Currently hordes have gathered at the southern tip of Africa for the biggest event in the area. It's do or die as the competition for survival becomes all-important. The World Cup? No… we’re referring to the weighty matter of the annual Sardine Run. It’s shoals, not goals we’re talking about!

For those of you who aren’t aware, the Sardine Run is the popular name given to the period during May to July when millions of sardines (or South African pilchards) hug Africa’s southern shore as they migrate northwards. The sheer numbers of these creatures make for both gigantic silvery waves in the ocean and awe-inspiring feeding opportunities for larger wildlife. Take a look at some of the photos and videos of the sardine run on the internet with your child – it makes for an amazing scene.

In celebration of the Sardine Run, here’s a little fish-related activity your toddler may enjoy. You’ll need:

-  a collection of photographs of recognisable family members (or favourite characters from TV / books),

- some paperclips,

- a large bowl,

- a small magnet,

- a length of string

- a ruler (or anything else that can act as a fishing rod will do)

Firstly, attach a paperclip to each of the photographs and place them in the bowl (these are your ‘sardines’)

Next, tie one end of the string to the magnet and the other end to the ruler, forming a fishing rod.

Your toddler must use the rod to fish for photos and, when he / she makes a catch, they must say the name of the ‘sardine’ they’ve caught. It’s a nice activity for hand/eye co-ordination and motor skills practice. To make things more interesting, cover up the ‘fish’ so that your toddler can’t see where they are fishing.

And when you’re done, you know what I’m going to suggest for tea, don’t you?

Get the tin opener ready…