Bucket handle fishing pole and scratch paper fish

Whenever Nani comes to visit we always end up doing something new and fun.  Once last summer she had Mini Me help her make fish for supper.  Fish is not on my typical menu repertoire so he had fun with the extra special event.  On a recent visit she helped Mini Me create a fishing experience.  (It sounds like our Nani is really "in to" fish, and that ironically is not the case, right, Mom?)


We used an old, cracked handle from a bucket as the fishing pole and Nani and Mini Me colored some fish on scratch paper, then used old chenille stems for hooks.  This is about as low tech as it gets.

Case in point here during holiday season, my children do not need anything fancy to have a whole lot of fun.  The imaginative fishing escapades during Nani's visit didn't stop when she left.  Both kids kept playing and playing with the bucket handle fishing pole and scratch paper fish.  Mini Me spun elaborate stories and scenarios and Little Lady was a happy fisherwoman.  I also spent a lot of time behind chairs in the "lake" or "river" or "sea", hooking fish onto the pole.  


Aside from being great imaginative play, it was a learning experience.  Nani taught Mini Me all about bullheads and catfish.  We would hook fish on to the pole based on its initial sound.  We talked about colors and the food chain.  Fun + learning = a happy family!  Thanks, Nani, for another fun time!