.
Cut the yarn to desired “line” length and glue the yarn to the end of the chop stick.
Hot glue the magnet to the other end of the yarn.
Decorate and prepare to play while singing the song, “Once I caught a fish alive”

IDEAS FOR PLAYING PRESCHOOL MATH ACTIVITY

Quick note: once you get started, if the hand eye coordination to pick up the letter or “catch the fish” is too easy then try making the fishing line longer. You could also try using a thinner material such as a string instead of yarn.

If the hand eye coordination to pick up the letter or “ catch the fish” is too hard then try making the fishing line shorter and do from a seated position.

The focus of this activity is to practice hand eye coordination and patience while connecting magnets with a string, as well as matching the number to a spoken cue or card.

Call out a number or signal one to your child with a cue card — and then have them fish it out of the pond! Whether that be the floor, a laundry basket, or a decorated piece of paper, imagination is what counts.

For this math activity there are many ways to expand the level of understanding of numbers. A preschooler or toddler can practice counting! Make it an extra fun & playful experience for your preschooler by adding in some song and dance… Not only does singing make this preschool math activity special, but it also provides a reminder of the information your child will be practicing in the activity.

Sing “Once I Caught A Fish Alive” with your toddler or preschool to practice counting and build anticipation for the excitement of fishing together!