Who’s ready for a quacking good time?! Rubber ducks have been a beloved bath-time toy for ages, and now, with just some simple supplies and a touch of creativity, your kids can make their own popsicle stick rubber duck and bathtub craft at home!
Whether your kids are obsessed with the classic yellow rubber duck, or you’re learning about personal hygiene or germs and looking for a super fun art project to accompany your learning, this paper plate duck craft is a great way for kids to have a lot of fun!
- Table Of Contents:
Materials:
- Paper plates
- Light blue paint
- Paintbrush
- Popsicle stick or jumbo craft stick
- Blue & black markers
- Glue
- Scissors
- Construction paper
Instructions:
Step 1)
Print the template instructions and paint the paper plate light blue. Set aside the plate to let it dry.
Step 2)
Cut out the template pieces and trace them onto colored construction paper, then cut out the shapes from the construction paper.
Step 3)
Glue the orange beak onto the yellow duck face and glue the bathtub shape onto a second paper plate that’s been cut in half. Attach this second paper plate to the first blue paper plate and leave a space at the bottom for the rubber duck puppet to go inside.
Step 4)
Use a blue marker to add some bubble details to the bubble template shapes then attach them to the paper plates with glue or double sided tape.
Step 5)
Attach your rubber ducky to a jumbo craft stick or popsicle stick. You can paint the popsicle stick blue for some added flair if you like the way it looks.
Video Instructions
Prefer to watch video instructions for your crafts? Check out the YouTube Channel for Crafty Kids Play and watch the full video tutorial for this rubber ducky bathtub craft here. Make sure to subscribe for more fun craft ideas!
Rubber Ducky Craft Template Download
You can use the download link below the next image to get your free copy of this rubber duck and bathtub template. Print it at home on regular printer paper or on white cardstock.
Depending on your child’s age, you may want to cut out the template pieces for them. Younger children may need some help to cut edges with precision.
This template is for your own personal use only, not for commercial use or resale.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Bathtub Attachment
If you’re running into issues attaching the bathtub template to your blue paper plate there are a few ways you can do it. If you’re using thick cardstock paper, you would be able to glue the bathtub edges directly to the paper plate.
If you’re using regular white paper for the bathtub template, you may want to reinforce it by gluing it to half of a second paper plate, and then attaching it to the blue paper plate with a glue stick, white glue, staples or double-sided tape.
No matter which method you use to attach the bathtub piece of this craft, leave a space at the bottom so you can fit the popsicle stick inside for your rubber ducky puppet.
Safety First:
Remind children to use craft materials safely, such as not putting glue or markers in their mouths. Young children may need help with using scissors and cutting out the free printable duck craft template.
Variation Ideas
Personalize Your Duck Puppet
You could use the template with any color of construction paper you like. Rubber duckies don’t have to be yellow. You can get kids to personalize them with sunglasses, googly eyes, smiles, feathers, glitter, or stickers to help them get creative and personalize their craft.
Background Variations
The blue paper plate used in this craft could be changed up to reflect the personal style of your kids. You can paint it, color it or use home design magazines to glue on magazine pages that look like bathroom tiles for a mixed-media project to let their own creativity shine through.
Benefits of This Ducky Craft For Kids
Fine Motor Skills Development:
Cutting, tracing, painting, and gluing involved in this craft activity all contribute to the development of fine motor skills in children while they’re having a lot of fun. These skills are crucial for tasks like writing, tying shoelaces, and manipulating objects with precision.
Hand-Eye Coordination:
Activities such as tracing templates, painting within lines, and attaching small pieces require hand-eye coordination. Practicing these skills during crafting helps children refine their coordination.
Follow Instructions and Sequencing:
Following the step-by-step instructions for this cute craft teaches children the importance of sequencing and following directions.
Learning About Germs:
Through the context of creating a rubber ducky and bathtub, children can learn about the concept of germs in a tangible way. You can use this craft during Preschool, Kindergarten or at home as a great activity while you’re discussing how germs can accumulate on the body and the importance of washing them away during bath time.
Teaching Kids About Hygiene:
Crafting the rubber ducky and bathtub provides an fantastic way to teach children about personal hygiene practices. Emphasizing the importance of washing hands, taking baths, and keeping clean not only reinforces good habits but also instills a sense of responsibility for one’s own health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
This Rubber Duck craft adventure offers a splash of fun and a bath-load of benefits for kids. This craft is also great if you’re looking for a ‘Letter D’ craft idea for preschool children, D for duck! So whether you’re diving into a rainy day activity or simply seeking some quacky fun, this craft is sure to help your little ones overflow with creativity!
Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more craft activities, free printables and sensory play ideas for kids!
Cat Paper Plate Craft with Moving Eyes (Free Template)
Dinosaur Paper Plate Puppet Craft (Free Template)
Airplane Craft With Moving Propeller (Free Template)
Princess Paper Doll Craft (Free DIY Template)
Magical Castle Paper Plate Craft (Free Template)
