Free Printable Build a Turtle Craft

This free printable build a turtle is a great way for young kids to practice their fine motor skills! It's great activity for spring or summer, classroom centers, and homeschool science days. I hope you enjoy!

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This turtle craft has so many potential uses! My daughter loves nature science and reading about turtles in her National Geographic Kids reader about turtles.

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Fair warning: after my daughter finished making one family of turtles, she asked me to print five more turtles for her! If you use this craft, you may have a herd of turtles on your hands.

Materials needed for a simple turtle craft

Your turtle craft printable has four pages! There is a large coloring page version, a page with two small black and white turtles, and two different pre-colored turtles.

For best results, use a heavyweight paper like 32# paper or even 28# paper. This will help the 3D turtle shell hold its shape.

Here are the craft materials you'll need to use these free printables:

• Your free printable PDF file (look for the row of arrows pointing at the download link)
• Printer access and paper. I recommend this 32# HP bright white paper because it's more durable than regular printer paper.
  • Cardstock paper can also be used, but is more difficult for younger kids to cut.
• Child safe scissors
• Glue stick

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How to make your turtle craft template

First, grab your free turtle template craft by using the download link lower in the post. 

Print as many copies of the craft as you'd like. Make sure to select your intended page.

Color the turtle first, if you're using a black and white printable.

Have your child or students use scissors to cut out the turtle.

Glue the tab marked "glue" under the shell, as indicated, to make the turtle shell 3D. Make sure to protect your work surface and hold the tab in place for a few seconds while the glue sets.

You can carefully bend the feet out to help it stand up. My daughter insisted that we shouldn't bend the legs and they work just fine that way, too.

That's it! Enjoy your family of cute paper turtles.

Turtle craft printables PDF file download area

This free printable cut and paste craft is licensed for personal use (non-commercial use), including school use/classroom use and library activity use.

You are not licensed to redistribute or sell the files or print outs. Please refer friends and colleagues to this post to download their own copies.

I hope you have so much fun making your cute turtle with your kiddo! Make sure to check out the posts below for more fun crafts free printables: