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

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

1. Create a shark with an open mouth.
2. Label paper fish with numbers.
3. Ask children to choose a fish.
4. Read the number together.
5. 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