Go Fish
A card game for preschool and kindergarten
Topics: Pre-K and K
classifying activity
In this game children practice their ability to group cards by a common property and
make sets. They also develop their memorization skills.
Materials List
 Blank playing cards
 Contact paper
 5 Sets of 4
matching pictures
or shapes
Die cuts available at
RAFT
Suggested shapes:
Triangle, Square,
Diamond, Oval,
Rectangle, Circle,
Octagon, Heart
Assembly
Using 5 different shapes, die-cut 4 of each (or assemble 5 sets of 4 identical
pictures). Attach them to blank playing cards, making 5 sets of 4 matching cards.
Playing the Game (for 3 or more players)
1. Shuffle and deal all of the cards. Players sort their cards finding ones that match.
2. Players take turns to ask another player if he has a specific card (naming a shape
or picture) in his hand. If the asked player has this card, then he must pass it
over, and the asking player has another turn, if not he says “Go fish” and it is his
turn to ask for a card.
3. The object of the game is for players to collect matching sets of 4 cards. When a
player has a complete set it is put down for all to see. Play continues until all the
sets are complete.
The Math Behind the Activity
This activity can be used
to teach:
 Geometry & Shapes
(Common Core Math
Standards: Grade K,
Geometry, 1-4)
 Measure, Describe, &
Classify Objects
(Common Core Math
Standards: Grade K,
Measurement and
Data, 1-3)
Young children need opportunities to apply the logical-mathematical skills and
knowledge they are acquiring. Playing developmentally appropriate games such as
Go Fish provides them with a hands-on experience to apply to their developing
concepts. Playing this math-oriented game:
 Develops numerical thinking skills (counting, computing)
 Builds the foundation for understanding making sets
 Develops problem-solving abilities
 Develops logical-thinking skills
 Encourages discussion and cooperative learning
 Provides experience in self-regulation and taking turns
Taking it Further
For a greater challenge more sets comprising 4 identical cards can be created to
increase the length and complexity of the game.
Tips for Introducing Games to Young Children
1. Start with 3 players to introduce the game. Add more players as children come to
know the rules and can wait to take turns.
2. Keep the game simple in the beginning (20 cards), then increase the complexity
as children master the concepts.
3. Encourage children to verbalize their moves. When they talk out loud to
themselves it helps them to process the information.
4. Help children negotiate and modify rules or construct their own rules.
5. Develop ideas for making a rule about who goes first so everyone gets a turn.
Web Resources (Visit www.raft.net/raft-idea?isid=83 for more resources!)

Written by Jane Farish
Teacher designed math courses from the New Jersey Center for Teaching &
Learning – https://njctl.org/courses/math
Copyright 2014, RAFT