Crafting sticky note animals is an easy and fun way for toddlers to explore their creativity and improve their fine motor skills.
With no glue or tape required, this activity uses simple folding techniques to bring butterflies, whales, and other animals to life.
Materials Needed
- Sticky notes (various colours)
- Clean, flat workspace
Step 1: Choose an Animal Design
Decide which animal to create. Butterflies and whales are great for beginners, while lions, dragons, or transforming ninja stars work for slightly older children or more advanced folding techniques.
Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Notes
Select sticky notes in colours that suit the animal. For example, use blue for a whale, yellow for a lion, or bright colours for a butterfly. Ensure the sticky side is easy to identify, which will help with the folds.
Step 3: Start Folding the Basic Shape
Begin by folding the sticky note into the base shape for the chosen animal.
- For a butterfly, fold the note diagonally to create a triangle. Repeat on the opposite side to make crease marks.
- For a whale, fold the sticky note in half lengthwise and adjust the folds for a tail.
Step 4: Add Details with Additional Folds
Refine the animal shape by adding specific folds:
- Fold the top corners inward to form the butterfly’s wings.
- For the whale, fold one corner down to shape the head and make small folds for the tail.
Step 5: Combine Sticky Notes (Optional)
For more complex designs, such as transforming ninja stars or dragons, combine multiple sticky notes. Follow specific folding patterns to interlock the notes and form the desired shape.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Once the folds are complete, adjust the animal to ensure it looks balanced and neat. If needed, refold any sections to make the shapes more precise.
Step 7: Use for Play or Display
Let your toddler use their sticky note animals for imaginative play or display them as fun decorations in a classroom or at home.
