This whale cut and paste craft is a simple ocean activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids cut out the pieces and follow 10 picture steps to build their own whale.
No reading required, so little ones can do it on their own. It’s perfect for an ocean unit or a rainy afternoon.
How to Make the Whale Cut and Paste Craft
Whale Cut and Paste Craft printable
Get the printableScissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers (for the black and white version)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier whale)
Print the template
Print the color template, or the black and white one if your kids want to color their own whale.
Color the pieces
If you’re using the black and white version, let kids color the pieces before they cut. Blue, gray or polka dot, every whale is 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 10-step picture directions to glue the whale 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 whales because…” and “Whales 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 10 sequencing cards and have kids put the steps back in order.
Whale Facts for Kids
Pair the craft with a few fun facts:
- Whales are mammals. They breathe air through a blowhole on top of their head.
- The blue whale is the biggest animal that has ever lived, even bigger than the dinosaurs.
- Some whales have no teeth. Baleen whales strain tiny animals called krill through comb-like plates in their mouths.
- Humpback whales sing long songs that can travel for miles underwater.
- Baby whales are called calves.
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 whale animal study pairs a real photo with kid-friendly facts and simple writing practice.
Whale craft includes
- Craft template in color and black and white
- Supply list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- 10 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
Whale 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 whale.
No. Whales are mammals. They breathe air, are warm-blooded and feed their babies milk.
The blue whale. It’s the largest animal that has ever lived.
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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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