I absolutely adore using farms as a theme for early grades. They’re a great way to weave in some favorite kids’ themes – animals, community, occupations, nature – all in one unit!

Any time we do an early learning unit, we try to include at least one craft.

If you’re using a farm unit with early grades this year, this 3D paper barn craft is a cute kid-friendly project to add!

This is such a great craft project, because kids can complete it on their own and they get some good fine motor skill practice along the way.

You don’t need any special supplies either, which is always a big help.

Get the full project instructions and the printable template below.

And, for more ways to learn about farms, take a look at our list of fun farm books for kids to read!

Easy 3D Paper Barn Craft for Kids Supplies

To make this paper barn craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are listed below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

• Colored craft paper
• Child-safe scissors
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Craft glue
• Paper Barn Printable Template

The great thing about this farm themed craft is that it’s so simple to make.

Kids only need to know how to use scissors, glue, and fold paper to make it!

Since some of the pieces are smaller, you may want to assist in cutting out the small template pieces or making the smaller folds. But children can largely complete this project on their own.

How to Make a Barn Craft with Kids

After you’ve printed the paper barn printable template, you’ll be ready to get started with your paper barn craft!

Begin by using scissors to cut the template pieces out. Then use a pencil to trace the templates onto colored craft paper.

Kids can cut those out and then start assembling the barn.

The template pieces have lines that show where to make creases. Help students follow the guide and make their folds accordingly.

Spread glue on the end of the barn template marked “1”.

Then fold that piece over to join the other end and press it down to glue the sides together.

Use the roof template to make creases along the roof piece.

Spread glue along the underside of the roof and attach it to the walls of the paper barn craft.

Now it’s time to add the window and door!

Glue the white strip pieces around each side of the door.

Go back and add two more strips in an “X” shape to complete the door.

Add four smaller strips around the edge of the window. Use glue to attach all of the strips to the door and window.

Now – add glue to the back of the door and window and attach them to the front of the barn.

Glue the end of the chimney to the back of the barn roof at an angle.

Your 3D paper barn craft is all done!

If you like, you can let kids cut out some green jagged pieces of paper to add shrubs around the barn – as you see in the picture.

Don’t miss these other farm themed activities for kids!

Summer is the perfect time for crafting with kids.

You have plenty of time, in case you need to make a craft store run. The kids are looking for fun things to do.

And, it’s always great when you can share a project that’s not something on a screen of some kind.

This simple paper cone lion craft is a perfect way to spend a little time crafting a fun project with little ones!

You probably already have the materials you’ll need to make this lion craft. But if you don’t, you can easily find them at the store.

Of course, if you just want to go to the craft store, I completely understand and will not judge you.

Read on to get the full instructions and the printable template for this paper animal craft.

And, for more crafting fun, take a look at this easy Paper 3-D Dolphin Craft you can make with kids!

What Do You Need to Make a Paper Lion Craft?

To make this paper lion craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

• Colorful craft paper
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue
• Pencil
• Markers
• Printable paper cone lion craft template (available HERE)

To use the printable template, you’ll need access to a printer and printer paper.

After you print the template, all you need are child-safe scissors, markers, colored paper, a pencil, and glue!

How to Make a Paper Lion with Kids

Cut out the paper lion craft template pieces.

If you have older children, they can do this part on their own. But, you might want to help younger children perform this step.

Use a pencil to trace the template pieces onto colored paper.

On the cone body template piece, you’ll see a triangle shape. Cut that triangular piece out before tracing the shape onto craft paper.

You can really use any color of paper you like. But if you want to make a traditional lion, use yellow paper for the body and orange paper for the mane and tail.

The inner ears can be traced on pink or light red paper.

Glue the lion’s face onto the center of the mane. Use a marker to draw “paw” lines onto the ends of the two arms.

Draw a cute lion’s face with markers. Glue the pink “ears” onto the yellow ear parts of the lion’s face.

Then glue the tail tuft onto the end of the lion’s tail.

Roll the paper cone body piece into an upright cone. Use glue or tape to secure the ends in the back.

Use glue to attach the lion’s face onto the top of the front of the cone.

Glue the lion’s arms onto the each side of the cone’s front.

Finally, glue the tail onto the lower back of the cone. And you’re done!

Get the printable paper lion craft how-to instructions below!

Try some of these other crafts for kids!

Ahoy mateys!

Do you have kids or students who are fans of all things pirate? Then this fun paper pirate ship craft for kids is for you!

Pirates have been an object of fascination for centuries. When I was young, I was interested to learn about the adventures of Long John Silver, Blackbeard (Edward Teague), and more.

If you’re covering a pirate unit, this is a perfect pirate craft to add for art time!

Read on to get the printable template and make this pirate ship for kids yourself.

