Crafting is a great way for kids to explore their creativity while improving important skills. Making paper plate animals is an easy and enjoyable activity that can help with fine motor skills, problem-solving, and self-expression. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend quality time together!
In this post, we’ll share different ways to create paper plate animals and explain why crafting is beneficial for children.
Why Crafting Paper Plate Animals is Great for Kids
Crafting for kids is more than just fun—it helps with learning and development. Here are a few benefits:
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and painting help strengthen little hands and fingers.
- Creativity and Imagination: Kids can design their animals however they like, using different colors and materials.
- Following Directions: Step-by-step crafting builds listening and comprehension skills.
- Confidence and Patience: Completing a project gives children a sense of accomplishment.
Now, let’s dive into some fun animal crafts!
How to Make a Paper Plate Lion
This roaring lion is a great way to start!
Materials:
- 1 paper plate
- Yellow and orange paint or crayons
- Brown or black marker
- Scissors
- Glue
- Construction paper (for ears and nose)
- Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
- Paint the entire paper plate yellow and let it dry.
- Cut out strips of orange construction paper and glue them around the edges to make a mane.
- Cut out small ears and a nose from construction paper and glue them in place.
- Draw a mouth and whiskers with a marker.
- Glue on googly eyes or draw eyes with a marker.
Your lion is ready to roar!
How to Make a Paper Plate Fish
This colorful fish is simple and fun to make!
Materials:
- 1 paper plate
- Paint, markers, or crayons (any colors)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Construction paper (for fins and tail)
- Googly eye (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut a small triangle out of the paper plate. This will be the fish’s mouth.
- Glue the triangle to the opposite side of the plate to form a tail.
- Paint or color the plate with bright colors.
- Cut out fins from construction paper and glue them on.
- Add a googly eye or draw an eye with a marker.
Now you have a bright and cheerful fish!
How to Make a Paper Plate Owl
This wise owl is perfect for a cozy crafting session.
Materials:
- 1 paper plate
- Brown, yellow, and orange paint or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Construction paper (for wings, beak, and eyes)
Instructions:
- Paint or color the paper plate brown and let it dry.
- Cut out two wings from brown construction paper and glue them to the sides.
- Cut out a yellow beak and large circles for eyes, then glue them on.
- Add details with a marker to create feathers and facial features.
Your owl is ready to hoot!
Make More Paper Plate Animals!
Once you’ve mastered these, try making other animals like:
- A bunny with cotton balls for fur
- A turtle with a green shell and paper legs
- A butterfly with painted wings
- A tiger with stirpes
Let kids mix and match ideas to create their own unique creatures! Grab some paper plates and start crafting today!
Start ABA Therapy with Circle City ABA
Crafting is a wonderful way for children to build important skills, but some kids need extra support. At Circle City ABA, we help children develop social, communication, and daily living skills through play-based therapy.
If you’re looking for ABA therapy services, contact our admissions team today! Find a location near you. We serve Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska.
