The Fall season is full of fun decor, crafts, and leaf projects. I thought I would take the time to add an exciting paper leaf fishing game for kids that my daughter and I came up with. It is similar to go fish, but its actually much more fun and fits the Fall theme. Let’s get started!
* As an Amazon Associate this post contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated a small commission if you should click on and purchase something through them. This is at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Supplies/Materials Needed
- Construction Paper (in leaf colors: green, yellow, orange, red)
- Paperclips (small black metal preferred)
- Magnets
- Popsicle sticks
- String
- Crayons
- Cardboard
- White printer paper
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Hole punch (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut Out Your Leaves
- Decide on the number of leaves you want to make and cut them out from the construction paper.
- You can use various methods like cutting machines, freehand drawing, stencils, or tracing actual leaves.
- Aim for around 24 leaves, making 6 leaves of each color.
Step 2: Attach Paperclips To Each Leaf
- Attach a paperclip to the stem or center of each leaf using glue.
- Ensure the paperclip is securely attached, as it will be used for “fishing” the leaves.
Step 3: Tie A String & Magnet To A Popsicle Stick
- Cut a piece of string long enough to tie to a popsicle stick and attach a magnet to the other end.
- If you prefer, you can tie the string directly to the magnet or get creative by using a hole punch and a piece of construction paper to secure it.
- Tie the other end of the string securely to the popsicle stick.
Step 4: Test Your Fishing Pole
- Test the fishing pole by attempting to pick up the paperclip-attached leaves with the magnet.
- Adjust the string length or attachment if necessary to ensure effective “fishing.”
Additional Fun Steps & Game Rules
Step 5: Make A Color Spinner
- Cut out a circle from the printer paper and divide it into four sections, one for each leaf color.
- Have your child color each section to match the leaf colors using crayons.
- Glue the colored circle onto a piece of cardboard or sturdy paper for stability.
Step 6: Make An Arrow For Your Color Spinner
- Cut out an arrow shape from cardboard or sturdy paper.
- Straighten out a paperclip and poke it through the arrow, then bend the ends to secure it.
- Insert the paperclip through the center of the color spinner and bend it underneath to hold it in place.
Rules of the Game
- Spin the color spinner to determine which color leaf to “fish” for. The youngest player spins first.
- Use the fishing pole to pick up a leaf matching the color the spinner lands on.
- If the chosen color leaf is buried under other leaves, the player gets two attempts to pick it up.
- The player who picks up the last leaf of any color wins the game.
- If the fishing pole accidentally picks up multiple leaves, only keep the leaf of the spun color; return the others to the pile.
Customize Your Own Rules
Feel free to invent new rules or variations to make the game even more enjoyable! Encourage creativity and experimentation with this fall-themed craft and game activity.
They will enjoy it and so will you! If you come up with really cool rules to the game or a variation feel free to leave it in the comments or email it to [email protected]!
Happy Crafting!