Rhythm Fishing Activity for Elementary Music Centers

I have been working hard this year to give my young musicians many opportunities to practice the skills we are learning independently in centers. Because we have done rhythmic iconic notation from Day 1, even my kindergarten students were ready to try to read and write simple quarter and eighth note rhythms. I wanted to observe where they were without using traditional paper pencil worksheets. To supplement our high/low centers, I added this rhythm fishing activity to the rotation! And they surpassed my expectations!

I had originally intended for this to be an opportunity for them to try writing quarter and eighth notes. I knew a few of my kindergarten students were ready to clap the rhythms, as well… but most of them nailed clapping the rhythms, too!

To Prep the Fishing Rhythm Center

I printed the fish tanks on 110lb cardstock and laminated them. I prepped the fish I bought from Temu by attaching sticker paper to the bottom and writing the rhythms on the bottom. The fishing rhythm printable also has fish you can print and prep, too. For this option, attach a paperclip to each fish so that it can be picked up by the magnetic fishing pole.

The fish set I purchased only came with only 4 fishing poles. I typically have 4-6 in a center, so I need to purchase a wood dowel or two and create a DIY pole! (Dowel, string, hot glue, and a magnet.)

Game Play

The basic game play is the same – but you can change it up to meet your student’s needs! Each student has one mat and a fishing pole. The fish are arranged in a “bowl” in front of the group Students will go fishing for four fish. When they have “caught” four, they align them on the numbers or hearts that correspond to the beats.

From here, you can have students clap or play the rhythm independent or in partnerships. Another variation is to have students write the rhythm they drew on the hearts with dry erase markers. Or, included with the rhythm fishing printable is a worksheet that students can notate what they drew!

Start Playing!

We know student’s learn through play! Centers are a great way to let students work on music skills independently in a safe, engaging environment. Try adding this Rhythm Fishing Activity to your next round of centers and let me know how it goes!

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