Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion: Fun Activity Ideas

Create a rescue mission to find missing sea creature toys, mirroring the plot of the story. Discussion Tip: Ask your child how Ollie felt when he got separated and why it is important to check on our friends when they go missing.

Instructions:

1. Watch the book read-along video together to introduce the story.

2. Hide small sea animal toys around the living room while your child keeps their eyes closed.

3. Designate a blue basket or a corner of the room as the birthday party zone.

4. Encourage your child to embark on a search mission to rescue the friends and bring them all to the birthday zone safely.

5. Celebrate once all toys are gathered and account for every character to ensure nobody is left behind.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Blue laundry basket (optional)

• Toy sea animals

Collaborate on a large piece of art to celebrate unity. Discussion Tip: Talk about how every sea creature in the mural is different but fits together, just like the notes in a song mentioned in the book.

Instructions:

1. Watch the book read-along video to reflect on the importance of belonging.

2. Tape a large sheet of paper to the floor or wall.

3. Encourage your child to paint different ocean creatures or colorful shapes to build a community reef.

4. Emphasize that every mark they make adds to the song of the reef and that no two creatures are the same.

5. Hang the finished mural in a shared space to remind everyone that they belong in your family team.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Butcher paper or large cardboard

• Washable paints

Design invitations for Wally the Whale Shark's birthday party to practice hospitality and empathy. Discussion Tip: Ask your child to name all the people or animals they want to invite and discuss how to make them feel welcome.

Instructions:

1. Watch the book read-along video to hear about Wally's birthday invitation.

2. Provide construction paper and writing tools to create homemade invitations.

3. Help your child write or dictate the names of guests they want to welcome to a pretend party.

4. Decorate the cards with drawings of fish, fins, and flippers.

5. Practice delivering the invitations to family members or stuffed animals to demonstrate kindness.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Construction paper

• Crayons and markers

Explore the concept of the beautiful song mentioned in the book. Discussion Tip: Explain that just like a song needs different notes, a community needs different people to be whole.

Instructions:

1. Watch the read-along video and pay special attention to the musical theme.

2. Gather various kitchen items that make different sounds when tapped.

3. Create a 'rhythm band' where everyone picks an instrument.

4. Take turns playing a unique rhythm, then combine them to make a family 'beautiful song.'

5. Discuss how the sound is better when everyone contributes their own beat.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Wooden spoons

• Pots and pans

Construct a visual representation of how we are all connected. Discussion Tip: Talk about the importance of holding onto our friends through thick and thin.

Instructions:

1. Watch the book read-along video together.

2. Write the names of family members and friends on paper strips.

3. Loop the strips together to form a long paper chain.

4. Talk about how each link represents a person who is part of the 'song' of the family.

5. Hang the finished chain in a doorway to celebrate connection.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Construction paper strips

• Tape