Turtle-themed crafts provide a fun rainy day activity for kids at home. The crafts also add a creative spin on information learned in science class. As a former teacher and parent, I love combining educational topics with creative projects to get the kids more excited about what they’re learning. These turtle crafts are appropriate for toddlers with adult assistance up to elementary age.
Bowl Turtle Craft
A disposable bowl turned upside down creates the shell for a three-dimensional turtle craft. Let the kids paint the bowls, adding designs on the shell with the paint. Another way to decorate the turtle shells is to cover the bowls with small squares of construction paper or tissue paper. Cut out legs, a head and a tail for the turtle from construction paper or craft foam and glue them onto the bowl shell.
The same concept works with other round or dome-shaped objects. Look around your house to find items like old CDs, plastic food containers, paper plates or clay flower pots. For small turtles, use the individual cups from an egg carton as the shells.
Collage Turtle Shell
This turtle craft is easy to adapt based on the craft materials you have on hand. Cut out a large turtle shape from poster board or construction paper. Let the kids glue small objects onto the shell in collage style. Ideas for materials to use include shapes cut from paper, pom poms, glitter, sequins and beads.
Paper Mache Turtles
A paper mache turtle can get quite messy and takes several days to complete because of the need for drying time. A large inflated balloon creates the shape for the turtle shell. Paper mache a smaller balloon for the turtle’s head. Cover the balloons with long, narrow strips of newspaper dipped in paper mache glue. For a simple glue, mix equal parts of flour and water together. Let the first layer dry and apply at least one more layer of newspaper strips to the turtle shell. The more layers you apply, the stronger the turtle, making it last longer.
After the final layer dries, pop the balloon using a pin and remove the pieces of the balloon. Now your kids can paint the head and shell as desired to make them look like a turtle. Once the paint dries, glue the head onto the body. Cut legs and a tail from construction paper and glue them to the body.
Turtle Paper Weight
A turtle paper weight is a creative and functional craft for kids. Look for a smooth, rounded rock for the turtle’s shell. You’ll also need smaller stones for the legs and head. Wash and dry the rocks. Paint the rocks as desired to make them look like a turtle. Use a hot glue gun to attach the head and legs to the shell.
Turtle Costumes
An old cardboard box turns into a homemade turtle costume with a little paint. Choose a box about the same size as your child’s back. Let your child paint the box to make it look like a turtle shell. Put the box on your child’s back while she is on her hands and knees. She can crawl around wearing the shell or pull her body inside like a real turtle.
