This sea turtle cut and paste craft is a simple ocean activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids cut out the shell, flippers and other pieces and follow 9 picture steps to build their own turtle.
Every step has a picture, so non-readers can do it on their own. Pair it with a few turtle books for a sweet ocean unit.
How to Make the Sea Turtle Cut and Paste Craft
Sea Turtle Cut and Paste Craft printable
Get the printableScissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers (for the black and white version)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier sea turtle)
Print the template
Print the color template, or the black and white one if your kids want to color their own sea turtle.
Color the pieces
If you’re using the black and white version, let kids color the pieces before they cut. Green is classic, but patterned shells are extra fun.
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 9-step picture directions to glue the sea turtle 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 sea turtles because…” and “Sea turtles 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 9 sequencing cards and have kids put the steps back in order.
Sea Turtle Facts for Kids
Pair the craft with a few fun facts:
- Sea turtles are reptiles and come up to the surface to breathe air.
- They can’t pull their heads into their shells the way land turtles can.
- Mom turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches, and the hatchlings scurry to the ocean.
- Some sea turtles swim thousands of miles between feeding and nesting spots.
- Sea turtles can live a long time, often 50 years or more.
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 sea turtle animal study pairs a real photo with kid-friendly facts and simple writing practice.
Sea Turtle craft includes
- Craft template in color and black and white
- Supply list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- 9 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
Sea Turtle 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 sea turtle.
No. Unlike many land turtles, sea turtles can’t pull their heads or flippers into their shells.
On sandy beaches. The mom digs a nest, lays her eggs and returns to the ocean.
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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.
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