10 Minute Paper Turtle Craft for Kids (With Template)

Are you looking for a fun and easy activity to keep your little ones entertained? Look no further than our paper turtle craft for kids.

This delightful project is not only a blast to make but also teaches your youngsters about one of nature’s most fascinating creatures.

Paper Turtle Craft for Kids (completed project)

Imagine the joy on their faces as they bring their very own turtle to life with just a few simple materials.

And the best part?

You can download the template right from our blog, making it a breeze to get started.

So grab those scissors, get your craft supplies ready, and let’s dive into this adorable paper turtle craft for kids together! I promise, it’ll be a turtle-y awesome time.

Step 1: Making The Paper Turtle Craft Template

Step 1 - Making The Paper Turtle Template

To create the paper turtle, you’ll need cutouts in the right shapes. I’ve prepared a template featuring the turtle’s structure for easy cutting.

Take a look at the image above to see what the paper turtle template looks like.

I’ve provided the template in two versions. One has blank outlines, allowing you to add your preferred shades for a customized look.

The other comes pre-filled with colors, simplifying the process of printing and assembling.

Feel free to design your own template, but it’s entirely optional since you can use mine for the activity.

Step 2: Cutting the Shapes

Step 2 - Cutting the Shapes

Once you’ve printed your selected template, grab a fine pair of scissors to cut out the turtle’s structure.

I opted for the colorful template, printed it with just a few clicks, and carefully cut out the shapes.

If you prefer to use the blank template for adding your own shades, you have a couple of options.

You can either cut the shapes on colorful paper or apply colors to each shape before cutting them out.

Step 3: The Assembling Process

Step 3 - The Assembling Process

Now, let’s dive into assembling our paper turtle by aligning the shapes accurately.

First, I applied shades over the turtle’s shell shape. It’s essential to adhere the small cutouts representing the shades evenly.

When aligning and sticking them onto the shell shape, ensure there are consistent gaps, just like what you see in image 3.2 above.

Step 4: Fixing the Legs

Step 4 - Fixing the Legs

Now, let’s attach the turtle’s legs to its body.

Ensure that the larger shapes are positioned at the front of the turtle’s structure, while the smaller ones go to the back.

I applied glue to the edges of the legs and carefully stuck them one by one into their designated spots, just like you see in image 4.2 above.

Step 5: Assembling the Head and Tail

Step 5 - Assembling the Head and Tail

We’ve reached the last step of our paper turtle craft i.e. attaching its head and tail.

First, I applied glue to the edges of the head that connect with the shell, then carefully positioned it from behind.

Lastly, I applied glue to the joining edge of the tail and affixed it to the back of the turtle’s shell.

Paper Turtle Craft for Kids completed project

Here’s the final structure of our paper turtle craft after assembling the cutouts (refer to the above image).

Now that we’ve finished the paper turtle craft activity, it’s time to explore some fascinating facts about this amazing creature and share it with children.

Here’s some amazing facts about Turtles that you can share with kids:

  • Turtles are from the reptiles category and have been around for over 200 million years.
  • They can be found in various habitats, such as oceans, rivers, and land.
  • There are about 300 and more species of turtles and can range in sizes from a few inches to over 6 feet (length).
  • Turtles have a hard, protective shell called scutes which is made from bony plates. It serves as a shield against predators and helps regulate their body temperature.
  • The most amazing fact about Turtles is that they can live for a very long time, with some species having a lifespan of over 100 years.
  • They are also known for their slow movements on land and their ability to retract their head and limbs into their shell for protection.
  • Turtles can hold their breath for long periods of time by absorbing oxygen through their skin. 
  • They are typically omnivores, as they eat both plants and animals.
  • They have a varied diet depending on their species and habitat.

Take advantage of the information provided above to educate your kids, turning this craft activity into an enjoyable learning opportunity.

Final Thoughts

As a crafting enthusiast and someone who loves engaging kids in fun learning activities, I highly recommend trying out this adorable paper turtle craft.

Not only is it a breeze to make, but it also serves as an excellent opportunity to teach little ones about these fascinating reptiles.

My top tip? Don’t just stop at assembling the turtle, use the provided facts to spark their curiosity and turn it into an interactive learning experience.

Encourage them to research further, ask questions, and even draw comparisons with other animals.

Who knows, this simple craft might just ignite a lifelong passion for nature and wildlife in your child.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your supplies, print that template, and let the turtle-rific adventure begin.

Note: For your reference I have shared the complete video walkthrough of this easy paper turtle craft on our official YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did it take to craft the paper turtle?

It took just 6 minutes to be exact for me to craft the paper turtle using the colorful template from our blog.

How can I make this craft activity more educational?

While assembling the turtle, discuss the function of each body part with your child. Label the shell, legs, head, and tail on the finished product.

Can I make the paper turtle a puppet If Yes then How?

Just attach a craft stick or popsicle stick to the bottom of the turtle’s shell with glue or tape. This allows you to control the turtle’s movements and create a fun puppet show.

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