Use photos of real animals to inspire creativity.
Zoo and wild animal crafts are ideal for small children who are learning about exotic animals. Distinctive wild animals from the African plains, such as zebras and giraffes, spark creativity because of their colorful appearance and elegant shapes. Lions have golden manes and sharp teeth, and each giraffe has a one-of-a-kind coat pattern.
Paper Plate Animals
A paper plate monkey is a simple craft for kids of all ages. You will need paper plates, construction paper, paint, markers and glue. Have the children paint the paper plate brown. After the plate has dried, they can paint on the monkey's eyes, nose and mouth with black paint or draw them on with a black marker. Then have them cut out the ears and whiskers out of brown or tan construction paper. They then glue on the ears and whiskers to resemble a monkey.
They can also make other animals out of paper plates. You will need the same materials as for the monkey plate. Have the children cut out several short thin strips of orange construction paper to resemble the mane. Have them glue these strips on in a circle around the plate. They can also use long strips of paper to make the whiskers. Have them draw the eyes, nose and mouth with markers or make those features out of construction paper, as well.
African Animal Drawings
African animal drawings are simple crafts for children to do, and you can adapt them to just about any age group. You can give the children a pre-drawn picture of any animal you choose and then let them fill in the features--such as spots or stripes--that are appropriate for that animal. For example, you can give children the basic shape of a horse on white construction paper, and then they can paint black stripes on it, using Q-tips and black paint.
If the children are older, they can draw their own pictures of the animals of their choice. Let them choose the medium they use by offering paper, crayons, markers or even paints. And for guidance, you can show them use basic shapes to create different animals.
Paper Bag Giraffe
A paper bag giraffe craft is an easy zoo craft. The materials needed are yellow paint, brown construction paper, paper bags and markers. The children paint the bag yellow. Once the bag is dry, the children draw on the face and other features of the giraffe. They can use yellow construction paper to make the horns and ears of the Giraffe, which they then glue on. Have them cut patches out of brown construction paper and place on various areas of the bag to resemble the giraffe's coat pattern.
Tags: construction paper, brown construction, brown construction paper, Have them, black paint, children paint