This squid craft is a simple cut and glue activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids cut out the body, arms and other pieces and follow 8 picture steps to build their own squid.
No reading required, so little ones can do it on their own. It’s great for an ocean unit, fine motor centers or a quiet afternoon.
How to Make the Squid Cut and Paste Craft
Squid Cut and Paste Craft printable
Get the printableScissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers (for the black and white version)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier squid)
Print the template
Print the color template, or the black and white one if your kids want to color their own squid.
Color the pieces
If you’re using the black and white version, let kids color the pieces before they cut. Squid can change color in real life, so any color works!
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 squid 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 squid because…” and “Squid 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.
Squid Facts for Kids
Pair the craft with a few fun facts:
- Squid have 8 arms and 2 longer tentacles for grabbing food.
- They swim with jet power. Squid shoot water out of their bodies to zoom backward.
- They squirt ink to make a dark cloud and escape from predators.
- Squid have three hearts and blue blood.
- The giant squid has the biggest eyes of almost any animal, about the size of a dinner plate.
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 squid animal study pairs a real photo with kid-friendly facts and simple writing practice.
Squid 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
Squid 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 squid.
Eight arms plus two longer tentacles, for ten in all.
Kids cut out paper pieces and glue them together to build a picture. It’s great practice for scissor skills, following directions and sequencing.
More Ocean Activities for Kids
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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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