Paper Plate Shark

Today we finally got around to finishing the last creature for our ocean mural. Monkey actually asked if we could make another lobster, but when I suggested a shark instead he was thrilled!

I got the idea here: http://www.crafty-crafted.com/paper-plate-crafts/paper-plate-shark/

Supplies: paper plate, black and white paint, googly eyes, white paper, white and black construction paper, paint brushes, glue

As we sat down to get started, I asked Monkey what colour sharks are. He knew they were grey. I told him that we didn't have any grey paint but that we could make some. He figured out that we'd use the black and white paint, so smart! ...Well I did have it sitting out on the table, so he had a big hint. 

He helped me squeeze out the paint and mix it all up on our paint tray.  

Then I got him set up to paint the paper plate, which makes the shark's head, and the white paper, which we'd use to make the fins. 

I made sure he covered the whole plate and enough of the white paper to be able to cut out three fins. 

Once the paper was dry, I drew the fins on with a pencil, one dorsal fin for the top and one pectoral fin for the side, which I then folded over to cut, leaving two identical fins. 

I wanted Monkey to help with the cutting but he wasn't very interested. (I'll have to find some scissor activities to get him practicing that!) 

I cut out the three fins, as well as a black half circle for the mouth and five teeth. 

Monkey glued all the pieces on to the paper plate, using white glue for the eyes and fins and a glue stick for the mouth and teeth. 

He is so pleased with how it turned out, and so am I!

Next week we'll paint a big, blue ocean mural and all our sea creatures will finally have a home! 

Mar