fit the fin on the fish

State and Model the Objective
Tell the children that they will fit fins on a fish as they listen for words that start with the /f/ sound, such as far, fix, fit, and fantastic.

Literacy Activities
Fit the Fin on the Fish game (similar to Pin the Tail on the Donkey)

• Display the large fish picture on the wall at approximately the children's shoulder level.
• Show the children the large fish picture and explain that they will need to fit a fin on the fish. 
• Point out that fit, fin, and fish all start with the /f/ sound and invite the children to listen for more words that start with /f/.
• Choose one child from the group and blindfold him or her.
• Give the child a paper fin with tape on the back and have the child do his or her best to fit the fin on the fish.
  • Have the other children chant, “Fit the fin on the fish! Fit the fin on the fish!” in a regular voice if the child is getting close to where the fin belongs
  • Have the children chant more quietly the farther away the child gets from the correct spot.
• Once the fin has been placed on a fish, have the child take off the blindfold, and have everyone cheer, "Fantastic! You fit the fin on the fish!" 
• Repeat until all children have had a turn.
• Review with the children the words in the activity that start with the /f/ sound, emphasizing the /f/ (e.g., /f/ /f/ /f/ fit).

More Practice
Identify the target letter

• Ask the children to help you make up a story about a fish that had no fins, and emphasize the words that have the /f/ sound at the beginning.
• Tell the story back to the class and have them flap their arms like the fins of a fish anytime they hear a word that begins with the /f/ sound.