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Get ready for some chomping good fun with this Paper Plate Alligator craft! With just a few simple supplies, kids can create their own adorable, toothy reptile—perfect for imaginative play, story time, or learning the letter “A”!
Easy Alligator Craft
If you’re looking for a fun and easy craft to do with your little ones, this Paper Plate Alligator is a must-try! As someone who absolutely loves alligators, we couldn’t help put turn one of our favorite craft supplies – a paper plate- into one of our favorite reptiles. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy animal crafts, and it’s also a great way to introduce the letter “A” in a creative and hands-on way.
Letter “A” Alligator Craft
This Paper Plate Alligator is a fantastic way to introduce the letter “A” and it’s short sound (ah) to young learners. As kids create their paper plate alligator, they can practice saying the word out loud, emphasizing the “a-a-a” sound at the beginning. You can extend the learning by making a list of other short “A” words together, like apple, astronaut, and ant. This hands-on activity helps reinforce phonics in a fun and creative way.
HOW TO VIDEO:
Materials Needed To Make A Paper Plate Alligator
- Free Alligator Template
- Dessert Size Paper Plate, we use the flimsy inexpensive ones when crafting
- Green Paint, we used green and lime green
- Green Cardstock, we used green and lime green
- Green Marker
- Small Googly Eyes
- Black Sharpie
- White Cardstock
How To Make a Paper Plate Alligator
Step 1: Cut & Paint your Paper Plate
- Cut your dessert sized paper plate in half. Using your scissors, add some small wavy bumps at the top of your paper plate. This step is optional but adds a fun texture to our alligator.
- Paint your paper plate green. We also painted a small belly area with our lime green paint. Let dry. Again, this step is optional but it was fun to add a belly section.
Step 2: Cut Template Pieces
- Using our free alligator template, cut out your body pieces for your alligator. You will be cutting out two legs, a tail, a head, and two sets of teeth. You will also cut a few triangles for some added bumps to your alligators back. We cut our bumps in a lime green cardstock but cutting everything from the same primary green paper works as well.
Step 3: Assemble your Alligator
- Begin assembling your alligator by gluing the head, tail and legs to your paper plate. Add your teeth behind your alligators head and add the bumpy triangles along the back and tail.
- Add your googly eyes.
- Add your belly line details using a green marker.
- Add nostrils with your black Sharpie.
Fun Alligator-Themed Books to Pair with This Craft
Make this craft even more exciting by reading an alligator-themed book! Here are a few favorites:
- Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!) by Julie Falatko – A hilarious story about an alligator who isn’t thrilled about being in a book.
- There’s an Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer – A classic bedtime story with a fun twist.
- See You Later, Alligator by Sally Hopgood – A playful story filled with fun animal friends and a great way to introduce this classic phrase.
This Paper Plate Alligator is a fantastic way to mix creativity and learning into one fun craft! Whether your little one is practicing the letter “A,” exploring reptiles, or just looking for a playful project, this easy alligator craft is sure to bring lots of smiles. Pair it with a great book, add some extra crafty details, and enjoy quality time together. So grab your supplies and get ready to say, See you later, alligator! after a fun-filled crafting session!
