Templates, arguably, have a place in learning as everything has outline and form, it's how they're used, why they're being used and what choice exists that I feel is most important. As an example, how might blank cards alongside a selection of teapot shapes & sizes, & maybe even a real teapot & tea bag to examine of impacted on feelings about the activity & its presentation on mother's day?
Heart is a recognised shape, however the shape of a heart is unique to it's creator. Fish in the same way can have variety in shape, its their shared features that can be fun identifying, so your junk modelling sounds great (so does your paper & eye
) you could use pictures of fish to see exactly what makes a fish be a fish! where they live, what they need in order to swim, see, eat, breath and then build your own fish & watery environment!
Drawing around and inside things is great for fine motor development and concentration.
What you want children to enjoy and learn from the activity seems to be the barrier, if it helps, and isn't too late in the day there's a
planner here that can give your idea a little structure & rationale xx