The Rainbow Fish written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister published in 1992, is a classic fable that teaches a wonderful lesson on morals, being yourself, and sharing. Rainbow Fish is a character who has these shiny scales that no other fish has. He loves his scales and likes the fact that no one else has them. One day another fish asked if they could have one of Rainbow Fish's shiny scales. Rainbow Fish quickly denies the passing fish's request and that makes him sad. Rainbow Fish's attitude and actions left him friendless and as he sets out on a journey to regain his friends he runs into an octopus that tells him to share his gift with the world. Rainbow Fish learns the important of sharing and that all people should be included. The moral of the story can be said to be to not be to vain or selfish.
The illustrations in the story quickly grab the readers attention, especially with the bright colors of Rainbow Fish's scales along with his shiny ones too! Readers of all ages will find it hard to look away from the beautifully illustrated underwater scenes that very carefully and beautifully complement and add to the narrative of the story.
Discussion
1) Is it better to be different or to fit in with the community?
2) Should everyone be the same?
3) Is the Rainbow Fish acting selfishly when he won’t give away his scales?
4) What makes the Rainbow Fish unique? Does he have a right to keep what makes him unique?
5) Why do the other fish stop talking to Rainbow Fish? Are they justified in doing this?
6) Is Rainbow Fish beautiful? Is he more beautiful than the other fish?
7) Is Rainbow Fish happier at the end of the story?
Motivational Activities
1) Go Fishin': Cut out a pond from light blue bulletin board paper and added ripples. Create different colored construction paper fish. Label each fish with a number, a letter, a sight word, a color word, etc., and then laminate. Add a paperclip to their mouth. Have the students try to catch the fish using a pole (stick with a magnet tied to the end of the line). The magnet sticks to the paperclip. For the student to be able to keep the fish they caught, they must identify whatever's on the fish. If they are unable to do so, tell them what it is, then throw the fish back into the pond. Enhancement: Turn it into a friendly competition by hosting a "fishing tournament" and see who catches the most fish.
2) Colors of the Rainbow: The Rainbow Fish's scales are 'every shade of blue, green and purple'. Have students decorate their own Rainbow Fish image using collage methods (or other media). Have find foil and glitter available so they can make the scales sparkle like Rainbow Fishs' did! Enhancement: While creating their own Rainbow Fish, have them discuss whether or not there could be any other rainbow animals. If they come up with any and have extra time and materials, have them create their very own rainbow animal (i.e. iguana, chameleon, butterfly, snake, etc.).
References
Galda, L., Cullinan, B., & Sipe, L. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Pfister, Marcus. The Rainbow Fish. New York: North-South, 1992. Print.
Hi Jacquie,
ReplyDeleteYou did a fantastic job on your blogs.
I would provide my entire students with tissue paper, coffee filters and water color paint. I would then provide them with a cute out piece of a fish. Once they have cut out their fish I would ask them to take the tissue paper and cut out different shapes. Then I would have them take the coffee filters and water colors and paint different patterns. Once they’ve done all of the steps I would have them all stand up behind their chairs. I would play music for about 30 seconds. While the music is going I would have them walk around the room and talk with their classmates about their designs that they came up with. When the music is done they’re to trade with another student. Once we’ve done this about 3 times they are then going to put their fish together. I would then display all of the fish on the winder where the sun could shine through their fish.
Fantastic job Jacquie
Marquita