And, for more fun with a pirate theme, keep reading to check out our printable pirate counting to ten puzzles!

What Supplies Do You Need to Make a Paper Pirate Ship Craft?

To make this paper pirate ship craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

• Colored craft paper
• Brown cardstock
• Craft glue
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Washable markers (optional)
• Printable pirate ship craft template (Get it >> HERE <<)

Start by printing out the pirate ship template. Cut out the individual ship pieces and trace the ship’s parts onto the cardstock.

Cut out all of the cardstock ship parts. Take note of the yellow lines on the ship template pieces. You’ll use those to trace fold lines on the ship sides in a few minutes.

The sails, flag, and mast are made with craft paper, which is thinner than cardstock. Trace those pieces onto colored craft paper and cut them out.

How to Make a Paper Pirate Ship Craft

Now that all the pirate ship craft supplies are ready, we can get to work.

If you haven’t traced the yellow fold line onto the ship sides, do that now.

Fold creases along the yellow lines. Use scissors to cut vertical slits along the bottom edge of the ship’s sides – up to the folded crease.

Then spread glue along the folded part of one of the ship’s sides.

Attach the ship’s base by pressing one side onto the folded glue edge of the ship’s side.

Repeat this step on the other side.

Fold a crease along the fold line, cut vertical slits up to the fold line, and add glue. Press the other side of the base firmly onto the glue to stick it in place.

Now, bring the front edges of the ship together.

Spread glue between the two sides at the front edge and press them together to secure the front.

Attach the back piece by folding along the crease line and gluing the folded edges onto the back ends of the ship’s sides.

It’s time to get ready to raise the flag!

Cut out the mast base template and trace it onto cardstock. Trace the fold lines onto the cardstock and fold creases along the lines.

Make a small hole in the center of the mast base.

Spread glue along the folded ends and press the ends down in the center of the pirate ship’s base. Keep the center raised.

Trace the anchor onto a contrasting piece of colored cardstock and cut it out. Glue it onto the front end of one of the ship’s sides.

Trace the window circles onto colored craft paper and glue them onto the back end of the ship’s sides. You may want to trace around them with marker.

If you like, add a contrasting border along the bottom with colored craft paper.

Time to work on the flag and the sails!

Trace the sails, flag, and mast template pieces onto colored craft paper. Cut them out.

Punch holes in the center of the top and bottom edges of the sails. Use glue to attach the skull and crossbones pieces onto the flag.

Roll the mast piece tightly into a vertical tube. Use glue to secure the edges tightly, forming the mast. Attach the pirate flag to the top with glue.

Finally, thread the mast through the sails so that the sails “billow” outward.

Stick the end of the mast through the mast base in the ship’s bottom and you’re done!

A fearsome pirate ship craft that’s ready to take on the high seas!

Keep reading to get the printable craft instructions below!

Pirate Counting to Ten Puzzles

Add even more to your pirate unit with these printable pirate counting to ten puzzles!

These are so cute for early learners who are practicing counting using objects and numbers!

Plus, they’re self-checking, which makes it easy for even little ones to know if they’ve matched up the correct pairs.

Scroll down to get the printable pirate ship instructions!

Try some of these other easy craft ideas for kids!

Pick up the printable paper pirate ship craft instructions below!

Of the attractions in our city, our favorite is the zoo. Hands down.

Whenever we go, I usually head for the African Savannah exhibit so I can get a look at the elephants.

The last time we went, we actually got to see an elephant jogging directly towards us. I caught it on camera.

It was awesome.

For kids who love elephants, making this fun and easy paper elephant craft is a cute way to spend some crafting time!

This is a really simple art project that only requires a couple of basic supplies, so it’s great for a quick art lesson.

Read on to get the full project instructions.

And, be sure to try our 3D Paper Dolphin Craft too!

Easy Paper Elephant Craft for Kids

To make this easy paper elephant craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

• Printer (with ink)
• Printer paper
• Child-safe scissors
• Construction paper
• Colored pencils
• Glue stick
• A copy of our free printable elephant craft template (link located farther down)

To get started, print the template and use a pencil to trace the outline of each shape onto construction paper.

Use white for the eyes and hooves. Use gray for the head, body, legs, and trunk.

Light pink works well for the ears and a bright pink is good for the elephant’s cheeks.

Start by gluing the hooves onto the bottom of the legs.

Then attach two of the legs to the bottom of the body.

Give your elephant four legs by attaching the remaining two legs slightly to the left and behind of the front legs.

Use the glue stick to attach the trunk to the bottom of the head and the light pink ears on the left and right side.

Glue the eyes in the center of the elephant’s face. Then place the two “cheeks” on either side of the trunk.

Use a glue stick to attach the head to the body.

And you’re done!

Your elephant is all set to explore the jungle!

