Fish crafts are a blast! Kids are naturally drawn to anything related to water and marine life—and for good reason! One of the most exciting aspects of this fish activity is that the paper fish appears to be swimming. The movable paper gills create the illusion that the fish is actually breathing. This enjoyable activity is perfect for a day at home or when studying a specific type of fish. Combining art with educational projects is a fantastic way to blend learning and fun!
What age groups is this fish paper craft good for?
That’s the beauty of crafting! You can be right there alongside your little one throughout the process. Since this craft involves some cutting and gluing, encourage them to do what they can and step in to assist when needed. You’ll be amazed at how their confidence grows as they complete parts of the craft independently.
Older kids can also work on this project at their own pace, making it a versatile activity for different age groups!
Moving Paper Fish Craft – Materials
- Colored paper
- Colored paper scraps
- White paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Black Marker
- Pencil
Fun Ways to Play with this Moving Fish Craft made out of Paper
Once the kids have crafted their paper fish, it’s time for them to unleash their imagination! Imaginative play is incredibly beneficial for children, allowing them to make their fish move, swim, or even fly—whatever they can dream up!
I always enjoy seeing how they incorporate their creations into imaginative play. They might even put on a show for you, giving you a glimpse into their imaginative world. So sit back and enjoy the performance; it’s bound to be entertaining!
INSTRUCTION
Choose Your Paper: Grab a sheet of paper in any color you like.
Create a Square: Fold one corner of the paper across so that the top edge aligns with the side edge. Trim off any excess at the bottom. You should now have a square piece of paper folded diagonally.
Make a Kite Shape: Open the folded paper and lay it flat. Fold the two corners towards the center, forming a kite shape.
Refold Diagonally: Open the paper again and flatten it. Then, fold it in half along the center diagonal once more.
Make the Cuts: Make 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch cuts into the paper, starting about 1 inch from the end. Ensure that you’re cutting up to the crease. (Creating small gaps in the cuts will allow the fish to move more easily!)
Unfold and Refold: Unfold the paper and reshape it back into a square. Then, refold it into the kite shape, ensuring that one side remains open.
Form the Fish’s Body: Apply glue to the closed side and fold it over the open side. This will create a triangular tube, forming the body of the fish.
Shape the Head: Cut off the pointed tip at the top and round it off to resemble the head of the fish.
Create the Mouth: Take a piece of the same colored paper and form it into a cone shape to serve as the mouth of the fish. Draw a curve that starts about 1 inch from the edge of the body. Cut out this shape and glue it to the inside bottom portion of the fish’s mouth.
Add Color: Choose a different color of paper and repeat the previous step to create a second mouth piece. Glue this piece to the inside of the mouth as well.
Make the Fins: Cut out two heart shapes from paper. Take one of the heart shapes and cut it into three smaller pieces. Glue these pieces onto the fish to create the fins.
Create the Eyes: Cut out small white circles from white paper. Use a black marker or pen to draw the pupils on each circle.
Attach the Eyes: Glue the white paper circles onto your fish to complete its look.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Moving Paper Fish Craft is an engaging and educational activity that sparks creativity in children. This fun project not only allows kids to explore their artistic skills through cutting, gluing, and decorating, but it also encourages imaginative play as they bring their fish to life. Whether used for a home activity or as part of a learning experience about marine life, this craft promotes hands-on learning and boosts confidence as children see their creations come to life. So gather your supplies, dive into this delightful project, and enjoy the joy and laughter it brings!
