Whether you’re reading about dragons, fairy tales, or mythical beasts, or celebrating/learning about a dragon-related holiday, this easy paper Dragon Craft is an easy and fun companion project for kids to make! Make a big, small, cute, or fierce dragon, or one of each!
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Dragon Craft for Kids
This easy craft for kids is a simple way to build upon fantasy reading or non-fiction studies about dragon-related holidays, festivals, and saints throughout the world. Many countries, such as China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and more, include dragons in their mythology, fairy tales, and legends.
Need ideas for ways to bring dragons into your classroom activities or for fun at home? Consider learning more about the following:
- Chinese New Year – Celebrated in late January/early February, a dragon is one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Research your child’s birth year animal! The last year of the dragon was 2012, the next will be 2024.
- St. David’s Day – Celebrated on March 1st, St. David is the patron saint of Wales. The country is symbolized by a red dragon.
- St. George’s Day – Famous for his battle with the dragon, St. George, the patron saint of England, is celebrated on April 23d.
- Dragon Boat Festival – A Chinese lunar holiday celebrated in late May/early June.
Craft Supplies Needed for the Paper Dragon Craft
- Dragon Craft Template
- White cardstock
- Markers, crayons, colored pencils, or washable paint
- Scissors
- Gluestick
- Plastic wiggly eyes (optional)
How to Make a Paper Dragon Craft
Kids will love making this colorful dragon craft with supplies you already have on hand.
1. Download and print the dragon craft template. Our printable dragon craft template is available in our Teachers Pay Teachers shop. After purchasing the template, download it to your device and then print it on white cardstock.
2. Color the paper dragon template. Use markers, crayons, paint, or colored pencils to color the template! We used our favorite washable paints.
3. Cut the templates. Use scissors to cut apart the parts of the dragon.
4. Assemble the craft. Use a glue stick to assemble the dragon as pictured below.
5. Your dragon craft is finished! Your paper dragon craft is complete! Use tape to hang the dragon to the refrigerator, a door, or your classroom’s bulletin board.
Make it Your Own
Here are some fun ways to individualize your dragon craft!
- Draw a pattern on the dragon’s wings.
- Glue a wide popsicle stick to the bottom of your dragon to make it a puppet.
- Change up the art supply options! Include glitter, ribbons, stickers, and more.
- Make that dragon dance! Use brads to create joints at the shoulders and hips so the dragon can move.
- Join multiple dragons together to create a banner for a celebration, or just for fun.
Take it Further
Keep reading for some fun extension ideas!
- Read about dragons! When my boys were young, they enjoyed the Dragon Masters series!
- Challenge older kids to learn about dragon stories in various cultures. How are dragons the same or different across cultures and regions?
- Ask younger children to name some attributes fictional dragons share with real animals, such as scales, wings, claws, and teeth. Ask them to name things that are purely myth, such as breathing fire.
- Has your child ever seen a movie or show or read about a dragon? What was interesting? What was scary? Would he/she like to meet a dragon if they were real?
- Practice online research: Are there any country flags that incorporate a dragon? How can you find out? What search terms would you use?
More Paper Animal Crafts for Kids
Looking for more ideas? You may also enjoy:
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