Feed the Shark Counting Game
Summary
Feed the Shark Counting Game is a playful numeracy activity where children feed numbered fish into a hungry shark while practising counting, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence.
Quick Information
| Age | 3–5 years |
| Duration | 10–15 minutes |
| Preparation | Low Prep |
| Group Size | Individual or Small Group |
| Setting | Indoor |
| Activity Type | Numeracy Game |
Learning Focus
- Number recognition
- Counting
- One-to-one correspondence
- Fine motor skills
- Problem-solving
EYLF Links
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Children develop early mathematical understanding through hands-on experiences.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Children use mathematical language while counting and comparing numbers.
What You Need
- Cardboard box or shark cut-out
- Paper fish with numbers
- Marker
- Scissors
- Optional: Tongs or tweezers
How to Do It as an Educator
- Create a shark with an open mouth.
- Label paper fish with numbers.
- Ask children to choose a fish.
- Read the number together.
- Feed the fish into the shark while counting aloud.
Extend the Activity
- Feed fish in number order.
- Add simple addition challenges for older children.
- Match fish to numeral cards.
- Sort fish by colour before feeding.
Inclusive Practice
For ADHD / High Energy Learners
Allow children to move around while selecting fish.
For Autistic Children
Present one number at a time to reduce visual overload.
For EAL Learners
Use number cards with dots to support understanding.
For Children Developing Fine Motor Skills
Use larger fish cards or allow children to feed fish using their hands before introducing tongs.
Educator Tips
Children enjoy repeating this activity multiple times. Rotate different sea animals or change the shark into another ocean creature to maintain engagement.
Related Activities
- Ocean Sensory Bin
- Sea Animal Colour Hunt
- Ocean Rescue Sorting Game
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