This shark cut and paste craft is a fin-tastic ocean activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids cut out the pieces and follow 9 picture steps to build their own shark.
Every step has a picture, so non-readers can do it on their own. Pair it with some shark books for a full shark week.
How to Make the Shark Cut and Paste Craft
Shark Cut and Paste Craft printable
Get the printableScissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers (for the black and white version)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier shark)
Print the template
Print the color template, or the black and white one if your kids want to color their own shark.
Color the pieces
If you’re using the black and white version, let kids color the pieces before they cut. Gray sharks, striped sharks, rainbow sharks, all welcome.
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 shark 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 sharks because…” and “Sharks 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.
Shark Facts for Kids
Pair the craft with a few fun facts:
- Sharks don’t have bones. Their skeletons are made of cartilage, the same bendy stuff in your nose and ears.
- They have rows and rows of teeth. When one falls out, another moves up to replace it.
- Sharks have an amazing sense of smell and can sense tiny bits of blood in the water.
- Sharks have been around longer than dinosaurs.
- Not all sharks are big. Some are small enough to hold in your hand.
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 shark animal study pairs a real photo with kid-friendly facts and simple writing practice.
Shark 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
Shark 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 shark.
No. A shark’s skeleton is made of cartilage, which is lighter and bendier than bone.
Sharks lose teeth all the time, so they have rows of new ones waiting to move forward and replace them.
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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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