Looking for a fun way to chase the winter blues away? Look no further than this super cute Paper Plate Penguin Craft!
It’s quick, easy, and perfect to introduce your little ones to the world of penguins! From a single FREE template, your little ones will have multiple options; they can make a hatching baby penguin, penguin mom or dad, or, why not, an entire penguin family.
This craft is ideal for young learners aged 3-7. It’s not only fun, but it also helps them develop fine motor skills while they cut and glue their adorable penguins.
Talk about a win-win!
Are you ready? Let’s make some lovely penguins!
Tools & Materials
- Printer
- Template (download at the end of the article; you don’t need to subscribe!)
- Glue
- 9-inch paper plate
- Scissors
- White cardstock
- Black paint
- Paintbrush
- Plack marker (optional)
- Colors, markers (optional)
Super tip: If you don’t have paper plates, cut an 8-9-inch circle with white cardstock.
Step 1 – Print Penguin Template
You’ll find a section with the templates at the end of the tutorial. You can choose the colored version or the black-and-white version for coloring.
The coloring option may extend the activity, so choose based on your child’s attention span.
Before you print the template, take a look at the pages. If you don’t want to make a hatching penguin, you can skip those pages. There are also different sets of feet that will give your penguin a particular appearance: standing, sitting, and walking.
Step 2 – Paint
Begin with painting since it typically requires more time to dry. Once they finish cutting, your children will likely be eager to start gluing.
Tip: Depending on how pigmented your paint is, you may need to do two coats of black paint.
Once you paint your paper plate, set it aside to dry.
Step 3 – Cut Template
Cut all the pieces you want to use. You can also check out the “Assemble Ideas!” page and ask your child which penguin they wish to make.
Step 4 – Glue
Let’s assemble our penguin!
There are six (but you can come up with more) different ways I show you how you can assemble this craft. The step-by-step instructions show how to do the penguin #2 (without the bow).
- Glue the white body piece flushed with the bottom of the paper plate.
- If you want to make a hatching penguin, glue the eggshell to the bottom and top of the plate.
- Glue eyes.
Note: Eyes can be tricky to cut; you can use a black marker instead.
- Glue bill (mout, fish picker)
- Choose your favorite set of feet and glue them on the back of the paper plate.
- Finish by gluing the flippers (arms).
Easy peasy, your penguin craft is ready!
Doesn’t it look beyond adorable?
More Assemble Ideas!
Here are more ideas you can show your little ones as well.
I enjoy offering different crafting options whenever possible. This way, you can engage your child in decision-making during the process.
Check out the penguin dad with a bow tie and the penguin mom with a hair bow!
You can make an entire penguin family with the template!
Also, notice the different sets of feet on the penguins: the mom looks like she’s sitting, the baby is standing up, and the dad looks like he’s walking!
Want a Smaller Penguin?
I made a little penguin using a 6-inch plate! It looks beyond cute.
Cutting will be more challenging if you make an extra-small one, so you may need to help your little person. I would use a black marker for the eyes!
To make a smaller penguin in a 6-inch plate, scale the printable to 66%.
Download Template!
As I said earlier, here’s the penguin template for your craft! Click on the image to open the PDF in a new window, or use the yellow button to initiate a download to your phone or computer.
Oh!
Just so you know, I also have a library full of free SVG files and Printables for all my subscribers, a.k.a. Daydreamers. You can see a preview right here or get access by filling out this form.
Paper Plate Penguin Craft For Kids | Free Template!
This super easy paper plate penguin craft will keep your kids busy. It is an ideal project for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten children.
Materials
- Template
- 9-inch paper plate
- White cardstock
- Black Paint
- Black marker (optional)
- Colors, markers (optional)
Tools
- Printer
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paint brush
Instructions
- Download the template in color or for coloring.
- Print out the version of the template you want to use.
- Paint the paper plate black.
- Glue the white body piece flushed with the bottom of the paper plate.
- If you want to make a hatching penguin, glue the eggshell to the bottom and top of the plate.
- Glue eyes and mouth
- Choose your favorite set of feet and glue them on the back of the paper plate.
- Finish by gluing the flippers (arms).
Notes
*The eyes are a little tricky to cut; you may want to use a black marker instead.
You May Like These Wintery Crafts…
I hope you had fun making this craft with your little ones! I also have other fun crafts (with free templates!) you may enjoy.
- Paper Plate Snow Globes with five different scenes!
- Paper Plate Gingerbread Man
- Paper Plate Gingerbread House
- Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft
- Paper Plate Nativity Scene Craft
- Fall Paper Plate Craft
Happy Crafting!
