Here’s a fun shark craft that’s perfect for any summer or ocean themed activities you’re doing with your kids. It’s simple to make, requires very few materials, and little ones will love making the shark snap and bite when it’s finished! You can even make it as a prop for the Baby Shark song!
I’ve included a FREE template file which you can download at the end of the post. The first page of the file has the body, fins and tail – simply print one copy per child on grey card. I’ve also included “Individual” and “Group” template pages for the shark’s mouth. The individual page has all the pieces for the mouth on one page which you can trace onto card if you wish. The “Group” template pages are designed to be time-saving for those of you making the craft with a group of kids – there are multiple copies of each piece per page so you can just print the pages directly onto coloured card or paper. See end of post to download the template!
- Grey or blue card for the body, tail and fins
- White and red paper or card for the mouth
- Googly eyes
- Glue & scissors
- Zig-zag scissors (optional)
- Double-sided sticky tape (optional)
How to make the Snapping Shark Craft:
1. Download the template, print or trace the template pieces onto card and cut out.
2. Glue the tail to the end of one body piece.
3. Fold the other body piece in half. Put glue over one half and stick it on top of the other body piece, as shown. The side with the fold will be the top of the shark.
4. You can make the teeth in different ways. You can cut out the oblong using zig-zag scissors. If you don’t have them, cut out the oblong, fold it in half, and then cut zig-zags around the edge. Alternatively, I’ve included some teeth with zig-zag cutting lines in the template file for younger kids who may need guides.
5. Cut out the tongue and stick it inside the teeth. Open the shark’s mouth completely and stick the teeth and tongue as shown.
6. Make a fold along the bottom of the fins and fix the large fin to the unglued part of the ‘head’. You can use glue and tape, but I find double sided sticky tape is a better option. Make sure the fin is not stuck across the middle fold of the body, otherwise you won’t be able to open the shark's mouth!
7. Fix the other fin to the underside of the body in the same way. This will function as a grip, to hold the shark while snapping!
8. Stick some googly eyes to the head, and draw on some gills and two dots for a nose.
9. Your snapping shark is ready for action!
This is a straightforward craft that should take no more than 30 minutes to complete with a small group.
Some tips:
- Cutting the teeth is the most challenging part of the craft for young kids, if they don’t have zig-zag scissors. In my class of 5 year olds, some were able to cut zig-zag shapes around the oblong on their own and the jagged results looked fantastic! However, others needed me to draw some guides to follow. Use your best judgement as to which option you choose with your group.
More SEA ANIMALS related resources:
This is a free printable, but please read our FAQ for full info about how you can use our materials.
