Pool Noodle Fishing Game
Create a simple and engaging fishing game using colourful pool noodles for a fun group activity. Residents can use a pool noodle fishing rod, grabber tool or their hands to catch the "fish," encouraging gentle movement, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Easily adapt the activity by adding colours, numbers or conversation prompts to promote cognitive stimulation, social interaction and plenty of smiles during lifestyle sessions. This activity can be enjoyed seated or standing, making it suitable for a wide range of mobility levels.
STEP 1
Take a pool noodle and use scissors to carefully cut it in half so you have two shorter lengths. Supervision is recommended when using scissors. Place one of the halves to the side as this will become your fishing rod.
STEP 2
Cut a length from the remaining half of the pool noodle measuring approximately 5cm wide. Cut this piece in half so you now have two half-moon shaped pieces. These will each make a fish!
STEP 3
Take two chenille stems in whichever colour you would like. Cut one chenille stem in half and the second in quarters, so you have six pieces of chenille stem.
STEP 4
Use one of the longer half pieces of chenille stem to create a tail and the other half piece to create a loop on top of the fish as shown. Push the ends of the chenille stem into the pool noodle piece to attach.
STEP 5
Take two of the shorter chenille stem pieces and use one on either side to create fins for your fish, pushing the ends into the pool noodle piece to secure. Use the remaining two smaller chenille stem pieces to create the lips for your fish on the front of the pool noodle as shown.
STEP 6
Take two self-adhesive wiggle eyes. Begin to peel away half of the backing paper from one wiggle eye, tearing it off so half of the adhesive surface is now showing. Press the sticky half of the wiggle eye onto the side of the pool noodle piece and repeat with the second eye on the opposite side. If the adhesive surface isn’t sticking well enough you can use tacky glue to secure them more permanently. Allow to dry.
STEP 7
Repeat Steps 2-6 until you have used the entire half of the pool noodle and have multiple fish.
STEP 8
Take one chenille stem and fold in half. Create a small loop at the middle bend then twist the rest of the ends together, bending the twisted chenille stem into the shape of a hook. Cut a 1m length of elastic and thread one end through the loop in the hook. Tue the end in a double knot to secure.
STEP 9
Take the remaining half pool noodle that you placed to the side in Step 1. Carefully pierce a hole from the outside through to the hollow inside, near one end of the noodle. Thread the free end of the elastic from Step 8 through the hole, tying in a double knot to secure it to the end of the noodle. This is your fishing rod.
Repeat these steps to make as many rods and fish as needed for your number of participants. You are now ready to play! There are many ways to play this game whether it be through hook and fish colour coordination, using a timer to see who can catch the most fish in a specified timeframe, or placing numbers under each of the fish and seeing who can score the most points! Have fun and adapt your game based on your participants and needs.
Repeat these steps to make as many rods and fish as needed for your number of participants. You are now ready to play! There are many ways to play this game whether it be through hook and fish colour coordination, using a timer to see who can catch the most fish in a specified timeframe, or placing numbers under each of the fish and seeing who can score the most points! Have fun and adapt your game based on your participants and needs.
