Elementary students at the Wayne D. Boshears Center recently participated in an engaging winter-themed learning activity that combined art, sensory exploration, and real-world connections. Under the guidance of Special Education Teacher Anita Lewis, students explored gyotaku fish printing as part of a hands-on lesson designed to support life skills development through meaningful experiences.
To begin the activity, students took part in a simulated ice fishing experience, “catching” fish from icy water. This interactive introduction helped reinforce winter concepts while encouraging curiosity, communication, and active participation. Students were then introduced to gyotaku, a traditional Japanese fish-printing technique. While gyotaku is typically created using ink, the class adapted the process by using paint to better meet student needs and enhance sensory engagement.
Students carefully applied paint to replica fish and pressed tissue paper over the surface to create detailed prints of their catch. The use of tissue paper allowed students to press into the contours of the fish, producing textured images that could be both seen and felt. This approach was especially meaningful for students with visual impairments, as it provided a tactile way to explore texture, shape, and design.
Throughout the lesson, students discussed animal habitats, temperature, and where food comes from. Feeling how cold the fish were when removed from the ice water helped reinforce learning in a concrete and memorable way. This multisensory activity supported communication, creativity, and sensory exploration while making learning accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for the students at Wayne D. Boshears Center.