Dive into the wonders of marine life with this paper plate crab shaker craft! This easy crab craft is a great way to engage your little ones in learning about ocean animals in a hands-on way. It’s the perfect activity to combine creativity and sensory play with learning about sea creatures like red crabs.
With a simple set of materials, our free printable template and step-by-step instructions, this paper plate crab craft is a great activity for kids of all ages.
- Table Of Contents:
Materials
- Paper plate
- Red paint
- Paintbrush
- Red construction paper
- Scissors
- Double-sided tape
- Glue stick
- Markers
- Rice (optional to make it a shaker)
Instructions
Step 1)
Paint the back part of the paper plate red and let it dry. You can use acrylic paint or tempera paint works well, too.
Step 2)
Once the paper plate is dry, fold it with the red paint facing outward then put rice inside it to make it a musical shaker. Seal it shut with a glue stick, white glue, or staples.
Step 3)
Print and cut the template then trace them to the red construction paper and cut the red template pieces out.
Step 4)
Attach the red template pieces to the paper plate. Glue the eyes and crab claws at the top and crab legs at the bottom along the curved edge of the plate.
Step 5)
Cut two circles from white paper to make the eyes and add black marker to the center for pupils.
Step 6)
Glue the eyes to the paper plate. Give it a shake and play!
Video Instructions
Prefer watching video instructions for crafts? Check out the YouTube channel for Crafty Kids Play and watch the full video for this paper plate crab craft right here!
Crab Craft Template Download
Use the download button below the next image to get your free copy of this crab template.
If you have red printer paper, you can print this template directly onto a red piece of paper to make it an even more simple activity. Or you can print it on regular white printer paper or light card stock and then trace it on to red construction paper.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Use Quality Paper Plates:
For this fun craft, opt for sturdy paper plates for durability. Thicker plates hold up better to the weight of the rice for the crab shaker.
Prepare Materials in Advance:
For toddlers and young kids, pre-cut the construction paper shapes, so they can focus on the assembly and decoration without getting frustrated or having cutting difficulties. Older kids should be able to manage cutting on their own.
Paint Drying Time:
Patience is key. Ensure that the red paint on the paper plate is completely dry before moving on to the next steps.
Experiment with Rice Amount:
Adjust the amount of rice based on the desired sound effect. Some children may prefer a louder shaker, while others might enjoy a softer sound.
Rice Leakage:
If rice is escaping from the crab shaker, double-check the sealing method used. Reinforce the closure with additional glue or staples to prevent any accidental spills. You can also try something larger inside the paper plates like dried beans instead of rice. Because they’re larger, they’re less likely to spill out.
Variation Ideas
Simplified Craft
To make this paper plate crab craft even more simple, cut a paper plate in half and paint it red instead of folding it and filling it with rice. This simplified craft can’t be used as a shaker, and it’s still a great preschool crab craft.
Size Variation:
Want to make multiples of this adorable crab craft? Experiment with different sizes of paper plates to create a family of crabs. Make a larger crab as the parent and smaller ones as the children, showcasing size variations in a fun and educational way.
Alternative Materials:
It’s a great idea to use the craft supplies that you already have on hand for this craft. You can use a paper bowl instead of a paper plate for the body of the crab. You could also make a toilet paper roll crab if you’d prefer to try using paper rolls instead of paper plates. And if you have them already in your craft supplies at home, glue some googly eyes to your craft instead of using white paper.
Benefits of This Crab Craft For Kids
Engaging Sensory Experience:
The inclusion of rice in the paper plate craft transforms it into a musical shaker, providing children with a hands-on and engaging sensory experience. As they shake the craft, they not only create a rhythmic sound but also feel the gentle vibrations. It’s the perfect way to help enhance their sensory perception and coordination.
Creativity and Expression:
Crafting allows children to express their creativity and imagination. Painting the paper plate, attaching the template pieces, and adding details like eyes and pinchers provide an opportunity for kids to explore their artistic side. This simple craft encourages them to make design choices, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-expression.
Fine Motor Skill Development:
The process of painting, cutting, and attaching various elements of the crab craft promotes the development of fine motor skills in children. Handling the paintbrush, scissors, and small pieces of construction paper enhances their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, crucial for later activities such as writing and tying shoelaces.
Cognitive Learning through Instructions:
Following the step-by-step instructions for the craft helps children develop cognitive skills. They learn to sequence tasks, follow directions, and understand cause-and-effect relationships as they transform a plain paper plate into an adorable crab with a shaker component.
Introduction to Marine Life:
The crab paper plate craft provides a fun and interactive way for children to learn about marine life. As they create their crab and engage with its shaker aspect, there’s an opportunity for discussions about crabs, their habitat, and their unique features. This hands-on learning experience fosters curiosity and an early interest in the world around them. Learning about sea turtles too? Try this turtle paper plate craft and use our free printable template.
Final Thoughts
With this craft, kids can not only enjoy the process but also gain a newfound appreciation for the fascinating world of ocean animals.
If you’re learning all about sea creatures and looking for more ocean crafts and activities, check out this shark paper plate craft and this ocean sensory play activity next!
If you love this simple crab craft, stick around Crafty Kids Play for more easy craft ideas and fun activities for kids of all ages. Happy crafting!