Scroll down to get the printable template for this Paper Elephant Craft!

Try some of these other fun craft ideas for kids!

To get the printable Elephant Paper Craft template, click the image or the link below to download it to your computer!

>>> Elephant Paper Craft Template <<<

When I was a child, I saw a cartoon that was set in the jungle. The animals had an issue and they decided to consult the lion for help.

The lion was seated on a throne and wearing a crown. Which suited him as the “king of the jungle”.

I still think of lions as the overseers of the jungle to this day. But it’s okay to make lions look a little cute too.

And this easy lion toilet paper roll craft is a super cute lion art activity for kids!

This would make a great activity for a jungle unit, especially since it only requires a few ordinary supplies.

It’s also a cool recycled materials craft, because it uses a toilet paper roll. Save a few empty rolls and make an entire lion pride!

Get the full instructions to make this easy lion craft for kids below.

And – be sure to read how to make a paper bag fox craft too!

Easy Lion Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Kids

To make this simple lion toilet paper roll craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

• Printer (with ink)
• Printer Paper
• Construction paper
• Glue stick
• Child-safe scissors
• Washable markers or colored pencils
• Printable Toilet Paper Roll Lion Craft Template

If you’re making this with a very young child, you might need to help him or her cut out the pieces of the printable lion craft template.

After you’ve printed the template, cut out the pieces and trace the outlines onto yellow, orange, and beige construction paper.

Cut out each piece of construction paper and you’re ready to get started!

Glue the “face” onto the center of the “mane”. Then glue each “paw” onto the bottom of each “arm”.

Finally, glue the “tail tuft” onto the end of the “tail”.

Now add eyes, a nose, and a mouth – and freckles, if you’d like.

You can either draw eyes on white paper and cut them out to add to the face. Or just let the child draw the eyes directly on the face.

Time to make the body!

Cut out a piece of yellow construction paper. Use a length that covers the toilet paper roll when wrapped around it.

Glue the construction paper to the toilet paper roll. You might need to secure the edges with tape.

Glue the beige “belly” to the center of the toilet paper roll.

Use glue to attach the lion’s arms to the top left and right corners of the “belly”.

Then glue the lion’s face to the top of the toilet paper roll, centering it over the belly and arms.

Finally, glue the tail to the bottom of the back side of the toilet paper roll.

The end of the tail tuft should be sticking up toward the mane.

All done!

Feel free to have kids draw a jungle backdrop to complete a jungle scene featuring their lion!

If you make this easy lion toilet paper roll craft, I’d love to hear how your kids enjoyed it!

Don’t miss these other fun animal crafts for kids!

Learning shapes is such a fun skill for early grades!

We’ve used lots of learning ideas to cover this concept with young learners, including shape sorting mats and shape flashcards.

But a simple, hands-on way to teach shape recognition is to use an easy shape craft – like this shape car craft!

This is such an easy and fun way to work on this concept!

Plus, it combines both math and art for a STEAM project you can do with young students at math centers or for homework.

Get the full instructions (and the free template) below.

And, for more fun with simple shapes, check out our simple School Bus Shape Craft too!

How to Use a Shape Craft to Teach Geometry

How can you use this shape car craft for a simple geometry lesson?

As you are helping kids cut out the shapes on the paper template, stop and help them identify each one.

The template includes a rectangle, four circles, two squares, a triangle, and even a trapezoid.

Prompt the student to use each correct shape name as they work on making the car.

Be sure to identify each shape as you give directions. For example, “Glue the rectangle to the bottom of the trapezoid.”

What Supplies Do I Need to Make a Shape Craft?

To make this easy shape craft, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

• Printer (with ink)
• Printer Paper
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue stick
• Washable markers (optional)
• Colored pencils (optional)
• A copy of our printable Shape Car Craft template (black/white) (color)

If you’re using the color shape craft template, then you can skip the markers.

The colored pencils are also optional, because they’re only used for adding detail to the finished cars.

How to Make a Shape Car Craft with Kids

To make this shape car craft, start by printing the template.

Help your child cut out all of the shapes.

Depending on the age, you may need to help with the smaller pieces.

Start by gluing the rectangle to the bottom of the trapezoid.

Glue the triangle on the left side of the trapezoid. This will be the car’s front windshield.

Then glue the two squares in a row behind the triangle. They form the side windows of the car.

Glue the two black circles onto the bottom of the rectangle. Add the two grey circles in the center of each black circle.

Now your wheels are done!

If you like, use markers or colored pencils to add edging on the windows and windshield.

You can also draw red triangles on each end of the rectangle to make headlights and taillights.

Or add a triangle on the front and a rectangle at the back to form the lights too!

All done! Time to take your new cars out for a spin!

Need more simple crafts for kids to make? Try these too!