Celebrate Chinese New Year by crafting a vibrant paper plate dragon puppet with your toddler.
This simple activity combines creativity and culture. It lets little ones explore traditions while building fine motor skills through hands-on fun.
Materials Needed
- Paper plates (2)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Crayons, markers, or paint
- Coloured paper or craft foam
- Googly eyes
- Lollipop sticks (2)
- Optional: Glitter, stickers, sequins for decoration
Step 1: Prepare the Body
Fold one paper plate in half to create the dragon’s main body. Cut along the fold for two semicircles. Use one piece as the base for the dragon and set aside the other for later.
Step 2: Add Depth
Cut the second paper plate into strips or shapes to layer over the dragon’s body. These can be glued on to create a 3D effect.
Step 3: Create the Head and Tail
Cut out a dragon’s head and tail from the leftover half plate. Make them as big or small as you want to match the body size. Attach these to the ends of the dragon’s body with glue.
Step 4: Decorate the Dragon
Let your toddler decorate the dragon using crayons, markers, or paint. Add colourful scales by cutting out small shapes from coloured paper or craft foam. Stick them along the body and tail. Glue googly eyes onto the head and draw a fierce-looking mouth.
Step 5: Make the Puppet Movable
Attach two lollipop sticks to the bottom of the dragon at right angles—one near the head and the other near the tail. This will allow the dragon to move and dance when held.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Use glitter, sequins, or stickers to give the dragon extra sparkle. Let it dry completely before using.
Step 7: Enjoy the Celebration
Once done, your dragon puppet is ready to join the festivities. Use it to mimic traditional dragon dances while teaching your child about the significance of Chinese New Year.
