Colorful Shape Animal Crafts for Preschool and Kindergarten

Preschool and kindergarten-aged students learn about all 2D shapes. They talk about the number of sides and vertices and find shapes in the real world. There are tons of fun ways to discuss shapes, but my favorite is to use them while crafting. These shape animal crafts are adorable and help kids visualize different shapes and their attributes. Use these shapes at home or in the classroom for tons of learning and fun.

What’s Included with the Shape Animals

Each shape animal craft comes with several different shapes to use. I have provided step-by-step instructions for putting each animal together. Oftentimes, adults will put their craft together and hang it up. Then, the kids will use that as a model while they create their own shape animals.

I like to print my crafts on multiple different colors of paper to make it easier while helping kids figure out where to put their shapes. It’s easier to say, “Now glue the green triangles onto the blue circle as ears”.

How to Talk About 2D Shapes

If you are wondering how you can make this craft educational for your little ones, consider the attributes of each shape. Discuss the number of sides and vertices with your kids. Here’s a list of common attributes for reference:

• A square has 4 sides and 4 vertices
• A triangle has 3 sides and 3 vertices
• A circle has 1 continuous side and 0 vertices
• A rectangle has 4 sides and 4 vertices (can also discuss how the sides are different lengths)
• An oval has 1 continuous side and 0 vertices

Another fun thing to do while learning about 2D shapes is go on a shape hunt. Before putting your craft together, have kids find each of the 2D shapes around the room or around the house. They might find a clock, the door, a cracker, a sign, etc. It will be fun to see what they find on their own and talk about the attributes.

Shape Animal Craft Bundles

I have two different bundles of shape animal crafts for you to choose from. Both have an assortment of fun animals to create. Shape Animal Craft Bundle 2 has the following 5 animal crafts:

• bear
• turtle
• pig
• rabbit
• frog

The next bundle I have is the Shape Animal Craft Bundle 1 & 2 and it combines TWO bundles into one. There are 10 different animals shape crafts to choose from, including the five listed above PLUS:

• mouse
• butterfly
• cat
• bat
• dog

Coloring Template Options

If you prefer not to print your crafts on colored construction paper, try printing them on white cardstock or regular paper. Then, let your kids color each shape any color they would like. If you want them to look like mine, encourage them to color each shape a different color. Of course, let them do their thing if they know what they want.

This coloring template option is a fantastic way to start the day in the classroom or at home. Let kids color while the day gets going and then glue everything together later. Coloring is a fun way to practice fine motor skills, and most kids love it!

What Else Are the Shape Animal Crafts Used For?

These fun crafts are great for fine motor practice, learning about 2D shapes, and talking about colors! Encourage kids to use different colors as they make their shape animal crafts and then decorate the hallways and doors with their beautiful creations. They make lovely bulletin board displays for ANY time of year, and the kids will love seeing their hard work displayed in the room.

If you work in the classroom, create these crafts during small group times to help kids that need individual assistance. Preschool students might need an extra hand with cutting, gluing, and figuring out where the pieces go.

These crafts also pair well with fun books like Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Use the 10 different shape animal crafts all year long to practice fine motor skills, 2D shape attributes, colors, and much more. Enjoy quality time with your kids and have fun!