Today we have a DIY paper bag Monkey craft or puppet tutorial with a free downloadable template. Making this craft is super easy and fun and is a great zoo animal craft for preschool and kindergarten-aged kids.
On the day I was born I was gifted a Monkey Teddy.
I grew to love my Monkey and although I am now 36, Monkey George is a teddy which I still own. Yes, he is ragged and now lives in my daughter's room but getting a monkey at such a young age meant I have always loved Monkeys.
I love this Monkey Craft Idea and hope you do too!
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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
- Fun and Interactive: Watch as your little ones create a playful monkey puppet they can act out with!
- Perfect for Pretend Play: Once the monkey is done, it's ready for hours of creative playtime.
- Monkeying Around: This craft is a fantastic way to introduce kids to animals and animal sounds in a fun, hands-on way!
🎨 Supplies Needed
- Construction Paper
- Brown Paper Bag
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Monkey Template
🖌️ How to Make This Paper Bag Monkey Craft
- Step 1: Download and print out the free Monkey template from the VIP Resource Library. Cut the template out. You will need to print the template once for each monkey you make.
- Step 2: Cut large squares of cardstock or construction paper and glue onto the paper bag.
- Step 3: You want to glue on the side that the square bottom flaps up. Use scissors to trim off any excess paper from the sides.
- Step 4: Trace the tail template onto paper, cut out and glue onto the back of the paper bag.
- Step 5: Cut a large oval from paper and glue onto the stomach of the monkey.
- Step 6: Trace the mouth onto paper and glue onto the front of the paper bag. Use a black marker to add detail.
- Step 7: Trace the ears onto paper, cut out, glue together and glue onto the front of the paper bag.
- Step 8: Cut the eyes out and glue onto the front of the paper bag. Your Monkey Bag is now ready! Enjoy!
💡 Pro Tip: Incorporate a small pocket inside the bag to hold cue cards or mini props, allowing for interactive storytelling and educational activities.
🧑🎨 Expert Tips
- Mouth Flexibility: Ensure the flap of the paper bag is free from glue or decorations to allow the mouth to open and close smoothly during play.
- Arm Attachment: Attach the monkey's arms to the sides of the bag using brads or split pins, enabling them to move back and forth for added animation.
- Tail Placement: Secure the tail to the back of the bag with a strong adhesive, positioning it to dangle freely and swing naturally with movement for added flair.
- Reinforced Grip: Strengthen the inside bottom of the bag with an extra piece of cardstock to provide a sturdy grip area for small hands during puppet use.
- Facial Expression: Use movable googly eyes and a flexible material for the mouth to allow for expressive changes, enhancing storytelling possibilities.
- Durability Enhancement: Laminate or cover the puppet's head and body with clear contact paper to protect against wear and tear from frequent handling.
💭 FAQs
Making a monkey puppet allows children to explore monkey behaviors like climbing and grooming while engaging in creative expression.
Yes, crafting monkey puppets can lead to conversations about primate social groups and hierarchies. This encourages children to learn about animal communities and their interactions.
Absolutely, while making the craft, educators can discuss what monkeys eat, like fruits and insects. This integrates nutritional education with artistic activity.
By designing the puppet, children can explore the various environments monkeys inhabit, such as rainforests and savannas. This broadens their knowledge of global ecosystems.
Download Template
Download free Printable Zebra Moneky Template now!
DIY Paper Bag Monkey Craft For Preschoolers
Equipment
- Scissors
Materials
- Construction Paper
- Brown Paper Bag
- Glue Stick
- Monkey Template
Instructions
- Download and print out the free monkey template. Cut the template out.
- You will need to print the template once for each Monkey you make.
- Cut large squares of cardstock or construction paper and glue onto the paper bag.
- You want to glue on the side that the square bottom flaps up.
- Use scissors to trim off any excess paper from the sides.
- Trace the tail template onto paper, cut out, and glue onto the back of the paper bag.
- Cut a large oval from paper and glue onto the stomach of the monkey.
- Use a black marker to add detail.
- Trace the ears onto paper, cut out, glue together and glue onto the front of the paper bag.
- Your Monkey Bag is now ready! Enjoy!
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Did you make this craft? Leave a review and comment below! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Hello,
How can I download monkey template. I am not getting any hyper link for this. And if possible can you plz provide bumblee templete if you have. Thsnk u
the link for the pdf is at the bottom of the post and is working 🙂
https://www.theinspirationedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/zebramonkey.pdf
I have signed up for the newsletter four times with my name and email address in order to receive the template for the craft shown above, but have not yet received an email to confirm.