I think it was watching the octopus character in Disney’s Finding Dory escape the aquarium tank that got my kids hooked on these fascinating creatures. Until then, the octopus at the local aquarium was strange and a bit scary to them.

After learning more about them thanks to some crafty Disney animators, my kids can’t stop asking questions. We have learned some fascinating things!

If your kids are equally fascinated by these mysterious sea creatures from the deep, you’re definitely going to want to check out this fun paper octopus template.

This printable octopus craft is an easy way to have fun creating your own little octopus friends together.

Are you looking for more ocean animal crafts to do this summer? Check out our adorable clam and cute dolphin.

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Adorable Octopus Ocean Animal Craft for Kids

Educational Ways to Have Fun With your Octopus Craft Friend

Not sure what to do with these 8 legged paper sea animals? Here are some really fun ideas:

1. Octopus Math

– Toddlers can practice early counting skills by counting the legs on this fun paper octopus as they color their new 8 legged paper friend.

– Preschoolers can use dot markers to add a predetermined number of dots to each octopus leg. Simply assign each leg and number and let your preschooler practice counting and number recognition as they add the correct number of dots to the legs.

– Kindergartners can solve simple math equations written on each octopus leg for an easy review of addition and subtraction.

– Share a counting board book with a fun octopus character with your toddlers or preschoolers. We really liked Octopuses One to Ten by Ellen Jackson. The artwork, by Robin Page, is truly beautiful!

2. Octopus Literacy

– Toddlers and early preschoolers can practice fine motor skills necessary for early handwriting by using finger paints to add dots to each of the eight legs on their new paper octopus friend.

– Preschoolers can identify alphabet letters and their corresponding sounds written on each leg for early reading practice.

– Kindergartners can practice memorizing sight words by writing them neatly on each octopus leg. Writing down sight words and vocabulary is an excellent tool for memorization.

– Create an “O is for Octopus” poster using this fun paper octopus template to help preschoolers recognize the letter O and remember the sound it makes.

– Read a fun octopus themed picture book in order to build language development and a love of reading. The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery won a National Book Award, so it’s a great choice for learning more about this amazing creature with your little ones.

3. Octopus Hide & Seek

Playing hide & seek with your children is a great way to encourage physical activity and healthy exercise habits. This version of hide & seek played with your new paper octopus friends, also helps children build critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Here’s how to play:

– Have your child cover her eyes and count while you hide every paper octopus around the house or yard.

– Then, ask your child to find each octopus cut-out and return them to a designated area.

It’s a great rainy day game for getting all the wiggles out! My kids always ask to play this game over and over.

Keep scrolling to get your very own octopus ocean printable template and get started learning with this fun ocean animal craft.

Octopus Craft Supplies Needed:

Colored Cardstock or Construction Paper
Scissors
Glue
Colored Pencils, Markers or Crayons
Printable Octopus Template (FOUND AT THE BOTTOM)

Octopus Craft Tutorial:

After you’ve printed your octopus template on your favorite color cardstock paper, go ahead and cut out the body parts.

Another fun way to enjoy this ocean animal craft friend is to print the octopus template on white paper and color him first. The cut and glue.

Next, simply glue all of the pieces together.

Octopus Template:

To prevent Copyright infringement, you will see our watermark inserted on all of our images. This will NOT be included in your download.

Whatever you decide to do with these lovable paper octopus printables, don’t forget to come back and share your stories in the comments. I love hearing about how you’re getting creative with these fun templates!

When you have finished, be sure to share your creation on Simple Mom Project’s Facebook Page and follow me on Pinterest!