Paper Plate 3D Penguin Craft

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By In The Playroom

Creating crafts is a wonderful way to spark creativity, learn about the world, and develop fine motor skills in children. And what could be more fun than making a delightful 3D Penguin craft that’s perfect for winter days?

This craft is not only a hit during the chilly season, but it’s also a fantastic way for kids to learn about polar animals and habitats. It’s an excellent activity for schools, preschools, or just a fun day at home.

3d paper plate penguin craft for kids, fun winter craft for preschool

Embrace the Winter Chill with a Cute 3D Penguin Craft

This 3D Penguin craft is as eco-friendly as it is enjoyable, utilizing materials that you’re likely to have around the house.

It’s a perfect way to recycle an egg carton, turning what would be waste into the centerpiece of the craft—the penguin’s igloo.

Along with a paper plate, some spare cotton balls or batting for snow, and scraps of construction paper, this craft makes use of the everyday items in a fun and creative way. Not only does it teach children the value of recycling, but it also lets them dive into a hands-on project that’s both amusing and rewarding.

With just a few simple, commonly available materials, the joy of making a playful penguin scene comes to life, offering a delightful crafting experience for kids and adults alike.

Once you’ve gathered all the required materials, let’s get started with the step by step instructions for this easy paper plate and egg carton penguin craft for winter.

And to make it even easier, we have a free printable Penguin template for you to download at the end of this blog post.

Step by Step Penguin Assembly

Before we go through the whole craft, let’s walk through the step by step paper craft penguin assembly using the free printable template.

Black construction Paper

On the black construction paper cut out the main background shape

White Construction Paper

With the white construction paper cut out the front shape of the penguin, and add to the black

Add Eyes

Add eyes to your penguins

Yellow Construction Paper

Get your yellow construction paper ready to cut out the final touches – the feet and beaks.

Glue onto your penguins

Your 3D Penguin is now complete and you’re ready to continue with the rest of the steps to complete the snowy scene.

3D Winter Penguin Craft
Yield: 1

3D Winter Penguin Craft

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

This 3D Penguin craft is a delightful, wintry project perfect for children to learn and play.

Using simple materials like a paper plate, cotton, construction paper, an egg carton, and some paint, kids can create a charming snowy scene complete with adorable paper penguins and a crafted igloo.

The activity promotes fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and assembly, and it's accompanied by a free printable template for ease. Ideal for a classroom setting, preschool activities, or at-home fun, this craft is not only entertaining but also educational, opening up discussions about polar life and habitats

It's a great way to bring the magic of winter and the enchantment of polar animals into any learning environment.

Materials

  • Paper plate
  • Cotton balls or cotton batting
  • White paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Black and yellow construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Egg carton
  • Marker
  • Glue

Tools

  • Printer for the template

Instructions

  1. Assemble Your Penguin Friends: We have a free printable template that makes creating your penguin pals a breeze. Print and cut out the template, trace it onto construction paper, and assemble the pieces, color by color. Once your penguins are pieced together, they're ready to waddle onto the paper plate (See penguin template assembly step by step above)
  2. Create a Wintry Scene: Spread cotton across the paper plate to mimic a snowy landscape. It's a great time to talk about the South Pole's snowy environment and how penguins adapt to it.
  3. Build an Igloo: Paint the sections of an egg carton with white paint and let them dry. Once dry, use the marker to draw lines that give the illusion of ice blocks. This becomes the penguin's cozy igloo, right on the paper plate.
  4. Final Touches: Attach your 3D elements to the paper plate to bring your wintry scene to life. The tactile experience of gluing and placing elements is excellent for developing fine motor skills.

Notes

Download Printable template below and see penguin assembly guide below

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

This craft is not just a fun activity, but it’s also a teaching moment about the fascinating world of polar animals. It’s an easy, enjoyable, and educational craft that helps children develop important skills while they play.

Download Penguin Template PDF

To help you get the shapes for your cheeky little penguins, use our free printable template below.

Terms of use: free for personal use and classroom use.

More Penguin Crafts

Looking for more penguin fun? Check out our selection of penguin-themed crafts and activities. From paper penguins to playful penguin sensory set ups, we’ve got a whole flock of ideas to keep the creativity going all winter long.

Plus, these crafts are an adorable way to decorate your home or classroom with a touch of polar magic!

Crafting is more than just fun. It’s a pathway to learning, imagination, and skill development. So grab your glue and let’s make a splash in the world of penguin crafts!

recycled egg carton and paper plate penguin craft for kids
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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

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