Use craft paper and glue to make a paper plate fish while learning about the ocean and other amazing sea creatures.
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There are over 20,000 different species of fish in the world and they come in many different colors. Make a simple paper plate fish with colorful craft paper for a fun ocean activity.
You can make this craft in any color. Model it after a real fish, or have fun making it as silly and colorful as you like.
Craft tips
- If you’ve got craft foam in your supplies already, you can use that instead of craft paper for a different texture.
- Cutting out 30 paper circles will take some time. If you’re preparing this activity ahead of time, you can use a paper trimmer to get uniform circles quickly.
- Tracing a circle (such as a roll of tape or a lid) and then cutting it out is a great way for little kids to practice fine motor skills.
- A flatter party plate is easier to work with than a deep dinner paper plate.
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How to make a paper plate fish
Supplies
Optional: Sign up for Ocean Week to get a printable fish template.
Instructions
1. Cut and glue the fish body.
First, choose a paper color for the main fish body. Line the plate up with one end of the paper and trace around the curve. Cut out the half circle and glue it to the plate for the face.
Cut 2 heart shapes; a small one for the mouth and a larger one for the tail. Glue those to the plate and set it aside to dry.
2. Cut and glue the fish scales.
While the paper plate is drying, cut out 30 2-inch circles for fish scales. You can make them all the same color or a combination of colors.
Starting at the tail, glue the scales to the paper plate. Overlap the circles to cover, working your way toward the face.
3. Attach a fin.
Use leftover paper from the body pieces to cut out a fin shape. Glue it to the side of the fish on top of the scales.
4. Add a wiggy eye.
Finally, glue a wiggly eye to the face. Let the whole craft dry completely.
You can make this paper plate fish in so many different ways! Try different colors or materials, or make it a different size or shape. Have fun exploring the ocean!
Printable instructions
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