This dolphin craft is a simple cut and paste ocean activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids cut out the pieces and follow the picture directions to build their own dolphin.
Every step has a picture, so non-readers can do it on their own. Pair it with a few dolphin facts and you’ve got a full ocean lesson.
How to Make the Dolphin Cut and Paste Craft
Dolphin Cut and Paste Craft printable
Get the printableScissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers (for the black and white version)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier dolphin)
Print the template
Print the color template, or the black and white one if your kids want to color their own dolphin.
Color the pieces
If you’re using the black and white version, let kids color the pieces before they cut. Gray is classic, but pink and purple dolphins are welcome too.
Cut out the pieces
Kids cut out each piece. Younger kids can cut loosely around the shapes, or you can pre-cut the trickiest parts.
Follow the picture directions
Use the 8-step picture directions to glue the dolphin together one piece at a time. Each step has a picture, so kids who can’t read yet can follow along on their own.
Write about it
Finish with the writing pages: “I like dolphins because…” and “Dolphins are special because…” Little ones can dictate while you write.
✂️ For new cutters
Draw a thick line around each shape for kids to follow, and remind them to turn the paper, not the scissors. Afterward, mix up the 8 sequencing cards and have kids put the steps back in order.
Dolphin Facts for Kids
Pair the craft with a few fun facts:
- Dolphins are mammals, not fish. They breathe air through a blowhole on top of their head.
- They “see” with sound. Dolphins make clicks and listen for the echoes to find food. This is called echolocation.
- They live in groups called pods.
- Each dolphin has its own whistle, a bit like a name.
- They sleep with half their brain at a time, so they can keep coming up for air.
More ocean cut and paste crafts
Get the whole set →
Doing a whole ocean unit? The Ocean Cut and Paste Crafts Bundle has every ocean animal in this series for less than buying them one at a time.
Want to go deeper? The dolphin animal study pairs a real photo with kid-friendly facts and simple writing practice.
Dolphin craft includes
- Craft template in color and black and white
- Supply list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- 8 sequencing cards
- 2 writing pages
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Ocean and summer units
- Preschool and kindergarten
- Fine motor centers
- Special education and OT
- Homeschool
Dolphin Craft FAQ
It’s made for preschool through first grade, about ages 3 to 6. Younger kids may need help cutting.
No. The directions are all pictures, so non-readers can follow each step.
Yes. The template comes in color and black and white, so kids can color their own dolphin.
No. Dolphins are mammals. They breathe air, are warm-blooded and feed their babies milk.
They use echolocation: they make clicking sounds and listen for the echoes bouncing back off fish and objects.
More Ocean Activities for Kids
See all →
From families like yours
Did you try it? Tell us how it went!
We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
No stories yet. Be the first family to share how it went!
