The perfect winter craft for preschool or elementary students, these adorable clay penguins are sure to be a hit!
Let’s make the most amazing little penguins together! This easy penguin clay craft is the perfect activity to do with preschool or elementary students. It would be a great wrap up to a unit on penguins or companion to reading the book “Penguins!” by Gail Gibbons (or your other favorite penguin book).
All you need is some clay and some tools that you have laying around the house.
Here’s how we made these adorable clay penguins.
Supplies:
- Clay (I recommend using 4 ounces of earthenware or 1 ounce of air-dry clay per penguin)
- Tools for creating impressions in clay (plastic spoons, popsicle sticks, marker caps, pencils etc.)
- Placemats (optional, but highly recommended)
- Permanent marker (if using air-dry clay)
Directions:
- Roll your clay into a ball.
- Use the palm of your hand to flatten your ball into a pancake or a cookie shape. This “pancake” should be about as thick as a pencil.
- Use your thumbs to pull 2 small wings from the side of the clay oval.
- Fold the wings in toward the center to create your penguin’s wings.
- Use the clay tools to make impressions in the clay. Eyes, a beak, and feet are great details to add to your clay creation.
- Write your name on the back of the clay penguin. If using airdry clay, I recommend using permanent marker.
- Allow the penguin to dry entirely before displaying.
If you are looking for another winter clay craft to do with your kids, read this blog post on creating Hygge Candle Holders.
Needing more airdry clay lesson plans? Purchase my full lesson plan (which includes a video tutorial) for Texture Clay Owls or my full lesson plan for Pinch Pots inspired by artist Maria Martinez.
