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Paper Plate Fish Craft For Kids [Free Template]

Summertime is a fun time of year because the kids are off from school. But, it can also mean that they become bored easily.

Kick boredom to the curb and have some summer crafting sessions instead!

This paper plate fish craft is colorful, easy to make, and best of all fun. It’s a simple ocean craft for kids that can help them work on fine motor skills, cutting, following directions, and more!

Watch our quick video tutorial to see just how simple it is to make and then be sure to download the free template.

This fish craft is ideal for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary aged children!

Colorful Fish Craft

paper plate fish craft image collage with the words paper plate fish craft in the middle

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Supplies

  • Paper plate
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Colored cardstock or construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Pencil
  • Fish template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you)

Directions

Download the fish template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.

hand holding paper plate fish craft template

Paint a paper plate in 1-2 thin coats of bright paint. Let it dry completely before moving on.

hand painting paper plate blue

Place the fish body template on the paper plate, trace, and cut it out.

hand tracing fish template on paper plate fish craft

Position the stripes in the middle of the body, glue them on, then cut off the excess paper.

hand gluing stripes to paper plate fish

Glue the eye just to the left of the fish’s nose. Use a black marker to draw a small smile below the eye.

hand gluing eye to paper plate fish

Take the top fin and glue it towards the back of the body, just above the tail fin.

hand gluing top fin to paper plate fish

Next, take the bottom fin and glue it to the bottom side of the fish.

hand gluing bottom fin to paper plate fish

Finish off the fish by gluing the side fin to the bottom of the fish, in between the bottom fin and the mouth.

hand gluing side fin to paper plate fish

We’re certain your kids are going to love creating this colorful fish craft!

paper plate fish craft

The Snail and the Whale– Julia Donaldson, author of the famous book The Gruffalo, brings kids another fun book about an unlikely set of friends. Snail and Whale have lots of fun together in this colorful book!

Shark Lady– This children’s book is based upon the true story of Eugenie Clark, aka, The Shark Lady. Learn about her love of sharks, her discoveries, and the inspiring message of going after what you want in life.

The Rainbow Fish -This is a classic children’s book with a wonderful message for children. In it, a fish learns to share his favorite possession, his glittery scales, with his friends!

2 paper plate fish crafts

Want some more ocean craft ideas to make this summer? Try out some of our favorite below!

hand holding paper plate fish craft

This ocean sensory bin is great for when you want something done for you. If you prefer the DIY route, try out this frozen ocean sensory bin.

Another fun option is this ocean play dough set. It’s sparkly and comes with several cool fish!

Share With Us

Did you make this craft with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!

For a chance to have your child’s craft featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!

Get Our Favorite Paper Plate Crafts!

paper plate fish craft

Paper Plate Fish Craft For Kids

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Active Time: 12 minutes
Drying Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

This colorful and fun paper plate fish is the perfect summer craft for kids!

Materials

  • Paper plate
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Colored cardstock or construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Pencil
  • Fish template

Instructions

  1. Download the fish template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
  2. Paint a paper plate in 1-2 thin coats of bright paint. Let it dry completely before moving on.
  3. Place the fish body template on the paper plate, trace, and cut it out.
  4. Position the stripes in the middle of the body, glue them on, then cut off the excess paper.
  5. Glue the eye just to the left of the fish's nose.
  6. Use a black marker to draw a small smile below the eye.
  7. Take the top fin and glue it towards the back of the body, just above the tail fin.
  8. Next, take the bottom fin and glue it to the bottom side of the fish.
  9. Finish off the fish by gluing the side fin to the bottom of the fish, in between the bottom fin and the mouth.

Did you make this craft?

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

Free Fish Template

Fish Template 

Enter your email address below to download your free printable and join the weekly email list. 

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Cindy Nelson

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

I cannot find the instructions to send for my fish template. The box for my email doesn't show up.

Sam

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

I’m so sorry - it was my fault, not yours! My site was updated yesterday and there was a conflict that didn’t allow the form to show. But, it has been fixed now so you can enter your email in the form now. Thanks so much for your patience!

Bruna

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

Tudo lindo. Gostaria de receber os moldes

Sam

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

Thanks! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you. Once you've been confirmed as an email subscriber (by clicking the link in the first email), you simply enter your email in any of the forms and it'll automatically redirect you to the download page.

dany

Thursday 13th of July 2023

I would like to receive it please.

Sam

Thursday 13th of July 2023

Since you’re already an email subscriber, all you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of any post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page 🙂

Elle

Monday 26th of June 2023

Looks likes a fun project for the kids.

Sam

Tuesday 27th of June 2023

Oh, good.

Barb

Sunday 4th of June 2023

This looks like a fun project

Sam

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

Thanks!

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