I am the chorister for the primary children at church. I made these fish for a singing time game. We are learning the song, "Come, Follow Me" and talked about how Jesus told his disciples to be "fishers of men." Each number on the fish corresponded to a different way to sing (loud, soft, while facing backwards...). They really enjoyed this activity, I might bring it back again next week!
I also knew that my boys would enjoy playing with these fish. My 18 month old is starting to learn his colors and imitates us when we count things, so there are lots of teaching opportunities for him.
My 4 year old loves to pretend play with the fish and of course use the magnet to catch the fish. They both have had fun with them already!
I made the fish out of two layers of felt sewn together. I sewed a paper clip into the mouth (I saw the idea for that from Shannon Makes Stuff).