Your Teacher Toolkit — Click the tabs below to get started.

 
 

 

A Wish on a
Golden Fish

About

A Wish on a Golden Fish is “Math with a Moral”. Inspired by the fable The Fisherman and His Wife, it tells the story of a poor but happy couple who catch a golden fish that grants wishes. Fun math challenges are woven into this sparkling tale of numbers…and a little greed!

A Wish on a Golden Fish

A Wish on a
Golden Fish

Watch

Two videos are available:

  • Teacher’s Guide – Watch before class
    A short prep video with instructions and tips for leading the activity.

  • Classroom video– Play in class
    The main video for students helps them solve the math challenges in class.

    How to Use in Class
    Play the episode and pause after each question. Let students answer, then resume the video to reveal the correct answers and explanations.

Arithmetic-Tac-Toe Teacher's Guide
A Wish on a Golden Fish

A Wish on a
Golden Fish

Grades

Can be viewed by all ages. The math content is best suited for grades 4–6.

Concepts

Multiplication, Division, Mean (Average), Logical Thinking, The Speed–Time–Distance Relationship.

A Wish on a Golden Fish

A Wish on a Golden Fish

Activities

In this segment, students are challenged with three math problems to solve while watching the story. Below you’ll find each riddle along with its solution.
On the right side of the page, you’ll see the matching graphics, ready to print and share with your students.

A Wish on a Golden Fish

Problem 1 – Can They Pay the Rent?

Look at the table on your right to see how many fish Jerry & Lucy caught each day this week. Add up the total value of their catch and decide: Did they earn enough to cover their rent of $180?

Solution 1 – Can They Pay the Rent?

  1. Total fish caught: 36

  2. Total weight: 108 pounds

  3. Earnings at $1.50 per pound: $162

➡️ Solution: No, they don’t have enough to pay the $180 rent.

Click to open full size and print

Problem 2 – The Mansion Challenge

To get into their new mansion, Jerry & Lucy must solve three short math problems. Can you solve them too and unlock the door?


Solution 2 – The Mansion Challenge

  1. States starting with the letter M → 8

  2. 52 weeks ÷ 13 colonies → 4

  3. Hours in 3 days (72) → 7+2 = 9

➡️ Solution: The three numbers are 8, 4, and 9.

Click to open full size and print

Problem 3 – Golda’s Swim

Golda the Fish swam quickly across the water! Use the formula:
Distance = Speed × Time
Her speed was 40 miles per hour, and she swam for 3 minutes. How far did she go?

Solution 3 – Golda’s Swim
Speed = 40 mph, Time = 3 minutes (0.05 hours)
Distance = 40 × 0.05 = 2 miles

➡️ Solution: Golda swam 2 miles.

 
 

 

Click to open full size and print

Please take a moment to share your thoughts on the show and the segments you used in class.

Go to Review Form

Your Teacher Toolkit — Click the tabs below to get started.

 
 

 

A Wish on a
Golden Fish

About

A Wish on a Golden Fish is “Math with a Moral”. Inspired by the fable The Fisherman and His Wife, it tells the story of a poor but happy couple who catch a golden fish that grants wishes. Fun math challenges are woven into this sparkling tale of numbers…and a little greed!

A Wish on a Golden Fish
Watch

Two videos are available:

  • Teacher’s Guide – Watch before class
    A short prep video with instructions and tips for leading the activity.

  • Classroom video– Play in class
    The main video for students helps them solve the math challenges in class.

    How to Use in Class
    Play the episode and pause after each question. Let students answer, then resume the video to reveal the correct answers and explanations.

Arithmetic-Tac-Toe Teacher's Guide
A Wish on a Golden Fish
Grades

Can be viewed by all ages. The math content is best suited for grades 4–6.

Concepts

Multiplication, Division, Mean (Average), Logical Thinking, The Speed–Time–Distance Relationship.

A Wish on a Golden Fish
Activities

In this segment, students are challenged with three math problems to solve while watching the story. Below you’ll find each riddle along with its solution.
On the right side of the page, you’ll see the matching graphics, ready to print and share with your students.

Problem 1 – Can They Pay the Rent?

Look at the table below to see how many fish Jerry & Lucy caught each day this week. Add up the total value of their catch and decide: Did they earn enough to cover their rent of $180?

Click to open full size and print
Solution 1 – Can They Pay the Rent?
  1. Total fish caught: 36

  2. Total weight: 108 pounds

  3. Earnings at $1.50 per pound: $162

➡️ Solution: No, they don’t have enough to pay the $180 rent.

Problem 2 – The Mansion Challenge

To get into their new mansion, Jerry & Lucy must solve three short math problems. Can you solve them too and unlock the door?

Solution 2 – The Mansion Challenge
  1. States starting with the letter M → 8

  2. 52 weeks ÷ 13 colonies → 4

  3. Hours in 3 days (72) → 7+2 = 9

➡️ Solution: The three numbers are 8, 4, and 9.

Click to open full size and print

Problem 3 – Golda’s Swim

Golda the Fish swam quickly across the water! Use the formula:
Distance = Speed × Time
Her speed was 40 miles per hour, and she swam for 3 minutes. How far did she go?

Solution 3 – Golda’s Swim
Speed = 40 mph, Time = 3 minutes (0.05 hours)
Distance = 40 × 0.05 = 2 miles

➡️ Solution: Golda swam 2 miles.

Click to open full size and print

Please take a moment to share your thoughts on the show and the segments you used in class.

Go to Review Form