No.241
Loop-and-Hook Fishing
Japanese name: 輪っか魚釣り
Materials
- Cardboard fish
- Ribbon for large loops
- A short rod made from rolled newspaper
- Short string
- A large plastic S-hook
- Tape
- Blue cloth
- A plate or tray for each fisher’s catch
How to play
- Draw fish on cardboard and cut them out with an adult. Tape a large ribbon loop to the upper side of each fish so it stands upright. Check that every loop is secure.
- Fasten a short string to the newspaper rod and attach a large plastic hook to the end. Do not use sharp metal hooks or small magnets.
- Arrange fish on the blue cloth and sit around them. Without swinging the rod, lower the hook slowly towards a fish's loop.
- When the hook catches a loop, lift the rod gently and transfer the fish to your plate. Do not steady fish with your hand. Return any dropped fish to the “sea” and try again.
- After catching about three fish, hand over the rod. Finish when everyone has had a successful turn. For a cooperative version, empty the sea together. Count and put away all equipment at the end.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: large loops. Younger primary school children: adjust distance. Older primary school children: design the fish.