Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree Activities | Classroom Ideas & Lessons

Looking for Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree activities for your classroom? This heartwarming picture book by Jane Godwin and Terry Denton celebrates individuality, uniqueness, and acceptance—making it a must-read for every classroom. Teachers can use this story to spark meaningful discussions, promote empathy, and create engaging lessons that help children recognise their own strengths while appreciating the talents of others.

Why Use Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? Activities in the Classroom?

This uplifting story is perfect for building a positive classroom culture. It encourages students to:

• Celebrate what makes them special.
• Accept differences in others.
• Build empathy and kindness.

These themes connect beautifully with SEL (social-emotional learning) activities, character education lessons, and Book Week 2024 ideas.

Engaging Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree Activities for Your Classroom

Here are some creative and ready-to-use lesson ideas that bring the story to life:

1. Personal Strengths Exploration

Have students create “strengths posters” where they list and illustrate their unique talents and abilities. This activity promotes confidence, self-reflection, and individuality.

2. Creative Writing Prompts

Use the book as a writing springboard. Ask students to write a story or poem about a character who discovers and embraces their unique abilities—just like the fish in the book.

3. Art Projects That Celebrate Individuality

Invite students to draw or paint scenes from the story, focusing on characters’ special qualities. Art is a powerful way to reinforce celebrating differences.

4. Role-Playing and Skits

Encourage students to act out scenes from the story or create original skits about acceptance, kindness, and celebrating strengths. Role-play makes the book’s message memorable and fun.

5. Empathy and Acceptance Exercises

Hold a classroom discussion or journaling activity where students reflect on times they felt different or struggled to fit in. This builds empathy and strengthens classroom community.

Why Teachers Love Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree?

Teachers love using Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree activities because this book:

• Supports SEL and character education.
• Encourages students to celebrate what makes them unique.
• Sparks rich discussions and creative projects.
• Fits perfectly with literacy, art, and wellbeing lessons.

Grab the Teaching Resource

I’ve created a ready-to-use teaching pack filled with worksheets, writing prompts, art templates, and activity guides to help you dive straight into teaching with this book.

👉 Click here to buy the Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? resource

More Lesson Ideas for Book Week 2025

Looking for more CBCA Book Week shortlist activities? Check out these posts:

•  Spiro Craft Activity – CBCA Book Week 2025
•  Tooth Fairy Activities – Book Week 2025
•  The Wobbly Bike – Teaching Activities
•  How to Move a Zoo – Classroom Ideas

Visit Little Learner Hub to find more great teaching resources!