Sensory + Science • 3–5 years
Dinosaur Fossil Salt Dough
A hands-on fossil activity for texture, shape, and pretend paleontology.
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Featured Activity
Paper Plate Caterpillar Craft
This simple paper plate caterpillar craft is a fun and easy activity for preschoolers. Children decorate a cut paper plate with paint, markers, or crayons, then add a caterpillar head and wiggly eyes. It is a great activity for creativity, fine motor practice, and beginning conversations about caterpillars and butterflies.
Best for: Spring theme, insect theme, butterfly life cycle introduction, fine motor activity.
Learning Goals
- Fine motor skills
- Creativity and color exploration
- Following simple directions
- Hand-eye coordination
- Early science vocabulary
Materials
- Paper plates
- Paint, markers, or crayons
- Glue
- Wiggly eyes
- Scissors
- White paper or cardstock for the head
How to Do the Activity
- Cut the middle part of the paper plate to create a curved caterpillar body.
- Let children paint or color their caterpillar body.
- Cut out a simple circle or oval shape for the head.
- Help children glue the head onto one end.
- Add wiggly eyes.
- Let the caterpillars dry and display them.
Questions to Ask Children
- What color is your caterpillar?
- How does a caterpillar move?
- What does a caterpillar turn into?
- Can your caterpillar crawl slowly?
- How many eyes does your caterpillar have?
Teacher Tip: For younger children, pre-cut the paper plates and heads before the activity. Let them focus on painting, coloring, and gluing.
