Send Dad "Fishing" for Compliments!

Whether or not Dad’s a big fisherman, one thing’s for sure: every Dad deserves compliments on his special day. So here’s a family activity that guarantees a bountiful, heartwarming “catch.” And just to add some learning to the fun, this activity happens to give your child’s writing skills a little practice while you’re at it.

What You Need:

• Card stock paper in several bright colors
• Fine point black or metallic markers
• Fish template (download here)
• Paper clips
• Long straight stick
• String, cut to about 30” long
• Magnet (a U-shape, available at most toy stores, works well)

What You Do:

1. Start by downloading our fish template onto card stock in several different colors, and cut them out.
2. For the next stage—collecting compliments-- you’ll need to seek the services of the whole family, and if you’ve got a few friends willing to pitch in, that’s great too!  Everyone needs to contribute at least one special compliment about Dad, but here’s the catch: each person should dictate her words and have someone else do the actual writing. Folks are welcome to add creative decorations, too. Is Dad a great gardener? Does he tell the world’s best bad jokes? Now’s the time to write it down. Little kids can dictate to grownups or big kids; big kids can dictate to one another. And don’t restrict yourself to the folks in your household, either! Relatives will usually be happy to give you a “quote” over the phone, or send words by email. The older the child, the more you’ll want to encourage detail, too. Each fish can easily hold 2-3 full sentences of writing!
3. On Father’s Day, make a “fishing rod” by tying string to a straight stick, such as a dowel. (If you want to get fancy, you can even wrap it in colored streamers.) Then tie a magnet to the end of your string; a U-shaped one works especially well.
4. Place a paper clip over the “mouth” of each fish, and drop it into a nice-looking bowl or basket. Then invite Dad to “fish” for his compliments, reading them out as he goes. Watch his smile deepen as the kindness adds up…and then give him a final challenge. Can he guess who said what? Have fun giving him clues, and see which ones he can get right. When you’re done, have a kid write the correct authors on each fish, and put them up on a wall or fridge for a while. Don't miss this chance to remind Dad that he is treasured on this day, and beyond.