Alligator Craft and Paper Bag Puppet for Preschoolers

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Alligator craft ideas are always fun to make. While an alligator in real life might be a little scary, creating a fun paper bag puppet can be super enjoyable. This easy alligator craft idea is fantastic to make with little ones in the preschool setting or at home.

Alligator Craft and Free Paper Bag Puppet Template.

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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
🎨 Supplies Needed
🖌️ How To Make Your Alligator Craft Puppet
🧑‍🎨 Expert Tips
💭 FAQs
Alligator Craft And Paper Bag Puppet For Preschoolers
🖌️ Related Crafts

💖 Why You'll Love This Craft

Chompy Fun: Kids will love making their alligator “snap” with every puppet show.
Roars With Creativity: Great for storytime, pretend play, or jungle-themed lessons.
Screen-Free Smiles: Keeps kids happily entertained without a tablet in sight.

🎨 Supplies Needed

Alligator Puppet Alligator Craft for Kids.

🖌️ How To Make Your Alligator Craft Puppet

Step 1: Download and print out the Free Alligator Template. Having a template is really useful when you're unsure how to draw an alligator freehand. You can get the template from our VIP resource Library for free! Next cut the template out. Set aside.

Step 2: Glue the green cardstock or construction paper onto the side of the paper bag with a flap. Use scissors to trim off any excess paper.

Step 3: Trace the template onto cardstock or construction paper and cut the pieces out. (refer to the photo)

Step 4: Cut out 2 large circles from white paper and 2 smaller circles from black paper.

Step 5: Glue the red paper onto the alligator’s mouth followed by the teeth.

Step 6: Glue the eyes together and then glue the eyes onto the alligator’s head.

Step 7: Glue the rippled paper onto the sides of the paper bag.

Step 8: Glue the oval shape onto the alligator’s body and the head onto the part of the bag that flaps up.

Step 9: Use a black marker to add detail to the alligator’s belly. (refer to the photo)

Step 10: Flap up the bottom of the paper bag and glue the mouth just underneath.

Step 11: Glue the tail onto the back of the paper bag.

Step 12: Use a black marker to add nostrils to the alligator’s face. Your alligator paper bag puppets are finished!

💡 Pro Tip: After assembly, rehearse basic chomping motions slowly in front of a mirror to fine-tune flap flexibility and jaw alignment before letting children use the puppet.

🧑‍🎨 Expert Tips

Hinge Placement: Position the bag’s mouth flap slightly above the bottom edge so the alligator’s jaw opens smoothly and naturally without catching on the bag’s fold.
Jaw Alignment: Attach the lower jaw piece with a narrow strip of tape or folded paper so both upper and lower sections meet precisely when the mouth closes.
Snout Shaping: Curve the snout pieces gently before gluing, matching the bag’s natural fold, which ensures a three-dimensional look and avoids flat, stiff edges.
Tooth Spacing: Glue each tooth individually, spacing them evenly along the jawline, so they alternate in size and angle for a realistic bite effect.
Eye Positioning: Place both eyes at equal distances from the center fold and angle them slightly outward to give the puppet a focused, lifelike gaze.
Finger Fit: Test the interior fit by inserting fingers and opening the mouth repeatedly—this helps adjust flap tightness and avoid uncomfortable pinching during play.

💭 FAQs

What’s special about backlit detailing?

Cutting eyes and teeth in translucent paper lets light shine through. This creates glowing accents in the shadow, adding spooky or dramatic effects to scenes.

How do you stage a mini shadow show?

Arrange simple backgrounds—like paper trees—behind a light. Puppeteers move the alligator and props in front to storyboard short plays on any blank surface.

Can this craft teach light placement?

Yes—experiment with lamp height and distance to alter shadow sharpness. Children discover how moving the light source closer or farther changes the shadow’s clarity.

How can this puppet create shadow stories?

Position a light behind the puppet to cast clear silhouettes on a wall. Kids learn how moving the alligator shape changes shadow size and direction during play.